[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he daily news reports the Oscar winning actor and comedian Robin Williams, aged 63, hanged himself in his California home. He had checked into a rehab for his struggle on substance abuse. A man of unparalled talents, he gave countless moments of joy and laughter to millions and spent so much of his life helping others. But 10 days of depression brought him to his final decision to die. He was short-lived.
Plenty are the negative aspects of liquor – permanent damage of brain cells and other body systems, impoverished life, deprived family peace and tranquillity, pathetic living, social unrest, destruction, accidents, disorder, death etc and most of all, one is robbed of living out of his fullest God-gifted potentials embedded in him. Every abuser and addict knows it is wrong to indulge, yet, they seek for temporary relief and relaxation to wear off his personal conflict and frustration allowing the dangerous poisonous sting effect to remain permanent.It was to express this serious concern that the churches went on protest for liquor prohibition 1989. Initially the then government did not seem too serious. To a delegation, the Chief Minister said: “Well, in history and by our experience Liquor Prohibition in many places has not been successful but it does not mean Nagaland should not try and be successful as well.” Efforts were intensified. As a result of an attempt to side-tract our attention, we went through hunger strike to demonstrate seriousness of our hearts. Several hundred believers sat on Hunger Strike with some members even being hospitalized. Finally, the Government agreed to pass the Prohibition Act 1989.
In the olden times, rice beer was the regular normal drink, yet drunkness was condemned as it demonstrates poverty. The culture of honesty, truthfulness and trustworthiness, hardwork, tolerance, love and respect for elders, compassion with healthy ethical values and fear of God was deeply planted in personal life and social relations. Today, the standard of literacy, expressions and journalistic ability and talent of our people are much higher and better than some 25-30 years ago. Without tempting power of liquor, our Naga intelligence will graphically rise much higher. Successive thinkers and writers will think better, faster, deeper, clearer, and live up to the fullest potential of God’s gift including longevity destined for them – we could create a ‘fullness of life’ on earth and for the life to come. Change may start at the echelon of government and society in a liquor free society. Without rhetoric and free flow of liquor everywhere including even in official meeting places, change and development, peace and prosperity, social harmony and unity could be anticipated. Quality visionary decision will take place in our Legislative Assembly. Nagas will march forward. This was at the heart of the Church protest in 1989, 25 years ago where saving the upcoming generation was the paramount cause.
Let sober thinking prevail to consider whether our Naga life should be enriched or impoverished, protected or damaged and destroyed. Whether liquor prohibition should be lifted and allow its negative influnce control our personal lives and society as well. Tragedy or Comedy. Whom do you want: Barabbas or the Savior?
May the Spirit and wisdom of God prevail our human wisdom and voices in the forthcoming debate being planned at the special NLA! In implementing mechanism, it is suggested that selected church leaders are included to deliberate about the educative and spiritual role of the Church. Thanks and God bless Nagaland!
