Imtinaro Longkumer
Witnessing the rapid expansion of market and having almost everyone equipped with the latest technology, one can unquestionably say that Nagas today are on the threshold of living a glamorous hi-tech life, hence making hard for one to envision that Nagas were once busy head hunting, worshipping stones, living on thatches or to the least naked. It is a good remark that Nagas are progressing, and that we are also able to compete with the other world in diverse aspects; however the fact remains that we are still ‘Uncivilized’ in our attitudes, though how hard we consider ourselves as so-called ‘Westernized’ or ‘Modernized’. Development alone doesn’t bring about progress in the society. The society needs civilized beings to bring about order and run the society, to which I presume we are a step aback.
Look over every corner- may it be the road, houses, shops, institutions, public places, drain or just on the bus; one will find nothing but garbage, wrappers or paan/gutkha spits. Unconsciously, almost every Naga litter while for the ones with little concern, they go for corners and lucky for guys, all corners are a fine place to opt for a restroom! Owners of private/public buildings/residents maintain and clean their areas to their best possibility but once outside the gate/fence- their concern becomes lesser.
The outside public area is also always opted to keep building components meant for construction, no matter how it hinders the general mass, it is considered ‘ok’ for it’s in the corner. Maybe “NAGAS LOVE CORNERS TOO MUCH” that it is made sure by every Naga that it is utilized or “NAGAS HATE CORNERS TOO MUCH” that it is shamed that way…(I do not know which).
Often, we complain and fuss over drains getting flooded or public places stinking but the fault is ours. We are aware that our drainage systems are poor and our environment should be kept clean but, still then garbage’s are dumped in the drains hoping for the rain water to carry along, least aware of the fact that it obstructs the smooth flow, resulting to flooding over roads. Places also stink due to these stagnant drains, and for our united contribution to spit and litter. All this not only disgrace our beautiful land but adds more in making it unhygienic to dwell.
This is an old topic and relatively, there are still many uncountable problems in our society and I am certain that every Naga is conscious of the prevailing societal problems. But we don’t or we hardly care to be the first to raise a voice or be the first to take up corrective measures. Different unions/associations/groups takes cleanliness drives, individuals talk over these issues, and there are others still who write articles commenting on varied problems but then, everything remains unchanged….and to this I assume is because of our non-unity and non- unison of our ‘words’ and ‘work’.
If every individual stops spitting or throwing a waste, picks at least a wrapper from the ground and puts it in the dustbin, if we try to maintain and make the best possible use of dust-bins, if Nagas take serious corrective measures in unity… I believe Nagaland will be a better place to live in; else it will be just like wearing the best Versace suit, driving the best car but using the thumb to sign!
What do you say?
