Kevichalhou Virie (John John)
Blogger
The Naga identity crisis arises from the interplay and conflict of interest between various identities such as Clan, Tribe, Naga, Modern, Christian, and Indian. Naga society has a rich history and cultural heritage rooted in tribalism, which emphasizes loyalty to the ways of a tribal society, preserving tribal values and principles, and maintaining a closed society.
On the other hand, the advent of Christianity among the Naga people has introduced a new dimension to their identity. Christianity, as a religion, often promotes universal values such as love, acceptance, and bridging the gaps between different communities. It encourages individuals to transcend tribal identities and embrace a larger, more inclusive Christian identity.
Furthermore, the influence of modernity brings its own set of challenges to the Naga people. Modernity often demands progress, which may require giving up certain traditional tribal values and principles. The pressure to adapt to modern values, lifestyles, and systems can clash with the loyalty and attachment to tribal ways.
Additionally, the Naga people are part of the larger Indian nation, which introduces another layer of identity. Being Indian implies being part of a multicultural and diverse society, where individuals are expected to integrate into the broader national fabric while preserving their unique cultural heritage.
The existence of these multiple identities creates tension and confusion among the Naga people. They find themselves torn between the loyalty to their tribes and clan, the demands of their Christian faith, the pressures of modernity, and the expectations of being part of the Indian nation. This complexity gives rise to an identity crisis, as individuals struggle to reconcile and harmonize these different aspects of their identity.
It is important to recognize that the Naga identity crisis is not unique and can be found in various societies undergoing rapid social, cultural, and religious transformations. Resolving this crisis requires a delicate balance, open dialogue, and understanding among different stakeholders, including community leaders, religious institutions, and policymakers. The goal should be to promote a society that respects and cherishes its cultural heritage while embracing progress, inclusivity, and respect for individual choices.
For example:
1. We call ourselves Christians, but don't act like one. Many of us are Christians mainly because it is a standard of approval. Identity in Christ is situational and mainly when it aids our image socially. We conveniently pick a bible verse that suits our motive and ignore the rest that rebukes our actions.
2. Call ourselves Indians, but it is not the same feeling as someone from Maharashtra saying the same. But we accept being Indians when we want to rip the benefits of being an Indian citizen.
3. Call ourselves “Naga”, but there's no proper definition of it. Is it the people who are inside Nagaland? What is the definition of a Naga and who coined the term “Naga”? We go back to rely on Sanskrit for these answers again! A name given to us by an external force who speaks a foreign language and a civilization we consider alien and detest from time to time.
4. As a people, our unity was not a deliberate choice but rather a result of circumstances that brought us together under the influence of external forces.
5. While identifying as Nagas, we emphasize our tribal affiliations when it suits us. We exploit these identities to assert advantages over other tribes within our localities.
6. As individuals we don't have an identity, we only identify ourselves by our tribe, clan, village, Khel, etc. We lack a strong individual identity that transcends these divisions.
7. Are you a Naga? but the question is are you a “Pure” Naga? We raise questions about being a “Pure” Naga, perpetuating harmful notions of bloodline purity. This echoes dangerous ideologies like the Nazi mentality, undermining our unity and progress.
And now our tribal culture cannot fully coexist in harmony with the other identities, like “Indian” and “Christian.”
Moreover, rather than embracing and celebrating our individual identities, we often find ourselves plagued by insecurity, hiding behind the comfort of our tribal identity.
In short, our Naga identity is Galho. And it's a confusing mix of bitter ingredients.
To overcome the identity crisis, several steps can be taken:
• Embrace Individual Identity: Shift the focus from group identity to individual identity. Encourage Nagas to establish and celebrate their unique individual identities, fostering a sense of self and confidence that goes beyond tribe, clan, village, or khel affiliations.
• Personal Accountability: Foster a culture of personal accountability and shed the entitlement mentality. Encourage Nagas to take ownership of their own well-being and future, acquiring skills and working diligently towards individual goals.
• Double Standards: Address the double standards within the Christian community. Encourage Christians to be firm and clear about their identity in Christ, aligning their actions with their beliefs. Promote genuine love, acceptance, and kindness, transcending tribal divisions.
• Open Dialogue: Facilitate open and respectful dialogue among different stakeholders, including community leaders, religious institutions, and policymakers. Encourage discussions that aim to reconcile and harmonize different aspects of the Naga identity.
• Cultural Preservation and Progress: Find a balance between preserving cultural heritage and embracing progress. Recognize the value of tribal traditions and customs while adapting to modern values and systems that benefit the overall well-being of the Naga people.
• Education and Awareness: Promote education and awareness about the Naga identity and its complexities. Encourage the study of Naga history, culture, and the diverse identities within the Naga community. This will foster understanding, empathy, and appreciation among the Naga people.
By taking these steps, the Naga people can navigate their complex identities, resolve the identity crisis, and create a society that embraces diversity, inclusivity, and individual growth while cherishing their cultural heritage.
