By the time this editorial piece is out, the tribute concert for Margaret Anne Shishak at State Academy Hall, Kohima would have ended. But like any great artist and a wonderful human being, the legacy of this Washington born gallant lady will continue to inspire the future generation of our people. The Nagas in particular has much to thank her for what she has done and sacrificed for, towards the future of young people especially in the fields of music and education. The tribute concert for Mrs Shishak who will turn 66 this coming November is therefore only a small drop in the vast ocean of sacrifice that both she and her equally selfless husband Dr Tuisem Shishak (Founder Principal Emeritus, Patkai Christian College) has done for the people with their time and endless sacrifice. And even today despite having had to go through all those trials and tribulations, both continue to serve the people in their respective fields. We are therefore grateful for their service and it would be a failure in our duty if we do not say ‘thank you for the music’ Mrs Shishak. ‘Thanks for all the joy they’re bringing’.
The enormous contribution of Mrs Shishak in the field of music has to be appreciated by one and all. Already an accomplished musician in the United States, the young Margaret instead of pursuing her professional career stood by her husband, who founded Patkai Christian College in Nagaland in 1974, the first Christian liberal arts school in the State. She immediately set on the task of teaching music to the students and established the music department under trying circumstances in the jungles of the Patkai range. Ever since then she has served as the Music Director of the college. It is indeed a wonderful testimony of her love for music and teaching, which still continues to be her driving force. America’s loss of a prodigious musical talent has been a phenomenal gain for the Naga people.
While both Mrs Shishak and her husband have done pioneering work in the field of education and music and with equally great success, however not many people are aware of the arduous journey often strewn with unfavorable circumstances that they had to virtually fend off starting from the overzealous and unfair suspicion put out by the Indian intelligence. All this has made an innocent person like Mrs Shishak a victim of American (Christian) bashing by hardliners running the show in both the Home and External Affairs Ministry. The point is even after more than 30 years of service to the people; Mrs Shishak has been made to feel unwelcome by the Indian establishment in her own home with the Nagas. This is the greatest tragedy of them all. Although late in the day, the State government on its part has the moral injunction to address this issue and undo the wrong done to one of her daughters who has given so much back to the land of her calling. One will also hope that due recognition is given to those who have made immense sacrifices for the people. The tribute concert for Margaret Shishak should only be the beginning.
