We the Nagas of Nagaland generally, live in this beautiful land of ours, as if we live in a second rate land. And, that as if we are a second rate people. It is high time we opened our eyes to the awesome, magnificent beauty of our land and people, culture and history. It is also high time that we stopped being unduly influenced by other people’s and cultures, and start being the influencers. For example, to feel proud, when we are referred to as the Switzerland of the east, is, I would feel, not the right attitude. Our endeavour should be such that Switzerland should come to be referred as the Nagaland of the west! We should not be defined by the same paradigm that defines mainland India. Mainland India jumps for joy whenever accolades of any form are received from the west; whom they worship. If anyone does well at Wimbledon, or any of the grand slams, there is hoopla. English speaking Indians are well respected. Even there, the public school accent is important. Hindi speaking Indians are referred to as dehatis. A term similar to ‘backward’ in the Nagaland parlance. The English game of cricket is followed with elan, to the point of madness. Traditional games like khokho and kabaddi are given the go by, generally, though wonderful games in themselves. Therefore, the takeaway from all this is that- we should not be ashamed of ourselves. Rather, we should become the reference point for others. Let us stop worshipping others, rather let us endeavour to be worshipped For, to the winner goes the spoils. And as we all know, it is all about being the alpha. And I state all this as a matter of fact for I do not feel the need for exclamation! Indeed, we have to be practical, therefore, speak English better than an English man or woman. Play football better than a European. You get my drift, I hope? There is no tomorrow, no yesterday. There is the only here and now- now is the time to act. Don’t deny the indigenous, rather, respect it. Just as an aside, let me share a feeling I have. I feel saddened when our Naga girls tend to feel proud when they are likened to the Japanese, Koreans or the Chinese. Come on girls- you are second to none.
Edward Lotha is an advocate by profession. He can be contacted at Edward5.fhl@gmail.com
