Rev. Dr. S Temjen Imchen,
Associate Professor & Vice-Principal, Serampore College
The people of Nagaland today are going through a decisive phase in the socio-political, religious and economic spheres of life. Every day, we are confronted with the devilish activities of corruption. We see only pervasive acts of corruption. We are ashamed of these sacrilegious acts by the people who abuse the power and people. In times of despair like these, we need people who ask the real questions! Realistically speaking, these days we see and hear nothing in our dear state but only unjust activities of the people who misgovern instead of giving good governance. We see only the potholed roads in our city (Dimapur) and towns, bridges collapsed, nepotism, and signs of social and economic decay. In the midst of corruption in high offices of the Govt, political lacunae and hopes, socio-religious challenges and prospects, there stands out a few living Naga public personalities who have the incorruptible minds and courage to speak, work and sing for Nagas’ reformation. In the present scenario, I have witnessed certain extraordinary people from Nagaland who appeared in the news and touched our hearts – through the print and electronic media. They are young and old. I wish to name only a few Naga individuals, before zeroing in to one person in order to present my short case: Mhonbeni Ezung (of Nani Teri Morni fame), Dr. Himato Zhimomi (NFSC), S.T. Yapang Longkumer and Odi Jamir (RTI activists), Joel Nillo Naga, Simon Kelio, Hukiye Yepthomi, Mar Longkumer, etc (all ACAUT leaders), Supu Jamir, Kezhokhoto Savi (Advocates), Rev. Dr. Wati Aier (theologian), Khekiye K. Sema (IAS, retd.), Thepfulhouvi Solo (IFS, retd.), Purneken (Naga stand up comedian), Alobo Naga (Christian artist, composer and singer) and many others.
I consider all of the above as my heroes. I admire all of them. They are the ones who inspire the people through the media time and again, if not every day. These personalities are Nagas of Nagaland who captured our recent imaginations for trying to work and realize our “Naga Dream” – simply defined as “for a better and prosperous tomorrow of Nagaland.” However from the lots, I choose one single individual for now and briefly describe about him. That person is none other than Kahuto Chishi Sumi. Though I have not met him in person, yet I know him to some extent. At least, he is my good Naga brother and my media friend. I compare my fellow Naga citizen Kahuto Chishi Sumi with that of Socrates, the Greek philosopher from the 5th and 4th century BCE. The important idea here is about one’s philosophy of life. Recently, I read a book called The Man who asked questions, the Life of Socrates. In it, I found out that Socrates was a man who asked questions. Interestingly, this ancient Greek philosopher taught by asking questions that forced his students to use logic or reason. We call logic ‘a reason’ or a fine judgment. Retrospectively speaking, my respected Naga brother Kahuto writes, asks questions, argues and presents all his discourses according to logic. The logic has the great element of truth. His logic on Naga political issues, social concerns, and at times religious thoughts and a host of things concerning Nagas of Nagaland are guided by logic. I have read his writings in the newspapers, different micro-blogs, and even interacted through the media outlets, and lo and behold I have found in him the man that we all need in our times. He is a man for many right reasons. Yes, the present days’ Nagas of Nagaland must be led by reasonable thought, good judgment and action for our better tomorrow. Even as I appreciate him, I also encourage my Naga fellow beings – particularly of Nagaland state – to study, introspect and appreciate his writings whether it is in the electronic or print media. We need certain people who speak with logic and stand for truth. That way, we will find some directions in the midst of utter chaos, dishonesty and unjust acts committed by the corrupt people. It has ruined us Nagas!!! It’s a sad story, but it must be told and told time and again till the ‘Naga behemoth’ (Naga monster) is eliminated one day. Let us continue to encourage people like Kahuto and encourage one another in our stance for truth, justice and peace. By speaking the truth, there is a glimmer of hope. Upholding the truth gives us hope. Our hope is to live a free, progressive and prosperous modern state like any other developed states in the 21st century. Let our hope be a reality tomorrow. That is Nagas’ Dream! Let there be many modern Nagas’ Socrates in our midst to help realize our Nagas’ Dream!!!
