An overwhelming nature paradise – Nagaland is a must-visit for all. The most vivid butterflies displaying extraordinary colors and the wonderful orchids seem to emphasize all the more the unforgettable tranquility I experienced as I rode through some forests. By the way the sights and senses of the countryside made me to recall lines from my National Anthem which also describe some of the splendours of my land.
Meeting men and women from Dimapur, Kohima, Zubza but also from villages like Mezoma and as remote as Mon, I was struck by the quality of spirit in them, their simple living and their dignified bearing. I learnt a lot from them about the Nagas and their history.
Many strong views, hurts and colossal sufferings mix uneasily underneath the beauty of this land and wait for healing and reconciliation. Again very much like Swiss history.
The more I listened the more I was taken back to my own life when I was 24. Fear of what others thought and injustice made me bitter. This hidden hate produced internal stomach ulcers of the worst kind causing terribly painful attacks that came regularly.
All men in Switzerland are fully trained soldiers who can be called out to fight in times of war. As a sergeant-major I stole grenades and ammunition from the Swiss Army to use against those I thought were responsible for injustice in society which had hurt me and my own family. The youth all over Europe at the time rebelled against the Authorities and I became a part of it. At this stage, by coincidence, today I call it the Divine Hand, I immigrated to Australia, narrowly preventing me becoming a murderer. Two weeks before departing, I was rushed to hospital emergency with internal stomach bleeding. I came out on top, but the doctors warned me: "Young man the next bleedings will cause death!"
After arriving in Australia a few weeks later I found I was as bitter and resentful as before. Nothing seems to be different. I realized that I could travel the whole world, but I would always take myself with me and that I was the real problem and not those I blamed. Coming to grips with reality I simply surrendered my life into the Almighty's Hands. To my indescribable relief and astonishment the ulcers vanished literally over night! I was healed. The doctors could not explain but I knew and told them what had happened.
I returned home to Switzerland. I knew the Military Court would sentence me to severe punishment including imprisonment if I told my old Colonel the truth. However after he and his staff heard my story they decided not to pass sentence on me and gave me amnesty instead. I was asked to give talks on this subject in the Army. I also had to put things right with my parents and some other people and ask their forgiveness.
This deep, deep experience jolted me into a new life of building trust through obedience to God’s leading and forgiveness in families and in society, inspiring changes and solutions in industrial and political strife.
I have been led to people from all walks of life and races, Harijans or Favelados (Brazil), students, workers, peasants and right up to top civil servants, diplomats and Prime Ministers across the globe giving me a calling that I could not have ever imagined when I was young and felt lost. I have understood the reality that changing hate is the key to changing history.
With tremendous respect and in all humility for what you Nagas have endured and suffered I wanted to share this with you. You have walked into my heart and I believe you could be the spearhead of making Mahatma Gandhi’s vision come true.
Meeting men and women from Dimapur, Kohima, Zubza but also from villages like Mezoma and as remote as Mon, I was struck by the quality of spirit in them, their simple living and their dignified bearing. I learnt a lot from them about the Nagas and their history.
Many strong views, hurts and colossal sufferings mix uneasily underneath the beauty of this land and wait for healing and reconciliation. Again very much like Swiss history.
The more I listened the more I was taken back to my own life when I was 24. Fear of what others thought and injustice made me bitter. This hidden hate produced internal stomach ulcers of the worst kind causing terribly painful attacks that came regularly.
All men in Switzerland are fully trained soldiers who can be called out to fight in times of war. As a sergeant-major I stole grenades and ammunition from the Swiss Army to use against those I thought were responsible for injustice in society which had hurt me and my own family. The youth all over Europe at the time rebelled against the Authorities and I became a part of it. At this stage, by coincidence, today I call it the Divine Hand, I immigrated to Australia, narrowly preventing me becoming a murderer. Two weeks before departing, I was rushed to hospital emergency with internal stomach bleeding. I came out on top, but the doctors warned me: "Young man the next bleedings will cause death!"
After arriving in Australia a few weeks later I found I was as bitter and resentful as before. Nothing seems to be different. I realized that I could travel the whole world, but I would always take myself with me and that I was the real problem and not those I blamed. Coming to grips with reality I simply surrendered my life into the Almighty's Hands. To my indescribable relief and astonishment the ulcers vanished literally over night! I was healed. The doctors could not explain but I knew and told them what had happened.
I returned home to Switzerland. I knew the Military Court would sentence me to severe punishment including imprisonment if I told my old Colonel the truth. However after he and his staff heard my story they decided not to pass sentence on me and gave me amnesty instead. I was asked to give talks on this subject in the Army. I also had to put things right with my parents and some other people and ask their forgiveness.
This deep, deep experience jolted me into a new life of building trust through obedience to God’s leading and forgiveness in families and in society, inspiring changes and solutions in industrial and political strife.
I have been led to people from all walks of life and races, Harijans or Favelados (Brazil), students, workers, peasants and right up to top civil servants, diplomats and Prime Ministers across the globe giving me a calling that I could not have ever imagined when I was young and felt lost. I have understood the reality that changing hate is the key to changing history.
With tremendous respect and in all humility for what you Nagas have endured and suffered I wanted to share this with you. You have walked into my heart and I believe you could be the spearhead of making Mahatma Gandhi’s vision come true.
A Swiss visitor and friend always.
[Email: < Fredy Bodmer: fremobod@sunrise.ch >
