There is a need for Unity: “Where there is unity, there is always victory.” Publilius Syrus
Many tribes together make the Naga whole and not otherwise. No one tribe should impose one’s authority over the other tribes in any means. Every tribe must come together and tilt forward to make Nagaland excellent among Northeast States, across India and over even the World. I believe that Nagas are destined to become a great society one day, soon. A small group of people in this big world, we are a proud-full Naga tribe. Progress comes only at great cost which is why we must unite together in unison and walk together to build Nagaland.
When we talk about logical faults or facts (not opinions) of the government, politicians or leaders, we tend to receive it negatively. It is usually because we are immensely regressed towards emotional attachment rather than taking it on rational maturity. Unnecessary hatred or ism has no place for a society that wants to progress. “We must learn to live together as brothers and sisters or perish together as fools.” Martin Luther King Jr. A right leader will unite the clashing society to coexist together and build a great society.
The Naga society has not yet understood the value of Unity and its implications in every spear of activities in a society. We have fragments that are endangering the social fabric of our oneness. There are forces that are penetrating into the minds of the Nagas which we must fight against and overwhelm it with communication, understanding, mutual respect, kindness and with one heart. Many Naga leaders had laid down their lives and exhausted everything they had for the Political cause and future of Nagas. Their dreams of robust, united, peaceful Nagaland were what drove them to stand tall against mighty Indian forces. It is that extra mile of dedication that has made our lives better and happier.
The Nagas are like Salad; “Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and test of our civilization.” Mahatma Gandhi
Nagas are like a salad, it is so beautiful to look at when all the ingredients are mixed and most of all it tastes very good. We (Nagas) have multiple dialects, food habits, culture, dress, dance, song, etc. We are Nagas with many ingredients (tribes) green chili, onion, tomato, carrot, cucumber, etc. All together it is perfectly delicious. So the Nagas all together are beautiful in a bowl. But we still miss one thing in us which is salt (Unity) without which we are tasteless. People see us beautifully together and not as individually. We are strong together and not otherwise. Together we taste perfect.
The difference between a leader and a great leader: A Naga leader I envision. “A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.” Rosalynn Carter
A leader brings order out of disarray, he gives path to the directionless, and he gives purpose to the people whose energy was going to waste. A leader executes deeds that millions desire but which the millions cannot do the same and thus you are the leader of the millions. We had leaders in ancient times, where kings were regarded as divine or ordained that led the masses despite their lack of virtues or qualities of exceptional leadership. Even today we have such leaders who get respect by virtue of their office or position and not because of their leadership qualities. Such leaders are unpopular to the masses. A leader is the servant of the people. We find that the disciples of Jesus Christ were quarreling for leadership among themselves. Then, Christ said, “let the man who would be the servant of all, be the leader of all.” So a leader must have the humility to work for the people and not for its name or title. Thus, servanthood is leadership. Even Mahatma Gandhi said, “I must reduce myself to a zero.”
Courage and bravery are the hallmarks of leadership. They guide the destinies of the people and nation. In modern times, leaders must also be a good orator. For instance, Nehru was a powerful orator and a man of letters. His fiery speeches influenced the minds of millions. “You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor.” says Aristotle, the father of Political Science.
A leader must have original ideas to lead the masses. The Indians wanted independence but did not have a point (spearhead) to go about the movement of millions of diverse people. Even though there were many other freedom heroes like Subhas Chandra Bose, Jawaharlal Nehru and Bhagat Singh, Gandhiji became the point and gave a completely new idea, as non-violent struggle. Mahatma Gandhi was always with the people, that is why he understood the masses mind and thus millions followed him. A leader must have the capacity to think and bring forth ideas that would take our society ahead and to do that one must embody the masses' vision and make it his mission.
A true leader rises to eminence not by blood and force but by willing obedience of the people. Their life is one constant struggle, excitement and challenges that they must endure and shoulder with great resilience. A Z Phizo, for instance, was an ideal Naga leader, under his able leadership he brought a group of Nagas together for a great cause (Freedom). True leaders with these qualities and characters seem absent in our society. Thus, a true leader will help bridge the divides and keep everyone cordially embracing the rich diversity of our people.
This is what I want the readers to ponder on at the end: What hopes and future do you expect from your leaders?
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 editorial team includes Chubamenla, Asst. Professor Dept. of English and Rinsit Sareo, Asst. Manager, IT, Media & Communications. For feedback or comments please email: dot@tetsocollege.org
