The relationship between the individual and the society is sacred. Just as the individual’s thoughts and actions are shaped by the society, the society is the outcome of the collection of different individual’s actions. One effective way of shaping the society is, a right thinking individual with the ability to diagnose and correct the idea of the day. For this
an effective education is imperative.
an effective education is imperative.
A well balanced Naga Society
I am just any ordinary Naga youth and when it comes to the topic ‘Naga Society’, this is such a broad topic and I may not be the best fit or too novice to talk about. But as clearly mentioned in the Indian Preamble ‘LIBERTY of thought, and expression’, I am utilizing the full advantage of these rights, in sharing my opinion about the current status of the Naga society.
When we look into the Naga society, we see a pool of talented people in every field. Some recognise it earlier in life and use it to the best of their ability whereas some are just too ignorant or unfortunate due to financial constraints. Looking at the literacy rate of the state today, we are proud to hold a literacy rate of 79.55% (as of 2011 census) compared to 66.59% a decade earlier. Our literacy rate has immensely increased which is laudable but the real concern is, are we really educated? Are we really equipped with the necessary skills to be employable? Or is it just a mere degree with a grandly printed certificate? In this connection, our present day education will result to us with three different groups of people- Firstly, a group of educated people being idle and too critical. Secondly, educated people with a package of bad influence to the society and Thirdly, educated people that contribute, help and bring positive changes in the society. Looking at the present education scenario, I regret to admit but I believe most of our Naga educated people fall in the first and second categories. There are just a handful of people who are honestly working very hard towards the welfare of the society.
It is often observed that a section of educated people bring more trouble than positive change to the society. With a degree certificate we want to hold a high position with the intention of working less and earning more. The typical Naga aspiration of taking an easier route which is hardly possible in reality.
We Nagas try to live a sophisticated life and pretend to be someone who we are not. We think too highly of ourselves which leads us to drown in our own ego. And we have become too materialistic, greedy, selfish and focused on our own well being, we neglect our role in the society. We often hear our elders saying, the rich have become richer and the poor are becoming poorer. To answer our elder’s concern,, Aristotle’s saying may best reflect the order of the day;
“Yes the truth is that men’s ambition and their desire to make money are among the most frequent causes of deliberate acts of injustice”.
When it come to ownership about private and govt. properties, I believe most of us will agree with Aristotle when he said, “the greater the number of owners, the less the respect for common property. People are more careful of their personal possessions than that of those commonly owned.; they exercise care over common property only if they are personally affected”.
In our Society, less support is given when someone is still struggling to achieve their goals however when achieved, there are more people trying to pull them down. People make a mountain out of a mount which is a source of de motivation for the honest hardworking people. We are more habituated with discouraging than appreciating one another. A timely realization and correction of this habit is the character of a genuinely educated person.
We still have miles to go, we need a reality check to discover our inabilities and humble ourselves. We must also realise that, when we achieve something it is not only because of our own intelligence, hard work and luck but it is also because of the constant support of the people around us; our parents, friends, mentors etc. And also because of the help from God who gives meaning and purpose to our lives because every action of an individual causes a repercussion beyond a defined jurisdiction.
It is time for us to wake up from our deep slumber and start our mission for the betterment of our Society for a better tomorrow. We must realise that every little action is an agent of change to the bigger picture of, “let us bring change to the society”..
“I know this is just one bulb. But together if we all change one bulb at a time, we can certainly be more energy efficient during this time of acute power crisis. This is just a very small gesture on our part – but after all, it is the little drops of water that make the mighty ocean.”- Anonymous.
The Christian teaching and principles which we all profess teaches us that God does not prioritize us by our social status by the degree certificate we hold. He sees the heart. But when we observe our society, the rich get better opportunities not only in the offices, educational institutions and social gatherings but also in the churches, an institution which is supposedly the embodiment of equality. . It intrigues me to know why the front seats are always reserved for the rich or educated people. Do we even have the audacity to question and try to change ourselves from within?
Do we have the right education to discover our shortcomings and in the process shape our thinking to confront and provide answers to all the previously discussed questions? Can we transform our current society into an advanced, just and people centric society? .
Let us strive for a balanced society where the rich, poor, educated and illiterate will find that space to ride on the same wheel to work for the same cause.
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, Tatongkala Pongen, Seyiesilie Vupru, Vikono Krose and Kvulo Lorin. Portrait photographer: Rhilo Mero. For feedback or comments please email:dot@tetsocollege.org.