During the past several years, we have been reading comments about the tragic growth of this selfish mentality and the all-round corruption and decadence of our cherished values.
Share
• A Nostalgic Lament
Some years back in one of the far away villages, a lament was heard from one of the elders during a discussion about the maintenance of the village water-pipe, (in those days a simple bamboo structure): Earlier we Nagas cared for the welfare of the village first, and then for ourselves’, today, after our youngsters began to wear pants and coat and become modern,people grab for themselves first and then for the village, if anything is left!
During the past several years, we have been reading comments about the tragic growth of this selfish mentality and the all-round corruption and decadence of our cherished values. What we are witnessing on the world level is the entrenchment of the same on a much greater and more aggressive scale!
• The Disillusionment of the Young
One concerned leader speaks of a ‘Silent Exodus’ of the young from the Churches. “They are not necessarily rejecting God…what they are struggling with is a version of church that feelsdisconnected from their lives. They are searching for honesty, relevance and meaning – things they feel are missing in the places they grew up worshipping in. They are waiting for achurch that feels real”. They see church activity without spiritual depth and ritual without transformation.When faith feels like routine instead of a relationship with God, it becomes easy to leave (Nagaland Post, 12 Aug.2025).
Reflecting on the Sunday schools that are functioning in every church, and that are expected to ensure that authentic Christian values are passed on, another writer says “I can’t help wonder if parents themselves do more to undo the years of work put in by the Sunday Schools, simply by showing kids there is a time and place for faith, and the rest is all ‘real life’. Yes, don’t lie, don’t cheat, don’t steal, be unselfish, but within reasonof course..” Then he adds “children sniff out hypocrisy like hunting dogs, they have no place for compromise…” (Morung Express 25,5, 2025).
• Enough of Immorality and Mockery of Ethics
Another perceptive and concerned leader looking at the general situation says: We have had enough of immorality and the mockery of ethics,goodness, faith and honesty. It is time to acknowledge that light-hearted superficiality has done us no good. Once the foundations of social life are corroded, what ensues are battles over conflicting interests.
• Our Dreams for Dimapur and Nagaland
What wonderful dreams we have for our city and our State as expressed by some of our writers.Recently, one of our leaders spoke of turning Dimapur and Nagalandinto a Paradise! Earlier, another requested the responsible authorities “to plan with a futuristic vision for our state of Nagaland and turn it, and in particular Dimapur, Kohima, Mokokchung etc. to City States. He has given a number of practical suggestions asking them to examine them and see what can be done.
Another imagines ours as a community where children are not just taught faith but see itshared, transmitted and practiced in every single area of their lives by adults who now carry the responsibility of being mentors of faith. Of an active living faith and not just of spoken words!
The FNR, reflecting on the Hope generated by the coming of Christ and the Naga Future, reminds us that “to care about the long-term future is to recognise that our immediate circle should not limit horizon of our moral concern. For the Nagas, this means that our decisions and actions must be guided notonly by present needs but by the moral priority of safeguarding the future of ourpeople and equally of our neighbours (FNR NP 22nd Dec 2025).
• What is to be Done?
So, what is required is a return to promoting the common good as was our custom. Every society needs toensure thatvalues are passed on; otherwise, what is handed down are selfishness, violence, corruption, indifference and a life closedto transcendence and entrenched in individual interests.
A fundamental element to be promoted is solidarity. This requires commitment on the part of those responsible for education and formation. Here the family’s role is indispensable. Families are called to a primary and vital mission of education. Families are the first place where the values of love and fraternity, togetherness and sharing concern and care for others are lived out and handed on.
• An Earnest Appeal to Families
The spirit of the great ‘Revival 2025’ can be harnessed for this. Let the dreams engendered by that mega event take roots in our Families. We cannot change society at large. We can change ourselves and our Families with daily effort and God’s help. Let every Family be a true nursery of our cherished values. Let us not disappoint our children and the young. If we love the young and our common future there is no other way. Let this be our common resolve for 2026.
Fr. M.P. Thomas sdb
Bosco B.Ed. College