Thejalhoukho Casavi
“The greatest states are made unsteady by the young, sustained and restored by the old” - Cato the elder
The much anticipated Nagas 80 Plus has now been released and it is without a doubt one of the most unique book ever written. It is a compilation of articles written by 42 prominent Nagas from all walks of life who are all aged above 80 years. There is great probability that such a feat has not been attempted anywhere else in any period of history. Perhaps, the magnitude of such pioneering work is somehow easier to comprehend when one is familiar with the initiator, Zapuvisie Lhousa, a self-styled ‘old man’ with a penchant for surprising the world of academia. All the authors of Nagas 80 Plus grew up in an era of unprecedented political turmoil when the Indian Armed Forces opened the most violent chapter in Naga history. It is therefore an invaluable historical document that provides a first-hand account of a group of people who negotiated with their crumbling world in varied ways. We should be grateful they lived to tell the tale.
It is no surprise that the great majority of the authors dwelt on Naga Nationalism considering that their youthful years were marred by the India-Naga conflict. Immerse yourself as they take you down memory lane and listen to their stories of survival in extraordinary times. Revisit the turbulent 1950s through the memoirs of Khrieleno Terhüja, Ngutono Chase and Lavono Dolie and ponder anew the unjust absence of women in the annals of the Naga movement. Relish the snippets and anecdotes of daring adventures of Kievi Sale, Siesa Yano and Mialo-u Kuotsu in ‘National service’ that will leave you wanting more. Perhaps you will then understand what Zapuvisie Lhousa meant by the ‘imperishable truth of Naga history’. However, Nagas 80 Plus does not remain imprisoned in the scars of the past. It also looks to the future with hope. But do not hold any amateurish assumption that their visions would simply be a monotonous repetition. Take, for instance, the elusive Naga solution. One cannot fail to notice the diametrically opposite positions of a decorated politician such as Dr SC Jamir on one extreme and an NNC revolutionary such as Gen (Retd) Thinoselie M Keyho on the other. Then consider the distinct and refreshingly honest middle approach (if I may be so bold to call it so) proposed by Niketu Iralu. That opposing ideas can find a common platform for expression and space for dialogue speaks volumes for Nagas 80 Plus.
If anyone thinks that what the ‘old people’ have to say would be invariably uninteresting, 80 Plus Nagas will be a sobering pill. Go on a journey of music with Neilakuoü Peseyie and stay tuned (pun intended), you can almost hear the sweet notes playing as you turn one irresistible page after another. Try to keep pace with Dr LM Murry as he chronicles a medical career with surgical precision and NZ Makritsu as he lays bare the hectic life of an administrative officer. Glimpse into the formative history of Phom literature through the eyes of T Imdong Phom and the humble beginnings of a Government High School through Hovishe Wotsa. Follow the trail of Niketu Iralu to the Americas and Europe and you may hear the ‘still small voice’ that made him a peace activist. Wade through the cautious words of Dr S C Jamir and peep into his vision for the Nagas. Flip through Krurovi Peseyie’s concise history of the Naga Club, Thepfulhouvi Solo’s history of Dimapur and witness with Colonel (Retd) Megosede Khwükha the conception of the slogan ‘Nagaland for Christ’. Listen to the meditative reflections of Seno Vihienuo, T Kikon, Lavikho Kitshü, Rev Kiezetuo, Rev L Suohie Mhasi and Rev Züpelhi Mero, the exhortations of Dr S Imkong Tushi Ao, Kevikienyü Peseyie, Kovor Kuotsu, V Jalie Krose and Rev Chingang Konyak and the musings of Justice H K Sema, Kedovikho Lhousa, Lungbe Meru and Megometuo Krose.
Be soothed by the calming wisdom of I. Lanu Toy, Prof Talitsuba and Neisevoü Kirha. Sit through the biting remarks on the present state of Naga society and you shall be rewarded with a pinch of satisfying irony. The only article with the word 'pandemic' on its title has nothing to do with COVID-19 but is an unapologetic take on the 'extravagant jubilee celebrations’ by Rev L Among Phom. And the impassioned plea on the need to revive the dying practice of honesty came from the pen of the seasoned politician Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu. Nagas 80 Plus is also a pleasurable read, not least for the quirky lines that seem to appear out of nowhere. You will smile, with compassion, in coming across two centenarians, Pekruu Terhüja who began his article with the brutally honest line, “it is like nothing in me functions well anymore” and Rhonthungo Tungoe who stated proudly that he married ‘the most beautiful damsel’ of his time.
However, I feel compelled to add a note of complaint on behalf of all the younger generation Nagas. Nagas 80 Plus has shown a unique glimpse into the world of the Nagas but the windows are shut too early. It is deeply regretted that Nagas 80 Plus is not a thicker book. The other complaint is that the book will not be available in the market for public consumption. So, visit your nearest college library and grab a copy. Nagas 80 Plus is a priceless souvenir that is not meant to sit with the dust on the shelves. Perhaps it is time for the younger generation Nagas to wake up from the blame game and realize that the ball’s in their court now.
The writer is a Research Scholar in the Centre for Historical Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University.
