Mapukala Jamir
Leave this place, travel all you want
Wander the world and even settle there
Your blood will always be of this land.
--- Odyssey, T Keditsu
This beautiful message by a popular Naga poet and educator rightly spells the inextricable attributes all Naga youth possesses as true sons of the soil. Of late, Nagaland has found her niche in the tourism sector; a testament to the loyalty of Naga people to their motherland. The vibrant traditional culture together with the resourceful vistas of the natural environment has always been endearing to the common man. Now more than ever, a strong sense of belongingness to nature is unequivocally present amongst the youth. Still, it occasionally piques the curious mind to surmise whether or not the youth in Nagaland has any care for their mother nature.
The flora and fauna of the Naga country have a sublime quality of their own which have greatly shaped the life and culture of the Nagas since time immemorial. Before the advent of Christianity, these natural resources were worshipped and even deified albeit obsolete today. The floras and faunas continue to be a major influence on the lives of people both young and old. However, it is imperative to understand that this relationship has metamorphosed over the years. The practice of hunting and fishing which were once a sine qua non of rural lifestyle is on the wane. The growing popularity of modern education has brought with it a vast pool of opportunities outside the agrarian realm. Although approximately 71% of the total Naga populace sustain in a rural setting (according to the 2011 census), most young Naga adults presently endeavour to rebuild or achieve a life free from the trappings of the typical rural living. Those that are engaged in the agricultural domain have realised the extant vanishing character of the flora and fauna and thus, seeks to preserve and nurture these invaluable assets. Naga youth led by millennials have recognised the self-inflicted challenges because of indiscriminate developmental and recreational activities. They are at the forefront of a slow but sure movement of indigenous enlightenment. As a result, these Naga youth can take charge and influence the progress of the Naga nation prudently according to the changing needs of the time.
Education has empowered the youth in protecting what is rightfully theirs. Here, the enduring folktales and folksongs physically documented as well as orally passed down are a treasure trove that holds the keys for many doors. The generous use of varied natural elements in these instances strongly fortifies the affinity of Naga youth to nature. There are multiple cases to cite in connection to this. Youths in Nagaland unabashedly flaunt their affection for their motherland through cleanliness drives, fashion, environment campaigns, music, art and literature, seminars and workshops, etc. It is heartening to notice many youths take their ‘Naga identity’ to the world via social media. In a sense, we find that the youth today have intelligently leveraged this potent tool i.e. social media, to share and involve others in their Naga-centred content through snapshots or vlogs about trekking up some resplendent mountain peaks or cooking traditional meals from ingredients grown organically, and countless others! The young generations of Nagas, to borrow a phrase from the writer Anungla Longkumer, are becoming introspective. It is indeed a juxtaposition during a day and age when globalisation is rife. Globalisation per se entails reaching out and breaking barriers giving impetus to an interconnected and interdependent world. Meanwhile, Naga youth have uncannily found a balance between staying relevant and simultaneously being rooted in their true self.
The young adults of Nagaland have begun to consciously care, preserve and promote these bountiful resources freely acquired fromaeons of ancestors. Naga youths are aware of the existential crossroads facing the global populace today like never before. The pervasive mess vis-à-vis the natural environment is a threat to the experience of meaningful living for posterity. The youth understands that fixing any issue starts with an acceptance of the problem; they no longer live in denial. These successors to the pristine natural ecosystem spread over 16,579 sq. km have started taking action to safeguard the land, water, forests, and wildlife. A recent initiative taken by Jakhama Youth Organisation to maintain a variety of tree saplings for five years is a laudable effort. On many occasions, the Naga youth community is the main driver of conservation efforts which takes place regularly. For instance, the Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary established in 1998 which has won the reputed India Biodiversity Awards 2021 credits its success to the active support and participation of the village community especially, the Khonoma Youth Organisation. Many more exemplary measures are on the rise. All these signify the deep attachment that underpins the Naga youth-nature nexus. They have made it their mission to ensure sustainable development by advocating behavioural and attitudinal changes. Despite the sea change in Naga society, the youths generally embrace many age-old practices. They acknowledge the crucial role of community living marked by mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence with the natural environment.
The ongoing Covid-19 crisis has been compounded by the onset of other upsetting problems like drought, hunger and poverty, climate change, landslides, etc. Such precarious times have provided an opportune moment for Naga youth to redirect their goals and redefine their visions of an ideal Nagaland. The upcoming generations of Nagas need good guidance and skill development to make significant contributions in building environmental resilience. The pandemic has forced mankind to take a serious reflection. The youth in general have realised the human practices that are harmful to nature. By religiously following the principle of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, pollution to land, air, and water bodies could be mitigated. They are optimistic that the restoration of wildlife and their habitat is possible. The fortunes of nature are the life-blood of every bonafide Naga. Biding the time to take necessary action will create more chances to reduce the experience of sighting a handsome Blyth’s Tragopan or the thrill of angling to mere images on the pages of a textbook. As stakeholders and proprietors of Godsend mother nature, Naga youth are keen to amplify the message of sustainability.
This is the first prize winner of the Kohima Education Society essay competition in Category B with the theme ‘Affinity of Naga youth with land, water, forests, and wildlife’
