Asangba Tzudir
Altruism refers to a motive for helping behavior that is primarily intended to relieve another person’s distress, with little or no regard for the helper’s self-interest. When it comes to altruistic help, it should be voluntary, deliberate, and motivated by concern for another person’s welfare. Suppose a politician in Nagaland or one that has political ambition donates in kind and cash for victims of fire or flood, the psyche of the mass which is generally conditioned by the societal state of affairs and perceptions is such that the responses to such efforts are left opened to interpretations. While the efforts are applauded, the ‘motive/s’ or the ‘interest’ of the person is simultaneously put under scrutiny wherein conclusions would suggest that such acts are not free of self-interest.
The flood waters in Kerala and the loss of lives and property has caught international attention where call for donations have poured in and Nagaland state along with other states have responded to the call through donations in kind and cash. Further, a concert under the banner ‘Nagaland4Kerala’ is being organized by Rattle & Hum Music Society in collaboration with the Government of Nagaland. Considering the intensity of the situation, it can be seen as a noble cause in the larger interest of humanity. Yet again, the response of ‘commentators’ in social media brings out the ‘promotional’ aspect of the concert for Kerala bringing in context the miseries at home caused by the rain, landslides and damage to roads. It reminds of the adage, ‘clean your kitchen first’ and ‘charity begins at home.’
Taking from these couple of instances, one may question whether Naga Society can be truly altruistic? There are offshoots where considering the state of affairs and the societal conditioning wherein just a thin line divides ‘acts of charity’ and ‘self-interest acts for others’ and where bad blood can be easily spilled on an act of charity that is intended at some good.
On the larger whole of altruism, bringing in context Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, he prescribes, “Every art, and every science reduced to a teachable form, and in like manner every action and moral choice, aims, it is thought, at some good: for which reason a common and by no means a bad description of the chief good is, ‘that which all things aim at.’” Does Naga Society aim at ‘the good’ at all times? Well, it is a straight no, which is simply attested by the overwhelming culture of palm greasing in pursuit of certain self-interest agendas; the many injustices inflicted etc., and thus, Naga society does not qualify for altruism within such perimeter.
An altruistic society is also about staying relevant and acting according to the larger needs and aspirations of the common people. This is where Naga society has also failed the test of altruism. Where are the various civil societies headed; so also the male-centric organizations; and even the women organizations; the Churches? Unless truth and justice is pursued, and where the voices of the marginalized are allowed to become empowered narratives, and most importantly, the voices at the margins are well represented to form a collective will, Naga Society will continue to be haunted by the shadow of altruism.
(Dr. Asangba Tzudir is a Freelance Research and Editing Consultant. He contributes a weekly guest editorial to The Morung Express. Comments can be mailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
