Study of the evolution of human society teaches us that ‘human society’ has always been divided into different social groups which have developed over the period of time and got strengthened due to intra-group social endosmosis. Naga culture is no exception. In a State like Nagaland, tribalism is notably prevalent all around us, both in conscious and unconscious ways.
What is tribalism? It is an exclusive attitude of a person making him feel proud of whom she/he is in the given society. It can also be termed as a ‘structural defect’ in a given society that destroys its member’s human cordiality and relationship with so called “others” in the greater society outside the ‘tribal isolation’. This tribal + ism can be witnessed in all societies in India in different forms which make their respective members feel exclusive and superior to the others.
However, in the Naga context, tribalism is rooted in one's' identity-based egoist identification. It is considered to be the pride of a person to be a member of the community they belong to. Nagas are a people with different tribal distinctions based mainly on the variation of languages, yet culturally and traditionally identical. In the perspective of mainland Indians, the Nagas are a hill tribe, however, to the Nagas, they are of a relatively modern, in-progress nation. This mixed feeling of Indian perception and Nagas’ identity has opened and created a curiosity to know who they really are. They further find differences and visible distinctions among Nagas and discover their identity apart from the common ‘Naganess’- which is yet to be fully understood, conceptualized, evolved and matured in Naga society.
Tribalism and groupism consists of tribes that have increased and started showing their ugly heads which is not a good sign for Naga unity. Each tribe and group consists of tribes that only think and work for individual benefits. No tribe has shown all inclusive and true leadership roles in Naga society. Each tribe views the other tribe as a potential threat or competitor in the growth story of Nagas.
In governance, tribalism is contributing to corruption in the state in the form of nepotism. In politics, it is increasing because of the absence of a credible anti-graft institution. In society and the church, I feel it is this psychology of “MY TRIBE” and “YOUR TRIBE” which is detrimental to the progress of a Naga society that kills the very essence of coexistence.
With the development and progress of the world around us, over the years our people are becoming more and more materialistic hence becoming more vulnerable to the ‘lust for material gains and money’. Nagas have become modern, we are well dressed people, we speak good English, however; the tragedy is we have not yet been able to inculcate ‘Wisdom’ within us. Therefore, it is but natural for us to have been cursed with the most fertile ground for corruption.
However, I say, “A MAN WHO IS INSANELY HUNGRY FOR MORE AND MORE MATERIAL WEALTH ONLY INDULGES IN CORRUPTION. MAN WHO IS BLESSED WITH THE WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDS THE REAL MEANING OF HIS EXISTENCE LIVES AN HONORABLE, CONSTRUCTIVE, PRODUCTIVE, PROGRESSIVE LIFE AND NATURALLY STAYS AWAY FROM EVERY TYPE OF CORRUPTION.”
Nepotism in government service appointments, tribal groups and student bodies always emphasize on favoring their own tribes in all walks of life during their annual gatherings. This all happens because of ‘Greed’ and ‘Power Mongering’. Nepotism kills merit and we witness mediocrity everywhere. Super competitive talent, higher intellect, highest degree of professionalism and genuine intentions asphyxiated by the venomous fumes of tribalism-consequently ‘nepotism’.
Also, in case of Nagaland State’s Reservation Policy it is an open secret that the state corruption ensures that elites will always benefit in each sub-group and to maintain their position at the top of the charts, continue to fan the fire of 'tribalism' which works greatly to their benefit. Such a painful and shameful situation we are in. The sin of selfishness and hatred towards another brother tribe had led to insecurities.
We Nagas need to introspect and get self-critical and know who we are, and where we are going from here. To me, we (Nagas) are one racial group designed and purposed for a common vision and destination. We wish to be called as a nation, but how will that be possible when the walls among us are getting strengthened? We speak about freedom, but when are we going to free ourselves from the dark prisons of greed, materialism, deception, lies, manipulation and power mongering? We cannot step further without that, am I right or wrong?
In the world where people are coming together as an international community- in the form of a ‘Global Village’ how can we lag behind? There can be neither progress nor achievement without a sacrifice, and in order to go forward, it is essential to give up what is holding us back; human greed and the negative inflated pride of tribalism. How long shall we allow continuing this? We- the generation-Y-the millennial of 21st Century- which is well read, well educated, well informed, intellectually matured with a global vision must strive to create a new ‘social model’ to tackle the problems of ‘tribalism’ and contribute to the collective growth story of our Naga society and our country.
The universe does not favor the greedy, the dishonest, and the vicious but honest and the virtuous. Let us not indulge in tribalism, let us not indulge in corrupt practices, let us not become beneficiaries of the products of sin and crime, let us not rejoice standing over the pillars of ‘wrong’. We-the individuals; are the ‘solution’ to every problem that our society is suffering from. If every individual learn to change, everything will fall in line. We want to live a life like a human being and law abiding citizen-with compassion, love, honesty, honour and WE WILL.
Even though we are divided into seventeen tribes in our state, my people-the Nagas of the Nagaland let us not forget that we are ONE!
Degree of Thought is a weekly community column initiated by Tetso College in partnership with The Morung Express. Degree of Thought will delve into the social, cultural, political and educational issues around us. The views expressed here do not reflect the opinion of the institution. Tetso College is a NAAC Accredited UGC recognised Commerce and Arts College. The editors are Dr Hewasa Lorin, Dr Aniruddha Babar, Aienla A, Meren and Kvulo Lorin. For feedback or comments please email: dot@tetsocollege.org
