Dr Asangba Tzudir
The increasing number of unions in Nagaland only adds to the growing number of fund-drive activities or events, goodwill collections and donations. This has really become a very painful means for the existence of the unions and organizations, and where any additional unseen expenditure really affects family budget. On another level beyond the number of collections in various forms what is really intriguing is that collections have gone to the extent of asking half salary without hardly any moral consideration about the sustenance of the family. Like this is not enough, even the tithe which is God’s share is not spared. However, in spite of all these, in the larger pursuit of ‘representation’, the number of unions and organizations will keep growing. The irony is that our sense and sensibilities finds largely misplaced and which has a lot to say about the Naga understanding of value and the larger pursuit of symbolization, representation and recognition.
While occasions, commemorative celebrations and landmarks are organized and celebrated with much religious fervor, yet very often organized beyond the means and at the mercy of the collections and donations, it also raises the question – Does it serve the larger objective of ‘unity’, ‘good’ and ‘welfare’ for the community? The numerous Naga tribes and its diverse tribal conglomeration, villages, clans, ranges, town units etc. etc. is reflected through the various forms of unions, organizations, associations, groups each of which have its sub-branches and units across and which increases the number of collections and donations. While the idea of unity and representation for the larger good and welfare of the community have been the basis of its existence, sadly, the present status of Naga society and the various forms of divisions is testament enough that the existence of the so many unions has not contributed to the larger unity and cohesiveness of the Nagas.
The number of commemorative celebrations and programs which more often goes way out of proportion draws upon the Naga sensibility. It has instilled a wrong sense of competition among the various unions, groups, organizations that it gets unnecessarily pompous and showy and in the process drains the family budget which seriously disrupts the functioning of the family. Rather than seeking donations and contributions we need to think about better and innovative ways of generating money and resources and thereby help cut down on donations and contributions. And it is also time for all the various unions and groups and associations etc. etc. to do away with all the unnecessary ‘ritualistic’ practices and rather stay more relevant with the times. For now, the ‘symbolic’ unity and representation has caused more of disintegration which in no way help the larger cause of Naga unity. On the whole, Nagas need to put an end to this sickening menace of donations and collections which only reflects the redundant and non-progressive nature of Naga society.
It also attests to the shallow understanding of value where at lot of emphasis is given on the material and status aspect starting from the Church which seems to give emphasis on the Church building, salary amount and whether a church pastor is ordained and has a doctorate. Academia too, suffers from a similar symptom where emphasis is given on the highest degrees, designations and the number of publications but hardly on quality and the persons merit irrespective of their status and position. On the whole, similar symptom runs through in various organizations, unions and establishments both govt. and pvt. in the pursuit of value, status and power.
The emphasis on the material, position and status has made the Naga value system redundant and in the pursuit of such value from within the various exclusive zones while trying to go above the other, and therefore we gazetted unions, we create our own layers of suffering through the numerous forms of forced collections. Further, it has set a very dangerous precedent for the younger generation on the value system and their understanding of value that the emphasis on material value and the pursuit of status finds instilled in the young minds too. It is high time for Nagas to unlearn and rebuild a new value system built on knowledge which has so far been ignored and not on the material and status value. For now knowledge needs to be pursued and acknowledged and given value if Nagas are to be freed of this material and status enslavement.
(Dr Asangba Tzudir writes guest editorials for The Morung Express. Comments can be mailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
