Harnessing the Resources of Nagaland

• The State of Nagaland is inhabited by tribal communities. Unique cultural practices and traditions of different tribes add taste and colour to Nagaland. Values and ethics are held high by all, making tribal lives even more stable and praiseworthy. All resources lie within the reach of the people. They need to be activated and actualised so that development and progress find their home in Nagaland. It is time to harness the resources of Nagaland.
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• Harnessing human resources for the sustainable development
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• The greatest resource of any country or state is human resources. The current population of Nagaland is about 22. 58 lakh (19.78 lakh according to Census 2011). According to the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, the population of Nagaland may rise to 23,67,000 by 2030. There is a huge potential in terms of human resources. Nagaland will prosper if all the capable youth and elders begin to work as per their capabilities. Nagas must continue to learn and engage in constructive work. Human resources range from the State bureaucrats to the grassroots level of the community. The resources should not be wasted in the guise of unemployment and non-productive life. People with different professions must start working professionally, effectively and efficiently. The resources must be channelised, acknowledged and appreciated. The collective engagement of every individual will energise Nagaland towards sustainable growth. We need to garner all human resources for sacrifice and service. Opportunity should be given to all according to their abilities and capabilities. By this, the state can harness the resources for quality of life.
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• Living heritage: Embracing cultural and traditional practices
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• The greatest civilisation is personal civilisation within the culture. Nagaland is rich in terms of culture and tradition. For tribal state like Nagaland, all norms and rules are laid down by culture. Everything is defined by culture and tradition. An important institution like ‘morung’ has the potential to groom young boys towards maturity of life. Necessary knowledge and skills are taught in the morung. Social institutions like family and marriage are sacred among all tribes. Today, observance has become more important than the inherent values and ethics. Keep the focus. The values and ethics of the tribe are more important than the mere external practices.
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• One may ask, how culture and tradition are inherent resources? Yes, culture and traditions have potential in themselves. They bring forth life and identity to people. The soul of the tribe lives in the culture. For Nagas, the very nature of being a tribal makes it even more potential. Culture progresses along with people and vice versa. What remains till the end is culture and tradition. A healthy culture has the potential to generate a healthy living. This is why culture and traditions have more potential than technology. All technologies will change, but culture and traditions will remain the foundation of life. Two decades ago, there was a strong wave against culture and tradition. Such practices were considered pagan by some denominations. Some parents would forbid their children to take part in cultural programmes. Today, we are rebuilding what we have destroyed. I strongly believe that the resurrection of the culture and tradition will resurrect Nagas to a life where culture is respected and traditions are held high by all.