Although I have lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for many years, I have left my heart in Nagaland. Coming home is always a joy. During my recent visit I traveled to Phek, Kohima, Wokha, and Mokokchung. I was once again mesmerized by the lush green forests and the majestic mountains, the wild flowers and fruits blooming along the roadside, and the hanging orchids draped in the trees. Along with the beauty we heard the joyful noise in a chorus of many tunes – the chirping and singing of birds and animals. Nagaland is a great place to explore for zoologists and botanists.
While I soaked in the fresh air and the beauty around me, I also saw the challenges facing the Naga people today. The terrible condition of the roads disheartened me. Traveling by car, bus, or truck can be dangerous. Despite the presence of countless potholes and extremely narrow streets, I was quite impressed by the techniques the drivers have developed to maneuver their vehicles with everyone sharing the same tiny lane. Improving and widening main roads to two lanes is crucial for public safety and for more effective driving. Improved roads and an orderly traffic system can transform Nagaland into a land of paradise.
The sad shape of roads indicates the government has not given this the top priority. Yet improving everyday life – not to mention growing businesses, trade, and tourism – all relies heavily on improving the roadways. I pray that the present government will address this concern. By doing so, the government will gain trust, credibility and admiration from the Naga people. It is clearly evident that in the past, people who have undertaken the roadwork have done an unacceptable job and gotten away with it. A simple “band aid procedure” does not apply to this type of work. It demands excellent lasting workmanship.
Trade schools are also much needed in Nagaland. There is a huge disparity between the “haves” and “have nots,” and a middle class can only develop through improved skills and apprenticeship. Bamboo grows in abundance in Nagaland, and if we can improve the skills of people then perhaps this resource can be tapped for the manufacture and export of products to the rest of the world.
The educated Naga youth must also be valued and be given positive direction. In recent years there have been protests due to frustration over high unemployment and the corruption of the Nagaland Public Service Commission’s (NPSC) competitive exams. The NPSC should clean its house and honor the deserving, educated youth. Everyone should be encouraged to work hard, and those that perform well (on examinations) should be rewarded with jobs they qualify for. Having positive examples of success based on integrity and honesty will boost the morale of our young intellectuals and provide them with hope. If the system becomes fair and open, the energy expended towards activities like protests can be channeled towards a more productive outcome.
Students will emulate what is shown and taught, and will become leaders with integrity who fight for justice if the government acts in this manner, too. So let us celebrate integrity, honesty, and quality workmanship in all that we do. Let us embrace prosperity in our land for ourselves, our children, and for their children. Remember, we do not inherit the land from our parents; we borrow it from our children.
Despite the challenges, the Naga culture and landscape remain a wealth of beauty and is a place worthy of pride and exploration. The view surrounding Clark Theological College at Aolichen is reminiscent of the Santa Cruz Mountains in California. The forests, fields, and cities nestled among the mountains of Nagaland are gorgeous and memorable.
Within villages and cities the creative women from all the tribes have created and preserved beautiful textiles in the form of shawls and skirts. We thank our precious, amazing Naga mothers and grandmothers for instilling Naga heritage and culture through the woven fabric of meaning. Likewise, the Naga cuisine is another treasure yet to be shared with the rest of the world. It is healthy, wholesome, and delicious. The organic vegetables and fruits are grown with no pesticides. On my visit, everywhere I turned I saw eskos (squash) hanging in abundance from the vines. Since it’s grown in abundance, it is generously shared with the pigs. The rich, unique tasting fish Wokha Doyang yields is another blessing to our people. Everywhere you turn, truly there are blessings to be seen. God truly loves us and displays His handiwork all over Nagaland.
As we traveled to Phek, we saw vegetable stands stocked with food but no farmers minding them. We asked our driver whether people steal the produce. He responded by explaining people know how much the vegetables and herbs cost, and so they take what they want and leave money for the farmers “on the honor system.” It was a breath of fresh air to hear and see the integrity of our people. We have what it takes. Let us use it to good. God has blessed Nagaland in abundance.
While Nagaland has challenges, it also has great potential. Good governance, high-quality schools, and improvements to the health care system are difficult but not impossible. Once improvements, such as developing quality hotels and making local attractions more inviting, we can attract tourists, which in turn can bring huge revenues to the State, create job opportunities and develop our State into a highly desirable place to live.
