Those great glorious days when Dinosaurs walked in Wokha and Mokokchung, we were exclusive beneficiaries of 80s rock music from our pioneering Naga rock bands. We griped no issues. We enjoyed every noisy, feedback-stricken, power-goes-off-in-the-middle-of-show concert from bands such as Tomahawk (where are you John Temjen Jamir?), the Invaders or even Wokha’s own Soundcraft (they are all government teachers now. Eat your heart out, Pink Floyd).
No more stupid and naïve, my generation is now all adult, no impressionable kiddie weedies. We recall the cute, sweet themes our rockers used as excuses to educate our nice little rowdy Nagamese-shouting crowds. I recollect vividly two such themes: “Concert for HIV/AIDS.” The other was “Concert in Aid of Drugs.” No wonder that with such full-hearted support we offer, HIV/AIDS is certainly prospering big time in Nagaland.
Oh, by the way did I mention that the “concert in aid of drugs” was by a group of cool Wokha rockers famous for their unique food habits – they devoured Spasmo Proxyvons for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Trust me they were famous throughout the villages for their exotic diet regime. And the “concert for HIV/AIDS”? It was by a mob of youngsters who worshipped cough syrups and Dendrite.
The tragedy of aesthetic ambitions is not in its failure to make an impact. The caution is often within – as with all beliefs – in the delusion that they do make impact.
Earlier, I was working on a dissimilar scheme of rant than this, since the previous United Colors of Nagaland. The scheme spluttered when, suddenly, a Tsunami of emails from readers came querying what I thought of the April 1 “Tsunami concert for Japan” in Kohima. What’s a Tsunami concert? I imagined frogs and jellyfish belting out ‘Rock you like a Hurricane’ along the Japanese coast.
The sudden surge in interest in the concert definitely was not some creative April Fools’ Day spam. The opinions the readers expressed were absorbing (Thank you for always writing in, dear readers; I am your biggest fan). Some expressed support – we all need to help the other; some decried in outright such ‘in aid’ activities – we have bigger issues to deal with in our very kitchens. Some expressed neutrality – write something about pet dogs, Mr. Al etc.
The dilemma I faced about arriving at an honest opinion about the objective of the concert was not so much for measuring what could be ‘right or ‘wrong’ – it was more about the uneasiness I had that my opinions could well turn out to be in either.
As one who has had a stint in music at one point of time, I do understand the goal that artistic ambitions can accomplish. One cannot evaluate without sounding clichéd the impact music has on human culture. Yet, when we soberly mull over the dynamics that govern the goals envisioned for a cause, we find that cause requires more than just good intention – it needs potential to make impact. Do I sound like your father?
The Kitchen first
Personally, I am convinced that Nagaland has some distance to cover when it comes to cause. Any creative endeavor is appreciated – even more so if the effort is successful. However, I feel, cause needs to take into consideration state of affairs – enthusiasm of the people; their level of willingness in the face of more immediate issues in their lives and society; the extent of ‘contribution’ the can offer comfortably and so on as part of creating the envisaged impact. Citizens of progressive societies have emotional and mental space – and yes, resources – required to add to the creation of impact. They have their own tragedies and issues to deal with – but not so encompassing and compelling that they are unable to participate in society-building, or charity, or join in humanitarian efforts.
And then the Neighbors
Nagaland is going through a tumultuous era – political upheavals, violence, widespread corruption and unemployment and poverty; our own local tragedies that regularly render families homeless, hungry or killed. Church initiatives or concerts, my opinion is that we need to first look at ourselves. For those in position to contribute, who has the right to censure their goodwill? Nevertheless, I believe that for most of us, there are pressing priorities we cannot afford to ignore.
This is a personal, honest and sincere feeling: Right now, most in my generation and I are not thinking about any country – we are more in anguish struggling to find a job or earn extra cash; or are constantly challenged by the endless tales of corruption in our government and its departments and on and on. It is not that we do not want to help – just that I believe many of us are struggling to reconcile our priorities with our desire to help others too. The level of response to various recent ‘in aid’ initiatives in the state is a good testimony that many of us are not ready for anything that is beyond immediate issues.
Understandable if we are labeled selfish and insensitive. Yet at the very core of questions are about what we should be doing for the things happening in our very society – not for something that is halfway around the world. Countries, societies and peoples shall always have suffering in one form or the other as has been since ages immemorial. Every year in Nagaland, fires render families homeless. In the face of eloquent claims about “all-round development”, poverty continues to stricken our villagers; violence and antagonism continue between communities and groups; thousands of our youths are trying to eke out a living – if at all they find jobs.
I feel we would all be more willing to ‘contribute’ if an event were for a cause closer to home. The dictum is to help our-selves first before we can help others. So much to say so inadequate the words to express it.
I appeal to all sincerely to take my opinions objectively. I appreciate and support any endeavor that would enrich, help and benefit society and people. Yet somewhere along the fine lines, I feel charity truly begins at home.
