Menguzenuo
Kohima
Culture is a way of life that include all patterns of people's learnt behavior, the way of thinking and doing things that they learnt from the social group of which they are a part of. Every society follows a certain set of pattern which marks their identity and makes it unique. To lose our culture is to lose our identity. Naga culture differs from the rest of the Indian culture. And broadly speaking, Nagas have always stayed uninterrupted by the influence of other culture since olden days though they knew a society beyond their world existed. They have learnt the mastery to stay independent by adopting the Art and Skill through experience for its survival and nature itself has played the greatest role. Every social and ethical value that Nagas hold has been passed down from generation to generation orally. Every knowledge they acquire is backed by trial and error of practical experiences of many generations. Thus, it is inappropriate to address Nagas with derogatory statements.
Nagas may or may not hit the History textbooks for the invention and discovery of anything, particularly addressing in terms of medical science. But, I stand to deny that, Nagas lack medicinal knowledge. Ever wondered what is the secret behind the physical bravery and longevity in the health life of the warrior Naga tribes until the arrival of the Britishers? Nagas have come a long way with or without merchandised medicine or the science of Ayurveda. The answer lies in the fact that Nagas have tested everything that nature has bestowed them with. Therefore, Nagas know the nutritional value of every living organism in nature.
Stating on the remark of consuming dog meat among the Nagas, may it be put to the knowledge of everyone that Nagas are the most peace-loving people one can come across. The dog being the first animal to be domesticated, Nagas too have its greatest concern towards the dog or any other animal. Unlike a few other states that have street dogs roaming about, one will never find stray dogs simply roaming on the streets of Nagaland. Most of the households in Nagaland domesticate the dog not for consumption but as a companion. Dogs are known for being faithful and the most loyal companion one could find and that is the reason why dogs are kept for security in homes from thieves and safety. Also, not everyone in Nagaland consumes dog meat on an everyday basis. Occasionally, it is consumed by older people for curing physical illness. Dog meat is known for its nutritional value which is believed to help in curing many alike diseases and more popularly known among the Nagas for curing tuberculosis. As such when people are unable to get the expensive hospital treatments, they tend to turn toward the traditional belief in the power of getting healed by consuming the dog soup which seems to be inexpensive and also helps in recovering speedily.
Nagas, therefore, rely on the healing attributes of nature be it plants or animals. However, this does not mean that when they consume the meat of any animal be it chicken, beef, pork, mutton, dog, etc. the way of killing has never been violent. It is always instant rather than torturing them and killing it. And this forms a part of the loving Naga Culture, a culture that seeks perfect harmony with nature, a proper balance for everything to sustain equally.
