Self-Introduction is usually followed by designation of the person in almost any group get together. And that had been the vogue for the last many years.
Looking back at Naga culture, the practice of self-introduction was to tell the name of the person; his/her father's/and mother's name. If necessary brother's and sister's name. Then the name of his / her village. To this end, it is our natural identity to identify oneself to others. No one will dare to give wrong information. This is the primary and permanent identity of a person.
To me, I am nobody without my parents; family members and the society of my origin-my village. I am empowered by them in every order. Without my identity, I am nothing.
Yet, in today's Nagas get together, as I see, is more interested in the designation. The criteria to identify a person is preceded by the designations and not the person first . Remember designation can never become a person. Nevertheless, our attitude towards a person is not anymore the person. It is always preceded by the designation to recognise his/ her personality. Such is the irony even in gathering of the educated of our Naga society.
If this practice continues then someone may very soon introduce oneself as, "The Managing Director of my family" by virtue of being the head as a father who also manages the finances and gives direction in the institution of a family. Well, what is designation after all without the person and his/ her personal sacrifices towards a better society of Nagas!
Let us recognise the person his/her natural identity and his/her personal sacrifices. And not please, just the designation. Because in some, designations can be bought with money directly or indirectly without proper procedures. And most of all, let's revive our cultural values.
Lolly Bashu, Dimapur