(With readers from around the world, popular Journalist and Columnist Al Ngullie is today the only Naga Media personality from Nagaland with the highest search-index on the Internet. National and international newspapers and magazines and in internet institutions have published the works of the All-India Inclusive Media Fellowship recipient. Young, shy and soft-spoken, Ngullie adores his “my mostest beautifulest” mother and enjoys reading and blogging. Write to him at alngullie@yahoo.com or alngullie@gmail.com. You can also speak your mind on his fanpage on Facebook)
No more stupid and naïve, my generation is now all adult, no impressionable kiddie weedies. We recall the cute, sweet themes our rockers used as excuses to educate our nice little rowdy Nagamese-shouting crowds. I recollect vividly two such themes: “Concert for HIV/AIDS.” The other was “Concert in Aid of Drugs.” No wonder that with such full-hearted support we offer, HIV/AIDS is certainly prospering big time in Nagaland.
Oh, by the way did I mention that the “concert in aid of drugs” was by a group of cool Wokha rockers famous for their unique food habits – they devoured Spasmo Proxyvons for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Trust me they were famous throughout the villages for their exotic diet regime. And the “concert for HIV/AIDS”? It was by a mob of youngsters who worshipped cough syrups and Dendrite.
The tragedy of aesthetic ambitions is not in its failure to make an impact. The caution is often within – as with all beliefs – in the delusion that they do make impact.
Earlier, I was working on a dissimilar scheme of rant than this, since the previous United Colors of Nagaland. The scheme spluttered when, suddenly, a Tsunami of emails from readers came querying what I thought of the April 1 “Tsunami concert for Japan” in Kohima. What’s a Tsunami concert? I imagined frogs and jellyfish belting out ‘Rock you like a Hurricane’ along the Japanese coast.
The sudden surge in interest in the concert definitely was not some creative April Fools’ Day spam. The opinions the readers expressed were absorbing (Thank you for always writing in, dear readers; I am your biggest fan). Some expressed support – we all need to help the other; some decried in outright such ‘in aid’ activities – we have bigger issues to deal with in our very kitchens. Some expressed neutrality – write something about pet dogs, Mr. Al etc.
The dilemma I faced about arriving at an honest opinion about the objective of the concert was not so much for measuring what could be ‘right or ‘wrong’ – it was more about the uneasiness I had that my opinions could well turn out to be in either.
As one who has had a stint in music at one point of time, I do understand the goal that artistic ambitions can accomplish. One cannot evaluate without sounding clichéd the impact music has on human culture. Yet, when we soberly mull over the dynamics that govern the goals envisioned for a cause, we find that cause requires more than just good intention – it needs potential to make impact. Do I sound like your father?
The Kitchen first
Personally, I am convinced that Nagaland has some distance to cover when it comes to cause. Any creative endeavor is appreciated – even more so if the effort is successful. However, I feel, cause needs to take into consideration state of affairs – enthusiasm of the people; their level of willingness in the face of more immediate issues in their lives and society; the extent of ‘contribution’ the can offer comfortably and so on as part of creating the envisaged impact. Citizens of progressive societies have emotional and mental space – and yes, resources – required to add to the creation of impact. They have their own tragedies and issues to deal with – but not so encompassing and compelling that they are unable to participate in society-building, or charity, or join in humanitarian efforts.
And then the Neighbors
Nagaland is going through a tumultuous era – political upheavals, violence, widespread corruption and unemployment and poverty; our own local tragedies that regularly render families homeless, hungry or killed. Church initiatives or concerts, my opinion is that we need to first look at ourselves. For those in position to contribute, who has the right to censure their goodwill? Nevertheless, I believe that for most of us, there are pressing priorities we cannot afford to ignore.
This is a personal, honest and sincere feeling: Right now, most in my generation and I are not thinking about any country – we are more in anguish struggling to find a job or earn extra cash; or are constantly challenged by the endless tales of corruption in our government and its departments and on and on. It is not that we do not want to help – just that I believe many of us are struggling to reconcile our priorities with our desire to help others too. The level of response to various recent ‘in aid’ initiatives in the state is a good testimony that many of us are not ready for anything that is beyond immediate issues.
Understandable if we are labeled selfish and insensitive. Yet at the very core of questions are about what we should be doing for the things happening in our very society – not for something that is halfway around the world. Countries, societies and peoples shall always have suffering in one form or the other as has been since ages immemorial. Every year in Nagaland, fires render families homeless. In the face of eloquent claims about “all-round development”, poverty continues to stricken our villagers; violence and antagonism continue between communities and groups; thousands of our youths are trying to eke out a living – if at all they find jobs.
I feel we would all be more willing to ‘contribute’ if an event were for a cause closer to home. The dictum is to help our-selves first before we can help others. So much to say so inadequate the words to express it.
I appeal to all sincerely to take my opinions objectively. I appreciate and support any endeavor that would enrich, help and benefit society and people. Yet somewhere along the fine lines, I feel charity truly begins at home.
(With readers from around the world, popular Journalist and Columnist Al Ngullie is today the only Naga Media personality from Nagaland with the highest search-index on the Internet. National and international newspapers and magazines and in internet institutions have published the works of the All-India Inclusive Media Fellowship recipient. Young, shy and soft-spoken, Ngullie adores his “my mostest beautifulest” mother and enjoys reading and blogging. Write to him at alngullie@yahoo.com or alngullie@gmail.com. You can also speak your mind on his fanpage on Facebook)