Nagaland will become a prosperous country. It will take much work, but what a gift we can give ourselves, to our next generation, and to the rest of the world. The world is now a small global village. Let us present to the world our beautiful Nagaland as the Garden of Eden in all respects – not just in natural beauty, but in the majesty of our ethical society of towns, cities and villages as well.
While I soaked in the fresh air and the beauty around me, I also saw the challenges facing the Naga people today. The terrible condition of the roads disheartened me. Traveling by car, bus, or truck can be dangerous. Despite the presence of countless potholes and extremely narrow streets, I was quite impressed by the techniques the drivers have developed to maneuver their vehicles with everyone sharing the same tiny lane. Improving and widening main roads to two lanes is crucial for public safety and for more effective driving. Improved roads and an orderly traffic system can transform Nagaland into a land of paradise.
The sad shape of roads indicates the government has not given this the top priority. Yet improving everyday life – not to mention growing businesses, trade, and tourism – all relies heavily on improving the roadways. I pray that the present government will address this concern. By doing so, the government will gain trust, credibility and admiration from the Naga people. It is clearly evident that in the past, people who have undertaken the roadwork have done an unacceptable job and gotten away with it. A simple “band aid procedure” does not apply to this type of work. It demands excellent lasting workmanship.
Trade schools are also much needed in Nagaland. There is a huge disparity between the “haves” and “have nots,” and a middle class can only develop through improved skills and apprenticeship. Bamboo grows in abundance in Nagaland, and if we can improve the skills of people then perhaps this resource can be tapped for the manufacture and export of products to the rest of the world.
The educated Naga youth must also be valued and be given positive direction. In recent years there have been protests due to frustration over high unemployment and the corruption of the Nagaland Public Service Commission’s (NPSC) competitive exams. The NPSC should clean its house and honor the deserving, educated youth. Everyone should be encouraged to work hard, and those that perform well (on examinations) should be rewarded with jobs they qualify for. Having positive examples of success based on integrity and honesty will boost the morale of our young intellectuals and provide them with hope. If the system becomes fair and open, the energy expended towards activities like protests can be channeled towards a more productive outcome.
Students will emulate what is shown and taught, and will become leaders with integrity who fight for justice if the government acts in this manner, too. So let us celebrate integrity, honesty, and quality workmanship in all that we do. Let us embrace prosperity in our land for ourselves, our children, and for their children. Remember, we do not inherit the land from our parents; we borrow it from our children.
Despite the challenges, the Naga culture and landscape remain a wealth of beauty and is a place worthy of pride and exploration. The view surrounding Clark Theological College at Aolichen is reminiscent of the Santa Cruz Mountains in California. The forests, fields, and cities nestled among the mountains of Nagaland are gorgeous and memorable.
Within villages and cities the creative women from all the tribes have created and preserved beautiful textiles in the form of shawls and skirts. We thank our precious, amazing Naga mothers and grandmothers for instilling Naga heritage and culture through the woven fabric of meaning. Likewise, the Naga cuisine is another treasure yet to be shared with the rest of the world. It is healthy, wholesome, and delicious. The organic vegetables and fruits are grown with no pesticides. On my visit, everywhere I turned I saw eskos (squash) hanging in abundance from the vines. Since it’s grown in abundance, it is generously shared with the pigs. The rich, unique tasting fish Wokha Doyang yields is another blessing to our people. Everywhere you turn, truly there are blessings to be seen. God truly loves us and displays His handiwork all over Nagaland.
As we traveled to Phek, we saw vegetable stands stocked with food but no farmers minding them. We asked our driver whether people steal the produce. He responded by explaining people know how much the vegetables and herbs cost, and so they take what they want and leave money for the farmers “on the honor system.” It was a breath of fresh air to hear and see the integrity of our people. We have what it takes. Let us use it to good. God has blessed Nagaland in abundance.
While Nagaland has challenges, it also has great potential. Good governance, high-quality schools, and improvements to the health care system are difficult but not impossible. Once improvements, such as developing quality hotels and making local attractions more inviting, we can attract tourists, which in turn can bring huge revenues to the State, create job opportunities and develop our State into a highly desirable place to live.
Nagaland will become a prosperous country. It will take much work, but what a gift we can give ourselves, to our next generation, and to the rest of the world. The world is now a small global village. Let us present to the world our beautiful Nagaland as the Garden of Eden in all respects – not just in natural beauty, but in the majesty of our ethical society of towns, cities and villages as well.
