Baliram Sharma: ‘Angel in Disguise’

Charles Chasie A few days ago a local paper reported that one Baliram Sharma, a total stranger, found the Naga Taekwondo team (faith In Action) left stranded at the New Delhi international airport as they had missed their flight to Korea where they were to participate in the world Taekwondo competition. The report said that the delay in getting their Visas was the reason for missing the flight and the team had no longer any money to purchase fresh tickets and that this Mr Sharma loaned them Rs 2.70 Lakhs to enable them to purchase fresh tickets and go to Korea for their competition despite others cautioning him about freely loaning money to total strangers because he had faith in Naga people. In the event, the team won world championship and returned successful, having broken India’s drought of 40 years in the team competition. Reading this news report of a total stranger from mainland India, helping a Naga team like he did in Delhi, gives rise to so many emotions, some of them conflicting. But what this Good Samaritan has done for the Naga team is something that should be etched in the collective memories of the Nagas and Nagaland. Indeed, such stories ought to be included in the curricula for school children in Moral Science Studies in Nagaland schools. This is real and teaches what churches preach but usually end in a huge vacuum! What are the feelings/questions that one goes through on reading this report? Some of mine are as follows:- 1. Why and how could the Faith in Action team miss their flight? Visas problem is broadly cited. Usually, this is something that could have been tackled before-hand if applications were sent in on time. And you are going to a world event! Moreover, South Korea is an Asian country that does not cause much problems. Further, Nagaland and South Korea have very good relations; there is even a friendship society and Koreans keep coming to Nagaland. It seems apparent that somebody somewhere goofed up. Possibly, there was no proper guidance from both at home and abroad or the team had not properly prepared for their journey. The State has been sending so many people abroad as its teams. Why couldn’t they do it this time? The Taekwondo Federation/Association too has enough experience. This is unfortunate and shameful and should not be repeated. 2. Invitations to such mega events are given out much in advance and includes proper instructions of what to do, when and where. This brings out a common Naga trait frequently seen – a general attitude of treating everything with casualness, even apathy. Often there is also empty bravado : Hoijabo, even Dekhaidibo, but without doing homework! This attitude should go. (Sl number one above is more for “officials” and this one more on the part of the participants). 3. I think what Mr Sharma has done is an excellent example of how mainland India can win the hearts and minds of those in the periphery who are usually only seen as “problem creators”. Who in the world can, or dare to, argue with what Baliram Sharma has done for this hapless Naga team? He has raised the goodwill of the entire Naga people because of his act of generosity. 4. It is also time for Nagas to look inwards. How many Naga Christians do we think would be generous like Baliram Sharma after all our shouting about being Christian and a Christian State?! The Naga Churches used to keep talking about sending thousands of Naga missionaries abroad to convert people. I think Mr Baliram Sharma is a “converted” person. What kind of conversion could one imagine for Mr Sharma? If you convert a person who is already converted then you only put him/her in a state of non-conversion again! Religion (Churches) and Politics were uniting forces once and even created a new Naga Identity by merging disparate tribes and opposing tribe cultures. Now both are becoming divisive forces and confusing people without proper priorities. How can Naga society progress when two of the most powerful “institutions” are apparently so confused themselves! 5. I wish a letter of acknowledgement and thanks could go to Mr Baliram Sharma from prominent citizens and organizations in Nagaland. Certainly one should go from the State Government. What about a State award to him? Surely, a response is required from Nagas and Nagaland. This has a very significant happening for Nagas as a whole and a prestige issue for the State. Added to that the Faith in Action team has brought laurels to the State and the country. Will the State reject and refuse the laurels they have brought? 6. I don’t know if the money that Mr Sharma so kindly loaned has been returned to him. If not, I wish the members of the Faith in Action team would contribute from among themselves and repay him along with a proper thank you letter. Others, including State Government, can contribute and give to the team later. But it would be much more meaningful if the actual beneficiaries did the repayment in the first instance and as soon as possible. Hopefully, this has already been done. 7. I felt proud that a “total stranger” felt so confident and trust in the Nagas to loan that much of his personal money. This could only come from a personal experience of his. Somebody, somewhere at some point had done him a good turn. Someone must record Mr Sharma’s story and experiences with Nagas. This is also a lesson for everyone. No good deed is ever wasted. And if you want to claim to be Christians your goodness must only extend further. 8. Finally, all the members of the Faith in Action team deserve to win State recognition and reward. I have no idea who this Sharma. From the report, even the beneficiaries of his generosity had not known him before. But what a positive and heart-warming story which should find completion by the team returning the loan and building further from it. This event is an excellent opportunity for bridge-building works across the mainland-North East divide and should not be frittered away. The Faith In Action team could start a friendship society or similar initiative. This will also go towards problem solving as better understanding and appreciation builds by tearing down human walls of ignorance, misunderstanding and fear.