The discourse during The Morung Lecture XVI held at The Lighthouse Church, Dimapur on September 29 pivoted around the topic ‘Who is a public leader?’ (Morung Photo)
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Morung Express News
Dimapur | October 1
On September 29, as the Morung Lecture XVI ‘Discourse on who is a Public leader?’ with speakers Bano Haralu, Dr Kekhrie Yhome and Dr Pangernungba Kechu concluded, several key takeaways were underlined by individuals who attended the event.
To begin with, Imnatoshi Longkumer, Associate Pastor of Dimapur Ao Baptist Church (DABA) observed the need for listening to the stories of people, as one of the important traits of being a good public leader. “The power of listening is failing in our society today; our minds are occupied with different thoughts. That is why we are not able to deliver on the needed issues.”
Based on Biblical narratives, he proposed the character of Moses as an ideal representative of good leadership quality. Characteristics of being patient, having sound judgement and foregoing personal ambition for the common good of his people set him apart. “With that, he was able to bring the Israelites to the Promised Land even if though was not given the opportunity to enter it himself,” Longkumer said.
As a public leader, Longkumer regarded the need for acknowledging mistakes with humility and grace which could, in turn, bring positive change in Naga society. “We should be able to realise our mistakes, learn from it and allow God to forgive us,” he noted.
For first-time attendee, Akok, the lecture was substantially educational in terms of the contents shared by each speaker, such as conservationist and senior journalist Bano Haralu’s note on the values of a good public leader, namely, truth and knowledge, work ethics, inclusivity, civil discourse and compromise.
Akok was also of the view that a good public leader is needed not just in the realm of politics but also in the Church and the grassroots. “The discourse prioritised too heavily towards politics which was understandable, however, I felt that more should have been said with regards to church leadership as well,” she mentioned.
“I want the youths, young students and the church to be a part of such events in the future,” she remarked.
Bangshing Konyak, Trainer at Educational Block Resource Centre, Wakching shared that “the lecture and the whole programme was very mind opening.”
“I liked the relevance of the topic in today's world. It is really worth the discussion,” he said.
At the same time, he had hoped for the discussion to delve substantially on the relevance of the church as well but had been left rather unfulfilled.
“We must create a movement of awareness in the long term approach, through the schools and educational institutions, churches and homes,” Dr Pangernungba Kechu had stated during his presentation.
In addition, Konyak believed in the power of voting to bring out the desired leader; “The fault line is not in the leaders per say, but the voters are equally to blame.” He viewed that values required in a leader should also be inculcated in the people themselves so as to create the desired outcome.
“Just like in one portion of the Bible, Jesus says, 'why do you call me good?' So, it’s actually hard to discern who can be considered a good public leader,” he added.
