EMN
Dimapur, December 28
A ‘Christian’ state where corruption flourishes unchecked in the government and its departments; a Christian state where killings and killers go unpunished; a ‘Christian’ state where dubious developmental deals, “VIP commissions,” financial mismanagement and extortion by government, civilian and extra-state actors walk hand in hand; a ‘Christian state where the scepter and the gun prospers while citizens have to fight daily to survive the skyrocketing prices of even basic vegetables and public transport services; a ‘Christian’ state on the verge of proletarian revolution after decades of neglect and corruption, violence and poor justice system, weak judiciary, and failed political administration.
For the people of Nagaland, times such as Christmas are a spot of respite from the endless stress and confusion, conflict and failure that the former one-of-the-fastest-developing-states-in-NE-Region has known for decades. Christmas is the only time in a year that offers the people respite from the drudgery of a hard, conflict and failure-ridden life, and for once look for humanity in their neighbors.
Christmas is a time to ‘spread’ joy and engage acts of kindness. This season as well, various community organizations and groups across the state undertook various charity drives as a Christmas was celebrated with noise, fun, and fervor.
Members of a local organization, simply identifying themselves only as ‘KALOS’ in their message issued to the media on Monday, December 28, went out giving gifts to ‘some of the citizens’ of Pfutsero town in Phek district.
“A total of 61 homes were reached with gifts including Christmas cakes, cards, cash and 30 bags of rice,” the group said in their message. “Apart from society members funding/contributions, it may be mentioned that Kalos have received much help from well wishers across the country and even from abroad.”
Elsewhere, the spirit of Christmas was no less. A group calling themselves the ‘Charitable Trust Brothers Intone for Charity-4’ undertook a ‘Christmas gift’ drive in Kiphire town.
‘Intone for Charity -4 A Christmas Gift’ was organized by the Charitable Trust Brothers who also set a theme “Give Hope” for the event. The charity was undertaken on Monday, December 21 at the Hopongkyu Memorial Hall.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Kiphire town Dr. Tionjongshi Chang was the “Santa of the Night,” according to a message the group sent to the media on Monday, December 28.
“The Santa of the Night in his greetings message was all praise to Charitable Trust Brothers, where an intellectuals coming together for such a noble cause. He was taking an example of why and for what Jesus came into this World,” the message said exuberantly.
In his address, the “Santa” said Jesus Christ was born in a manger even though he is the ‘King of Kings and Lord of Lords’ to show his humility. “He came to wash our sins away for which he has given his own life. As, such we must take an example of our savior Jesus Christ and share our love and care towards our fellow human beings for our life here on earth is just for a short period to live in,” the message quoted the official as having said.
The organization also announced that they will be sponsoring one Rodila Sangtam for a ‘full academic year of her school expenses with hostel facilities.’ The student lost her father during the year, the organization said. Also, “A CTB Hospital needy Patient fund” with an amount of Rs. 10,000 was handed over to the District Hospital authority of the district, the group said.
“This fund will be directly monitored by District Hospital authority Kiphire as per the needs and requirement of the patient. A minimum balance of Rs 5000 should be in the fund. And for this all the well wishers are welcome for any kind of donation for this noble fund,” the organization added.
