Perhaps it is true that Naga people they are very welcoming and hospitable when it comes to taking care of guests from outside. This is a trait that we should be proud of and we have got global recognition for being very good hosts. Then the other thing that we are far ahead of others is our colourful and vibrant culture not to forget our tag of being the land of festivals. Along with being good hosts, showcasing our beautiful tradition-culture, we are also skilful and talented when it comes to organizing and managing events or programmes. Nagas are by nature creative and we must say up to date with the latest trends, style and fashion. As a result we have been able to incorporate all these talents to be able to showcase a beautiful Nagaland to the outside world. This is perhaps the one thing that we need to be proud of. The obvious question that arises is whether we can do much better beyond being just good hosts or a beautiful people. Where do we rank in terms of other important indices, say political environment, social order, economy, infrastructure or investment potential? Do we have anything worthwhile to offer our guests besides the culture formula? Recently all of us are aware of the visit of several Ambassadors representing countries of the European Union (EU). They did not come on a flying visit but they spend a good three days meeting people from different sectors. We are sure that they would have been really impressed by the hospitality. But we doubt whether they would have left with elation when it came to other things like trade, investment and other potential to be explored. In contrast, the EU Ambassadors were right from the outset very clear in their agenda to work on trade prospects with Arunachal Pradesh. While stating that the business sector was one of the major players in cementing bilateral relations between the EU and India, the team leader of the EU delegation commented that “Arunachal could contribute significantly in that direction”.
So obviously this euphoria seemed to be missing during the Nagaland visit. It was definitely not serious business and it appeared to be a case where the Nagas seemed to be having a lot of expectation but nothing to give. This passive mindset was best demonstrated by a senior political leader (from the Opposition Congress) who while participating in the discussion initiated by the visitors, remarked that “Nagas are still economically backward but the visit of Europeans Ambassadors and its outcome would lighten the problem”. Similarly another senior Minister (this time from the ruling party) perhaps best explains the Naga predicament when he called upon the visiting Ambassadors for their supports and suggestion to the Indian Government for finding a solution of the Naga Political issue. During the recent visit of Britain’s Prince Andrew, there too we seem to be expecting some sort of a miracle from such foreign dignitaries—to solve our political problem or economic woes. At best we can share our story with them and get across our concern. Perhaps this is an opportune time to remind ourselves that most of the problems we are facing will require solution from within and the change will have to come from us not others. This is true whether it is to do with reconciliation, good governance, peace or development.
