The missing link makes all the difference between the passing generation and the present generation.
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The world is progressing at a faster rate than we ever thought. The effect is visible before our eyes. Families and societies have changed for the better/worse. What was held high is brought low in the process of change. This created a big gap between the two generations. The past generation relied more on the values and ethics of life with a stronger identity. The present generation is moving faster with fewer cultural and traditional values. Respect for parents and elders is becoming tasteless to the young generation. The Nagas are compromising themselves to adjust to the moving trends. Unless there is a binding relationship and a stronger foundation to hold on to, there is a possibility of losing everything in the name of change. The missing link makes all the difference between the passing generation and the present generation.
People often talk about stories of parents and grandparents with pride and happiness. The dignified and honourable life made the family and society stand tall amidst others. Simplicity and clarity of life and work enabled them to pursue their dreams with success. Community living was held in high regard by all in the village. Respect for life and property was an inherent quality for all Naga tribes. With time, there comes thunder and lightning. It dispersed the villagers to different places. Some to towns and cities, others to valleys and hills. Individualism crept in and ate the community life. Technological advancements killed the authenticity of life. People began to fake themselves to sustain their lives. They begin to dig their graves even before they dare to die. The problems multiplied and reached the nooks and corners of Nagaland. The young generations got even more confused and were shattered by the passage of life.
Today, many parents are finding it difficult to control the behaviour of their children. Arrogant behaviour among children is high. It is taking over the peace of the families. Most children think of themselves as wise and knowledgeable. However, it is only a plastic mask to fake themselves for fear of missing out (FOMO). This is aggravated by social media. They are easily influenced by what comes before them. The inability to find reason and differentiate what lies before and after pushes children into the dark complexities of life. Thus, impatient behaviour becomes visible among children. Schools and colleges are facing this problem. Additionally, the exaltation of children by parents at all times with less of corrections and motivation is evil in disguise. Such children become the prince of the devil among their peer groups. Beyond the sight of their parents, they rise to eternity. The support of parents even for their evil deeds, is good enough to destroy children and the family. Parents must be on the lookout so that children do not create a wrong image of themselves in ignorance.
The disparity exists, yet it can be restored. The missing link may differ from family to family, society to society. We must find the missing link, restore it and build a stronger and stable family. Always remember that family stands as the priority in life. All others are the outcome of the priority. There may not be a perfect couple to bring up a family. There may not be a perfect family to sustain society. But we can work towards perfection despite the challenges of life. We must hold on to and promote traditional values to survive the hasty changes. We must open better opportunities for the present and future generations to live with confidence, pride and dignity based on the values and ethics of Naga society.
Rev. Fr. G. L. Khing
NEISSR, Chümoukedima