Vimetuo Toto Piienyü
Nagaland has always been recognised for its unique cultural identity. Our traditional practices, our tribal languages, and the values passed down by our ancestors have shaped who we are as a people. But in recent years, a slow change has been happening around us. Many Naga youths are moving away from their own culture and are giving less importance to the identity that once held our communities together.
Today, a large section of young people are more drawn to Western lifestyles than their own roots. The lifestyle they admire, especially the American one, hardly has any cultural depth or sense of heritage. America is a country with almost no real cultural roots. They do not have ancient customs or strong traditional foundations like we Nagas do. What they have is a modern society centred around cities, clubs, parties, entertainment, and individual enjoyment. Yet this is the lifestyle many of our youths are eager to adopt, even if it means leaving behind what makes our Naga identity meaningful.
There is nothing wrong with learning new things or being modern. But the real problem begins when we forget who we are. Many of us are now more comfortable celebrating Western music, fashion, and habits, while our own folk songs, dances, and traditions are slowly becoming unfamiliar. Several young Nagas cannot speak their own mother tongue properly. Festivals that once brought everyone together feel less important to the new generation. Traditional values like honesty, respect for elders, unity, and humility are fading, replaced by self-centred attitudes and trends that do not reflect our heritage.
Culture cannot survive on its own. It needs to be practised, taught, and lived. If we do not make an effort to protect it, our cultural identity will slowly disappear.
Another area where we are weakening is our spiritual foundation as Christians. Our state proudly declares “Nagaland for Christ”, but many people are drifting away from the teachings of Christ. Church attendance is decreasing among youths. Faith is becoming casual, and Christian values are no longer guiding everyday life the way they once did. Our cultural practices and our Christian beliefs have always been connected. Values such as service, humility, and discipline came naturally to us because of our faith. When our faith decreases, these values also begin to fade.
Being modern does not mean abandoning our culture. We can move forward while still holding on to our roots. We can enjoy global exposure and still speak our mother tongue proudly. We can dress in modern clothes and still respect the meaning of our traditional shawls. We can be part of the world and still remain true Nagas.
Most importantly, we must strengthen our relationship with God. Nagaland for Christ is more than a slogan. It is a commitment to live in a way that reflects Christ in our actions, choices, and lifestyle.
If we are not careful, we will slowly become a people without cultural identity, copying a lifestyle that has no roots of its own. But if we value our culture and our faith, we can grow into a community that is modern yet grounded, progressive yet proud of its heritage, and global yet unmistakably Naga.
The future of our identity is in our hands. Let us return to our roots before they fade away. Let us honour who we are. Let us live as true Nagas, rooted in culture and guided by faith.
