Rainbow for the Nagas

ZK Pahru Pou *

A rainbow as seen in a paddy field over the Imphal Valley in December 2015 :: Pix - Aheibam Koireng Singh

The Flood story (Genesis 6-9) reminded us that human wickedness escalated to a point of no return. The possibility of repentance and forgiveness of wickedness became remote. God felt regret and became frustrated with God's own creation.

This frustration (and not human sin alone) led to the destruction of life by flood. Immediately after the flood, God seems to realize that evil is part of human nature.

This realization made God to make a covenant of life, "I will never again curse the ground because of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I ever again destroy every living creature as I have done.... When the bow is in the clouds, I will look upon it and remembers the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth (Genesis 8: 21; 9:16).

Noah's story describes the possibility of a thin thread of continuity, the continuity between life and death. Flood brought death. But the rainbow brings life. Rainbow is a sign of Reconciliation'. Sin destroys our relationship with fellow human beings and nature. Sin destroys peace, harmony and life. This displeases God- the Creator.

It compelled God to impose corrective action leading to the total destruction of life by Flood. After the flood, Noah offered sacrifices to God as a sign of human repentance.

God accepted Noah's action and promised never to destroy the earth again. Rainbow is a sign of reconciliation between God and humankind and even with all creation. Naga people must look to rainbow and reconcile among themselves.

It is high time to forgive one another. It is high time to accept one another. It is high time for us to repent. Till the Nagas repent and reconcile with each other, flood will continue to take place and create havoc in our society.

Rainbow is a sign of Unity : One or two colours do not make a rainbow. The composition of seven colours made rainbow beautiful and make delightful to behold. Different Naga tribes must be united to build a beautiful nation even as different colours are united in rainbow and attracts the attention of millions of people.

Naga nation cannot be built on the opinion of one or two renowned Naga individuals. It cannot be even built on the basis of just few well developed tribes/organisations. From different places and tribes, the Naga must come together and be united and rise above all obstacles even as rainbow appears in the midst of drizzle and sunshine to be seen by all.

The Naga nation must show an example to all races and nations that there is possibility of living together as beautiful nation in the midst of differences and aspirations.

Rainbow is a sign of life: Flood is the opposite of rainbow. It is a sign of destruction. It signifies the danger and threat. It is a symbol of wickedness, greed, and violence. It is a symbol of death.

Rainbow is a sign of life. It is a symbol of calm and peace. In a stormy rainy day, till rainbow appears in the sky, there is no guarantee for life. God through rainbow reminds us again and again to value and protect life. It is indeed sad that Nagas use Rainbow in their flag but continue to live wicked life.

Any individual, political party or organisation that destroys Naga nation with vested interest deserves judgment. God did not destroy the earth anymore but God chose to die and become an atonement for us. We must reciprocate God and nature by becoming the 'sacrificial lamb ' for each other.

We need to say 'sorry' to fellow beings, to nature and to God. Mutual atonement will bring healing and prevent all kinds of destruction and death. In the Bible, flood story did not end up with destruction and death. Flood gives way to Rainbow and life begins all anew.

Let rainbow appears for the Nagas. Kuknalim.