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Nagaland has been swept in a vortex of uncertainty over the past few weeks. From the floods and collapsing bridges, to the dramatic return of our former CM to power, our state is desperately in need of peace and stability. Where are we headed and what must we do to restore new hope in Nagaland?
With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility
Mankind, with no atmosphere of perseverance suffocates, and without a pillar of eminent leaders collapses. Over the past many years, grief has overpowered gaiety, and money power has been winning continuously over our voices. Our voices are vanishing in thin air with the wavering of the heart. Our hearts are undecided even when we are expected to strike a right attitude for ourselves and know where we are heading. We are living in a world that is literally half money-made where the guilt of losing one’s integrity is degrading and vanishing. There is nothing more deceiving and blinding than money. Thus, I believe the need of the hour is to realize our duty as stewards and work hand in hand for a good cause.
At present, there is so much need for positive growth in the society and that should begin with every single citizen. We are the leaders of today and if not, we are the leaders in the making. When we sooner realize this, then no responsibility will actually be viewed as a burden but as an opportunity and a chance to do something productive for our next generation. True, we have let go of thousand hours that could have made a huge difference around us, but we can still make a timeless impact with what we have at hand. It is time for us to work and say “watch me” as we begin to take new risks and handle our responsibilities.
When money talks, many hands quiver with greed and lust. It shuns people to utter the truth. It neither enables them to use their authority wisely nor makes them have the slightest concern for others besides their own. Suffice to say that money cannot talk and knows no one’s suffering and rights. It requires man’s right choice and decision over how it is used. However, many are voluntarily blinded by it at the cost of the others. How much more pleasant it would be if our attention could be diverted upon the face of the needful and our ears incline to the voices of the unheard. A better place it would be if we as leaders lust less for money and work more for the welfare of our brethren.
What we are compelled to witness today is when money talks, all mouths are hushed. Perhaps, when on the topic of elections is served on a platter, its sweetness coats the taste buds first, followed by a bitter aftertaste. Assurances are given to the masses, who believe in the empty promises and cast their votes. When fingers are pointed at a leader, we should instantly realize that we have slacked somewhere down the line by confusing ourselves with mere gratifications of basic needs. We ought not to be swayed for fractions of happiness, instead widen our vision towards a lasting impact with any possible opportunity placed before us. The need for healthy election had been made known to all and surprisingly the signatures may not work on its own lest there be a bunch of key leaders willing to unlock the door of development.
There is surely a heavy load for every leader as they face the struggles that follow. But considering the powers vested in them, such loads are justified, for “with great power comes great responsibility”. It is much easier to scribble than to have a masterpiece. In the same manner, we need leaders whose words and works would turn into a strong fortress for their citizens. If a man has a dream and a fire from within to build an ideal atmosphere, he would apparently begin to make a change. However, we don’t buy dreams in an instant; we just genuinely plant it in our hearts and let it grow. We dream of a peaceful Nagaland, but how much apart from ‘dreaming’ are we doing?
What if we could stoop a little lower than before and notice the coarse path we have been travelling all the while with bowed heads? What if every heart would melt to an innocent cry? What if we can open our eyes wide or maybe not, just because we are afraid to step into the light? There is surely something holding us back from doing what we need to be doing. Well, everyone is prone to hardships. Suppose a man meets with an accident and is critically injured. He really needs faster commuting, but our slow-paced bumpy roads will definitely limit his chances of survival. Then I bet we would uncomfortably sit back with our teeth clenched for we know that we have made this mess out of our state. It is not surprising to learn that we all asked for meat before we could even have a piece of bread stuffed in our mouth.
In broad daylight, we don’t need lullabies of false assurances, rather a resounding alarm to wake us from our fantasy and strengthen our feeble hands to work before the dusk engulfs us wholly. Though thousand signatures are imprinted upon a paper, only integrity will sustain its true form. Another right direction has been made known to us and we shall persevere till the concerned and burdened hearts take the lead and strive toward a better tomorrow. May we retrospect on the past failures and glory, for I believe, to retrospect is to reconstruct. May someone someday cry out that we are heading back to the shore where the waves of gluttony can drench us no more.
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, Anjan K Behera, Tatongkala Pongen, Nungchim Christopher, and Kvulo Lorin. Portrait photographer: Rhilo Mero. For feedback or comments please email: dot@tetsocollege.org.