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.
Harnessing human resources for the sustainable development
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.
Living heritage: Embracing cultural and traditional
practices
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.
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.
Nagaland is rich in natural heritage. The flora and fauna
are not less than other states. Natural heritage ranges from the wild hornets
to the wild elephants. The hornbills and wildfowls at Itanki forest, the
monkeys at Saramati range, the herds of elephants in Wokha district, the
mithuns and Blyth’s tragopan at Khonoma, Jotsoma and Peren district, wild
orchids at Kiphire, glowing rhododendron at Japfü and Puliebadzie, species of
fish in Tizu and doyang are worth cherishing. Mountains and rivers like Mt.
Saramati, Mt. Japfü, Dzukou, Kapamodzu, Dzüleke, Shiloi lake, Nsonji lake,
Doyang, Tizu, etc. can be magnified into tourist spots. We must acknowledge,
appreciate and mobilise people towards the preservation and conservation of
these heritages.
What is equally attractive and worth mentioning is the sight
of the hornbills relishing red berries at Itanki forest on the way to
Ikiesingram. Adding to this, the flocks of wildfowls would sneak around the
bamboo grooves. Deer, bears and birds were common sights in New Thewati and Old
Thewati. The mountain range of Saramati protects numerous wildlife. Today, most
species are losing their existence due to random hunting. The cruelty against
animals, birds, rivers and mountains is becoming a fashion.
SDG 11 strongly emphasises the importance of protecting and
safeguarding the world’s heritage and natural heritage. Nagaland must promote
its natural heritage because the greater good is better than its parts. Tourism
can improve if Nagas care about the natural heritage. Nagaland Economic Survey
(2022-23) stated that tourism in Nagaland has grown remarkably a promising
factor sharing its potential with other countries (Morung Express, 18th March
2024). Tourism should not end up only in and around the Hornbill Festival.
Beneath the surface: Exploring Nagaland’s wealth
The presence of resources beneath the surface of Nagaland is
orally transmitted from generation to generation. True to it, some resources
were tapped for years but protests and threats brought about their end.
Exploration of oil, petroleum, coal and other resources was considered a threat
to Nagas. The Naga political groups banned all extractions in view of future
use in all freedom.The Central Nagaland Tribe Council called for the resumption
of oil exploration and extraction in Nagaland (Morung Express, 6th July 2022).
Wokha district is rich in oil and petroleum. Mon district is
rich in coal. I walked with the most excitement on top of the Magnetic Mountain
at Pokphor village, Kiphire district in the year 2014. I collected some pieces
for proof and memory. Furthermore, there are sufficient limestones in and
around Wazeho and Jiphu under Meluri district. There are resources in many
parts of Nagaland. Nagas must wisely explore and extract these resources with
respect to people, environment and climate. The government must process the
action efficiently. We cannot go on with the life of dependency. This will
gradually rot the Nagas.
Local ideas for the global world: The entrepreneurial
journey of Nagaland
Entrepreneurship is multi-dimensional. Entrepreneurship
extends from agro entrepreneurship to techno entrepreneurship. Today, numerous
people started poultry, piggery, fishery, orchard, music, fashion industries
and other businesses, etc. These show that Nagas have equal potential to
actualise their dreams. All entrepreneurial initiatives need support and
guidance from the State Government and other organisations. Entrepreneurship
promotes networking and relationships. The young generation has better
opportunities to make hay while the sun shines. Many Naga youth have skilled
themselves to climb the ladder of entrepreneurship. Presently, NGOs,
organisations and educational institutions are focusing on entrepreneurship to
make irrelevant and practical. Illegal taxation must end to promote Naga
entrepreneurs.
Working in Social Work Professions opened numerous doors to
interact with Naga entrepreneurs. The passion to achieve their dreams and
aspirations is the real substance behind their names. I would like to mention a
few of them. They are:
Mr. Geoffrey Yaden – Founder, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief
of Nagaland Post.
Mr. Akum Longchari – Activist, Trainer and Educator,
Publisher of Morung Express.
Mrs. Hekhani Jakhalu – Founder of YouthNet, Dimapur
Mr. Rollan Lotha – Chief operating officer-programmes, NSRLM
Mr. Kvulo Lorin – Chairman of Nagaland Industrial
Development Corporation, an Associate Partner of Sapient Finserv, Director of
Tetso College, Chümoukedima.
Mr. Lichan Humtsoe – Founder and CEO of Ete Coffee, Kohima.
Mr. JenpuRongmei – Founder and Director, canyouth, Dimapur.
Miss Rekha Rose Dukru – Proprietor, The Majestic Kapamodzu
Mr. Albert Sangtam – Founder and Director, Cleftnote Music
Academy and Store Pvt. Ltd.
Mr. VilhousaMovi – Designer at the Institute of Fashion
Design, Chümoukedima.
There are many more in sequence. These people explored their
potential despite numerous challenges. They are the gems of Naga society. They
created their employment and gave employment to others. Entrepreneurship must
find a way to sustain life in the best possible manner.
Exploring the scenery of Nagaland’s sports and games
Sports and games both traditional and modern are dear to
Nagas. There is a rebirth of traditional games. The community festivals are
brightened by traditional games. Some elders resonate traditional games,
especially on special occasions. The Naga wrestling is appreciated and loved by
all. Traditional games have the potential to pull people to celebrate life as
Nagas. The year 2024 saw the formation of the Rengma Wrestling Association.
They realised the lost potential lately for good. The Angamis, Chakhesangs and
Zeliangs are far advanced in wrestling. One or two cups of local wine with a
few pieces of pork are good enough to spend a day basking at Khuochiezie (local
ground) Kohima and enjoy the game with cheers and whistles.
There are famous Naga personalities in archery, football,
cricket, sepak takraw, boxing, short put, kung-fu, etc. Some of them are
Chekhrovolu Swuro (Archery), James Kithan (Football), Rongsen Jonathan
(Cricketer), Sengtimenla Imsong (Cricketer), Hokato Hotozhe Sema (Short put),
Israel G Xuivi (Taekwondo), Ruokou John Sorunou, Meyiesielie Albert Sorunuo and
Keneingutuo David Sorunuo (Shaolin Kung-Fu) etc. Nagas have not divorced their
love from their dreams. The prospect is positive and bright. Nagaland is still
strong enough to persevere to make itself known to the world. The combination
of traditional and modern games can be well woven in Nagaland.
From folk to future: Exploring Nagaland’s musical potential
Nagas can manage a soft classical song to the heaviest metal
rock. Nagas have the potential to play music. They can sing both traditional
and modern songs. The traditional musical instruments resonate in the mountains
and rivers of Nagaland. The sounds of Tati (Angami), Atütü (Pochury), Ken
(Rengma) bring joy to the community. Folksongs are communitarian by nature and
spirit. It brings people to participate in community life. It is good to see
the rise of traditional music and folksongs among the tribals. While on the
other hand, famous musicians and singers like Methaneilie Solo, Nise Meruno,
Mengu Suokhrie, Obed Kath, Zuchobeni Tungoe, Alobo Naga, Imnainla Jamir, Tetso
Sisters, Purple Fusion, Moko Koza, etc. impacted the music industry in and
outside the country. Nagas are born with a song on their lips and musical
instruments in their hands. A little professional touch can refine them to the
equal status of global singers and musicians.
The resources and potentials of Nagaland range from people
to objects. They are not merely a dream or desire. They are the treasures of
Nagaland. We need a collective effort to turn these potentials into a reality.
The existing potentials must be enhanced. The undiscovered resources need
exploration and research. The past, present and future must be taken into
consideration while taping these resources and potentials.