It was a chilly morning on 12th November 2005, when a group of young and energetic Naga girls, claiming themselves as theologians approached me at the Dimapur Railway station platform with a smile, “sir, apuni newspaper lobo?” For a moment I was stunned, because I haven’t come across any Naga girls earlier in such activity. Thus, without much hesitation I bought it with two motives in my mind i.e. to encourage these young girls for their dignity of labor and to appreciate the value of apprenticeship among the Naga society.
Often, we, the Nagas consider some jobs below ourselves and abstain from it. But let me highlight some facts of a few great persons whom we admire and look up to. Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf the newly elected President of Liberia served as a waitress during her early days. “I hope young girls will see me as a role model that will inspire them” she exclaimed after she won the election. To cite further, the present President of India A P J Abdul Kalam and Abraham Lincoln the former President of USA began their career as newspaper salesmen.
My point is, it is high time for us to realize that there are no high or low jobs if we do it with dignity. All of us have to start from somewhere to be successful. Let every Naga youth introspect and ask ourselves: where are we (Naga youths) today? Are we economically independent? Free from crimes, extortion and drug abuse? If these questions are negative, do we reason out why? Shall we ignore all these facts and remain silent. How long shall we remain in such outdated mindset in this modern, competitive world? Isn’t it high time for us to change our attitude?
There are many Naga youths who are educated and are still dependent on their parents.
Who is to be blamed? The government, parents or oneself? My simple answer is, why don’t we stop blaming the unemployment problem and start from a humble beginning and excel one’s talent in whatever conditions and circumstances that comes our way.
Romeo Gangmei
Diploma in Print Journalism
Thahekhu Village
Dimapur
