Nagaland of my dream
- Part 2 -

Jagdamba Mall *

This has shattered ancient customary control over the society. This has demolished the family institution of Naga society. Naga parents don't care for their children. The family bonds are breaking away and children do not care for their parents and elders. This is because of western religion and western culture.

I dream for the day when Nagas realize the fault committed less than half a century ago by opting for Christian religion, western culture and secessionist uprising supported by Church.

I dream Nagas' phase-wise return to their forefathers' ancient human decency by opting for indigenous religion and metaphysical way of life by practising indigenous culture which Naga forefathers - the so-called 'head-hunters' lived and prospered.

3. Freedom from HIV/AIDS:-

There are 35000 HIV positive patients in 7 Northeast states and this accounts for less than 3% of Bharatvarsh's more than one billion population of HIV positive carriers.

The states like Nagaland and Manipur are reportedly worst victim of HIV/AIDS in NE region because of porous fringe line with heroine - producing "Golden Triangle" of Laos- Myanmar - Thailand. This region has high rate of intravenous drug users considered to be the prime cause behind the alarming rise in HIV cases in the hill states.

Sharing of needles by drug addicts and freedom of the pre-marital and post extra-marital sex are responsible for the quantum increase in AIDS cases. Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland are worst sufferers due to their proximity to Golden Triangle.

Apart from the problems of intravenous drug abuses, the social pattern of some of Janjati (tribal) groups, liberal outlook about sexual relationship and waning values in the ultra modern life style with liquor addiction have extensively deepened the crisis.I dream for a HIV/AIDS free sane society of Nagas where people admire to live a metaphysical way of life as a perfect human being.

4. Contemporary Naga Customary Laws:-

There should be a well-documented customary laws and well-established customary courts at village level in the case of big villages and zone level in the case of smaller scattered villages where most of disputes are settled and only a very rare and serious cases are referred to court of law.

Today it has become redundant because judicial courts and administration take up most of the cases. District administration interferes in customary law. Gaon Burah (GB) and Dobashi (DB) institution should be strengthened and the system should be more effective. There should be coordination of GB, DB, Village Councils and Area Council with District Administration and Police. This will provide collateral help to judiciary and crime can be stemmed.

5. Tourism :-

The Bharatiya tourism sector is seen generating $ 42.8 billion by 2017, a 42 percent surge from 2007 as per the survey report by an auditing and consulting firm - Deloitte Touché. Despite the challenges being faced in terms of a slowing economy, sluggish demand and security concerns, the country is fighting back and tourism developments are taking place.

Bharatvarsh - the surging super power is fast becoming the tourism destination for the global communities. The country's share in the worlds tourist inflow is 44 percent. Realizing the potential in Bharatvarsh, international and domestic hotel chains are rushing to cash in on it.

International tourists account for a little over 5 million visitors while domestic market is seen at more than 500 million. Alongwith socio-cultural, archaeological, ecological and religious tourism; medical tourism is poised for rapid development in future and the country is fast developing first class facilities to attract this multi-billion dollar niche market.

Alas! Nagaland can also pick up matching pace in development of tourism in the state where people from different part of the country and the world move around freely enjoying the aesthetic beauty of the nature and the natives of the "Paradise unexplored".

Nagaland in particular gives the impression that this state is underdeveloped, rife with violence, kidnapping, terrorist activities, extortion, poor road connectivity and communication facilities. The image of Nagas is also that of anti-Hindu and anti-national.

I dream for the day when Nagas develop the proper perspective and positive approach to achieve the goal. The diversity and the variety of the ecology, the different Naga tribes with their unique life-styles, festivals, religious practices and customs concentrated in this small state is a boon for visitors by enabling them to explore and experience Nagaland without the problem of traveling great distances.

The standard and availability of food and lodging is very basic as compared to other states but the hospitality and the outgoingness of the people can play a big role in this sector. The true history of Nagas and contributions of people like Dr. S.C. Jamir, Hokishe Sema, Vizol, J.B. Jasokie and the likes towards weaving the strong Bharatiya society in Nagaland should be proliferated.

6. Hornbill Festival :-

Hornbill Festival should be upgraded to the level of "Festival of Nagaland " to attract the essence of the state displaying splendor of rich and diverse cultural and religious life of its people. The Nagaland Government should endeavour to make it a people's festival by giving it a multi-Bharatiya glimpse.

With a view to encourage the preservation of indigenous faith and culture, the display of ancient religious practices and rituals should be organized for the world to know. The cultural troops from all the states of NE region, Sikkim and other states of the country are invited to participate and celebrate the festival collectively.

The President, Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers and all the Chief Ministers of participating states are invited on different occasions during the week-long religio-cultural programme. The cultural evenings are organized to showcase not only the cultural, culinary and aesthetic uniqueness of Nagaland but also rich cultural diversity of the country.

Apart from cultural programmes, other major attractions of the festival are Food Festival with delicious janjati dishes exhibition on textile and handicraft products, flower/orchid show cum sale, traditional sports events, poem writing and painting competitions, display of modern technologies relevant to the state and NE region, book-fare etc.

Hornbill festival - the Festival of Nagaland is festival of the people, by the people and for the people wherein socio-cultural and ancient religious values are encouraged. It is cautiously prevented from becoming a carnival festival.

The Mela administration should be successful in curbing the indiscipline and punishing erring persons, sale and use of liquor, toxic drugs and body-baring programmes are banned.

In the fast changing world, the societies are fast transforming from exclusiveness to inclusiveness with their nature changing from local to regional, regional to national and national to global. The meaning of sovereignty and colonial should be properly understood now.

Both these words are irrelevant today in the context of Naga secessionist movement because their own chosen people in the democratic set up are ruling the state defined by fixed boundaries and at the Center. People of all the Naga tribes are representing their societies in the state assembly and the parliament.

I dream for the realization of the truth to occur in the mind of underground leaders, political leaders, church leaders, executive class, media men and the civil society so that Nagaland moves alongwith whole nation destined to become super power in the world in the near future.

(Concluded)