With the inauguration of Nagalands first Medical college at Kohima, the Nagas can finally heave a collective sigh of relief and joy. It is indeed a historic and landmark event. A long cherished dream of our people and a truly laudable effort of the present government. There, however, have been a couple things playing at the back of my mind which (albeit hesitantly) I wish to share on this very public platform.
First, I want to reassure anyone reading this, that, I am not politically affiliated or motivated, nor driven by any other agenda. Bringing a Medical college to the State is tremendous feat, one that requires a lot of political will. As the wise say, give credit where credit is due, no one can deny them of their achievement.
However, switching gears for a second, what’s confusing is the choice of location of setting up the institution. Kohima is the State capital, Angami are great people and the climate is chilly and nostalgic, but it has its drawbacks too. Horrendous traffic snarls, acute water shortage, steep roads not conducive to commute et al, to name a few. With 45% reservation for Naga students, it’s understood that the remaining 55% would be filled by a pan-India intake.
Dimapur with good rail, road and air connectivity seemed like a very strong contender. It’s a certainty, however, that Kohima was not chosen at random, like in a lottery. There, without doubt, are certain outstanding merits of Kohima which could not simply be overlooked by the State government. Now it’d be awful kind if the State Authorities could make public that knowledge so that every Naga denizen could better understand and appreciate their achievements and decisions.
