As we enter the last month of yet another year gone by, there will be several reasons to celebrate and cheer about. The first week of December—the annual Nagaland Hornbill Festival—is something that people in general always look forward to—basking in the colourful tradition of Nagas rich culture and showcasing the event to the rest of the world. There are many positive aspects about this particular event and things have only gotten better over the years. This is to the credit of the present government and its people. Even as we partake in this wonderful celebration, yet one should not forget that December 1 has other significant reminders, which likewise would demand our attention. This includes Statehood day and World AIDS day, both falling on December 1. Whether it is merely of a coincidence or a symbolic signpost yet it requires the Naga people to confront the issues posed by the question of Statehood as also the dangers posed by AIDS to the vibrancy and health of our society. The latter is a serious warning deserving the utmost political attention. Likewise, as Nagaland observes its Statehood Day it will be only fair to say that while countless number of challenges is to be addressed on the socio-economic front, the unresolved Naga political problem stands in the way of the aspirations of the Naga people. A peaceful negotiated settlement acceptable to all sections of the people needs the urgent attention of all concerned Nagas—from national groups, civil society to State politicians. The challenges are many but opportunities are few. This call for society’s collective wisdom and the leadership’s political will in rebuilding of a divided nation.
Coming to our forty eight years of Statehood, yes this is as much a celebration of our democratic experience as also to introspect about the failure to improve lives of ordinary people who continue to live a life of uncertainty and insecurity, in terms of both economic and human wellbeing. Even though we may consider another year of Statehood as a feather in our cap—of democratically elected government, development & peace—yet if we smash the glasshouses from where we view—it will not take much effort to see that the fruits of development has not reached to the common people. There is evidence all around to show the ill effects of corruption. Successive governments since Statehood have done more of sloganeering and achievements are mostly on paper. Off course we cannot only blame our politicians because it is our collective failure. And it is not that development funds were not available—they have been flowing in since Statehood. No one is arguing that development has not taken place. In fact the present government has also contributed. Similarly we should not glorify our development achievements. May be the answer could be found if we measure development in proportion to the amount of funds made available since Statehood.
Let us be honest whether the fund allocation really matches the quality of development we have been able (or unable) to achieve. We feel that if the decades of fund allocations had been used in a judicious manner our small State should have reached a higher level of economic growth that is at par with some of the more developed States in the country. But all of us know that this is not the case. Our attitude of self dependency is clearly manifested by the fact that we are unable to sustain ourselves without outside help and this weakness is made worse by charity. One can go on to list the inadequacies. Why should we only list the achievement/s? Why not also confront the failure/s? As we enter another year of Statehood day this December 1, it is time to celebrate our achievements yet also reflect and introspect on our failures. This will only make us a better people and Nagaland can move forward and change for the better.
Coming to our forty eight years of Statehood, yes this is as much a celebration of our democratic experience as also to introspect about the failure to improve lives of ordinary people who continue to live a life of uncertainty and insecurity, in terms of both economic and human wellbeing. Even though we may consider another year of Statehood as a feather in our cap—of democratically elected government, development & peace—yet if we smash the glasshouses from where we view—it will not take much effort to see that the fruits of development has not reached to the common people. There is evidence all around to show the ill effects of corruption. Successive governments since Statehood have done more of sloganeering and achievements are mostly on paper. Off course we cannot only blame our politicians because it is our collective failure. And it is not that development funds were not available—they have been flowing in since Statehood. No one is arguing that development has not taken place. In fact the present government has also contributed. Similarly we should not glorify our development achievements. May be the answer could be found if we measure development in proportion to the amount of funds made available since Statehood.
Let us be honest whether the fund allocation really matches the quality of development we have been able (or unable) to achieve. We feel that if the decades of fund allocations had been used in a judicious manner our small State should have reached a higher level of economic growth that is at par with some of the more developed States in the country. But all of us know that this is not the case. Our attitude of self dependency is clearly manifested by the fact that we are unable to sustain ourselves without outside help and this weakness is made worse by charity. One can go on to list the inadequacies. Why should we only list the achievement/s? Why not also confront the failure/s? As we enter another year of Statehood day this December 1, it is time to celebrate our achievements yet also reflect and introspect on our failures. This will only make us a better people and Nagaland can move forward and change for the better.
