The Easter Message of the Chief Secretary of Nagaland during the sunrise service held this year at the World War 11 cemetery Kohima was indeed thought provoking and commendable. Her message that had apparently emitted from her heart was plain and simple, devoid of any rhetoric or superfluous phrases. It does require a certain elements of courage and transparency to speak out the truths on some of the disturbing and often disgusting conditions of our State today and indeed she had displayed her courage and caliber in speaking out frankly on some painful truths that has taken our State into ransom. Yes, this writer too was also a part of that system only some time ago when the situation then was also not entirely heavenly.But then the kind of unaccountability to one’s performance and casual attitude of compromise to such a kind of unenviable situation where we are all trapped is quite unprecedented.It is indeed a matter of serious concern and also a worry for all the right thinking citizens.
One may admit to this harsh reality that in some areas of developmental works, our neighboring States, despite their own shares of shortcomings are doing better than our State. We talk so much about developments where a workforce of public servants including public leaders numbering more than one lakh as against a small population of twenty lakhs of our States are pressed into public service. The conditions of our roads, power, water-supply, and other facilities provided for the people however will speak out the stark realities on the ground.
We have also developed a habit of indulging in talks and gossips that are mostly colloquial in nature but in such process precious hours that would been fully utilizedare wasted. We boastfully talk without qualms about our vibrant and rich culture but one may also wonder whether some of the current harsh realities such as under performance, corruption, gun culture and extortion etc that are rampantly practiced today are also a part of this culture that we are so fond of talking. Let us not forget that, besides tribal festivals upon which we heavily depend as the mother of all cultures, in reality culture is the manifestation of our total attitude on value system, our behaviors, our likes and dislikes, and the way we live and think. One alarming trend that has emerged out of the current situation in the State is the creation of individuals or groups that are bent on filling up their coffers by fishing in the troubled waters. We have reached a situation where dishonesty is becoming more paying than honesty. Currently one may find that the space of local papers are also filled with the reports on corruptions or omissions of commissions and that is followed the next day either by a denial or a rejoinder and the matter will end there. People have also developed the habit of reading such news items more for amusement but less with concern. Such issues rather reminds a reader of the story of night watchman where his reports were never taken seriously.
A student once asked his teacher why democracy is the cheapest form of Government. The teacher replied, “Because it is a Government by talks”. We do talk a lot but indulging in mere talks will only lead us to having more talks but not actually solving the problems. All is not lost nevertheless. There are right thinking and capable people and organizations in our midst, though its numbers may be few to whom people can still look upon in rescuing them from drowning. We should depend upon our confidence and capability to stand on our own feet and keepour chins up, instead of always running to Delhi to set our house in order. The problem is here and we should be capable of solving it.“The Land of Festivals” thus is in dire need of good people in serving the State, beside mere celebrations and promises. There is a popular phrase that reads, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing”. There is no magic formula to set the whole house in order instantaneously but a beginning can always be made. We have reached a stage where there is a need to discuss on how to rise but less on how we fall. Our God is not helpless. He is in total command over the situation but perhaps He may be waiting for some good people, clean and honest leaders to sweep the dirt.
Tali Longkumer (IAS rtd)
