
MP Thomas SDB
1. Santa Claus: Origins & development
The most familiar face during Christmas is that of Santa Claus. The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back to Saint Nicholas of Myra who according to tradition was a bishop in that small Roman town in modern day Turkey in the 4th century. Known for his piety and kindness, Saint Nicholas became the patron saint of children and sailors. He was famous for his generosity as in the case of three poor sisters for whom he secretly provided dowry to save them from slavery. Modern development came from a poem in 1822 by Clement Clarke Moore titled “ A Visit from St Nicholas” also known as “The Night before Christmas”, which describes Santa Claus as a jolly, plump figure who travels in a sleigh pulled by reindeer. Thomas Nast a political cartoonist further shaped the modern image of Santa Claus depicting him as a rotund, cheerful man with a white beard, red suit and a sack full of toys for children. His reputation for generosity and kindness to the poor and the children gave rise to many legends. This made him what he is now!
2. Modern day Imitators: A Pastor, ‘Share the Joy’ project DNSU
Some years a go there was a pastor in Kohima who really imitated Santa Claus by visiting the poor in the area and giving them a kg or two of meat! Similarly it was very heartwarming to read about “Share the Joy” project initiated by the Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) on 15th December. It aims at spreading love, kindness and festive cheer to the poor and needy people of Dimapur. It includes distribution of free materials and arranging free medical check-ups. These are indeed wonderful and truly beneficial ways of imitating Santa Claus.
3. Unwilling Santa Clauses
Today Ministers and politicians have been made to behave like Santa Claus. If they are invited to grace any function as ‘Chief Guest’ they are expected to make a generous donation to the host. It is said that many are unwilling to accept such invitations anymore because of the burden involved. Consequently such chief guests are called by other more innocuous titles and exempted from the burden of emptying their pockets!
4. Political/Social Charity?
This brings us to an noteworthy aspect of our social and political life. We speak of charity in the religious context. But we never hear this word in the context of social or political life! Why is it a forbidden word? Can we not speak of political love or social love/charity? Whereas individuals can help others in any need , when they join together in initiating social processes of fraternity and justice for all, they enter the field of charity at its most vast , namely political charity or social charity as already internationally acknowledged .
5. An important Principle
There is an old saying which goes thus: “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach him to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime”. Similarly It is an act of charity to assist someone suffering, but it is also an act of charity to work to change the social conditions that caused his or her suffering .If someone helps an elderly person to cross a river, that is a fine act of charity. The politician on the other hand, builds a bridge, and that too is an act of charity. While one person can help another by providing something to eat, the politician creates a job for that other person and thus practices a lofty form of charity that ennobles his or her political activity. The politicians with their sincere efforts and public cooperation can create gainful employment, by creating opportunity for industrial or other development. Of course here we are not talking of the often condemned ways of underhand appointments and nepotic undertakings.
6. A new kind of Politics
Clearly this requires that we move from a petty form of politics focused on immediate interests to one built on moral principles and based on long-term common good. There are many who condemn politicians for squandering money in the above mentioned way. But how can we blame politicians when we, the public, are demanding donations when they come for any public function? Today with ecological sensitivity a new custom has arisen in one area : instead of giving a bouquet of flowers to welcome guests, a flower plant in a flower plot or some seedlings to be planted are presented .Can we not attempt at changing our habit of forcing politicians to be unwilling Santa Clauses ,and decide instead to propose something that can serve the neighborhood: an electrical connection, or running water for the village, a culvert , or even bigger projects involving a wider public?
7. A daunting Task
It is indeed a daunting task. But changing habits take time. All good projects take time. Did not the struggle for our independence take a very long time? So also the fight of the blacks in America or that of Nelson Mandela in South Africa for freedom and equality?
In this context there comes to mind the ‘Clean Election Campaign’ of our own leaders here in Nagaland. It is indeed a noble effort requiring sustained struggle calling for the support of all people of good will. May the spirit of optimism and hope the Christmas season brings, energize us all to strive for a better politics and a brighter future for all.
Long live the true Spirit of Santa Claus! May we help our leaders to be true Santa Clauses who spend money which truly helps society! Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year to All!