More and more one is convinced that Naga children born in the 1970s need to be referred to as the Sandwiched Generation. This particular generation is the one that links the past – those born prior to the 70s and the future – those born after the 70s; and one that consistently finds itself between what Nagas call, the older generation and the young generation. While this description may be flawed the 70s Sandwiched Generation undeniably finds itself in the center of modern Naga political history.
Considering that the Sandwiched Generation are the last of the old school, and the first of the new school; they actually embody both and, in a sense, neither of them. The Sandwiched Generation has a natural organic role in bridging the past and future well-being of the Nagas. This role depends on their ability to define their purpose and existence, while still having the capacity to understand, adjust and transition through the existential realities and worldviews of both their immediate past and future generations.
In order to understand the legacy of the past and the challenges of the future, it is crucial that the Sandwiched Generation is confident of its own unique identity shaped by the experiences of its time. Shouldering its natural role as bridge builders means ensuring that its relevance is not negated or undermined while withstanding the pressures exerted from all sides. The resolve to be persuasively and firmly rooted in the history of a peoples is founded on a spiritual and ethical principles that are not solely political.
The maturing children of the 70s continue riding the age wave which is filled with many challenges and rewards. This Sandwiched Generation is still finding its own collective voice that has the potential to be a decisive force in the Naga people’s endeavor for a dignified and peaceful co-existence. However, beneath the surface is the simmering concern that the Sandwiched Generation is faltering in its ability to be objective and decisive, which has pushed it to a point of irrelevance.
The Sandwiched Generation needs to make its voice heard as its experiences and understandings which have been shaped through the interplay of past experiences and hope for the future, is vital for bridging the generational divide. Indeed, it must fully appreciate and realize this unique opportunity to be able live fully in the present with its history from the past while creating a vision of the future. In this way the Sandwiched Generation can find relevance in its existence as a generation and positively contribute in the complex web of Naga life.
