The alarming increase of anti-social activities in our state is indeed a wakeup call for each and every citizen of Nagaland. The menace of rape followed by murder, blame-game, passing the buck, extortion, back door appointments, are rather sounding a dangerous siren which, if not addressed wisely, will erode the morale of our society. Mere road blocks, protest rallies, condemnations, calling the law to nab the culprits alone will not help to restrain the shameful situation. They are needed to the extent the law is constrained to do its duty. And we might justify our conscience by claiming that we have addressed the issue. However, the issues only lie dormant; something catastrophic is yet to attack our society if they are not tackled in their core. Therefore, in order to erase such types of anti-social elements completely, there is a greater need for attitudinal change in our way of thinking and approach towards people, especially the weaker sections of our society, i.e., the women, the poor and children. It calls for serious reflection from the part of the intellectuals, theologians and thinkers of our society to guide everyone through various inputs, seminars and workshops to assess our attitude towards money, work culture, women, poor, downtrodden and children. Often the less fortunate ones are misused and abused for pleasure and selfishness sake. In fact, it is only when we are convinced of the dignity of each human being created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26), then most of our alarming perils will cease. To this effect, each one of us has to realize who we are and what our dignity is.
Often times, we tend to evaluate our self worth with what we possess or know. Material possession and knowledge alone will not enhance our dignity. It is the right use of the money and knowledge that determines the value of a person. One will be able to utilize one’s money and knowledge rightly, only if it is acquired from a right source. And it is sad to note that easy flow of money is degrading the value of our society gradually. When a person has earned his wealth with hard work, then he will have first of all, a certain value for money. If not, he is sure of misusing his wealth for anti-social activities. This will in turn promote violence and bloodshed.
There is corruption, dishonesty, money power and muscle power in order to achieve one’s petty desires. There is a mad rush for acquiring a better position in the society and reputed departments for monetary as well as personal gains. Corruption is rampant everywhere. The recent back door appointments are only a tip of the iceberg. Therefore there is a danger of these vile practices corroding the decorum of our society. Does that mean that we accept dishonesty as practical reality? No, we should strive for the ideal. We are the only species that understands the concept of pursuit of excellence.
Sometimes, there is a tendency in all of us to tolerate evil just because it is becoming the rule of the day, as most are indulging in it. This sort of lackadaisical attitude would further dampen the spirit of renewal. Therefore, we need men of impeccable integrity in every sense of the word to revive the morale of our society. At the same time, an integrated approach involving the magnanimous acceptance of everyone as God’s child is urgently needed to change the face of our society. Moreover, morbid as it may sound, this menace will only be solved by realizing our true dignity. Yes, we need to resist and fight tendencies that seek to erode what makes us human. We should disregard traits that are anathema to public goodwill.
Hence, even as we vociferously register our discontent, it is also the need of the hour to recognize certain stalwarts who are contributing positively towards the welfare of our society. It has been a common trait to seek and admire role models outside our society. Now the time is highly ripe that we look into our society for such role models. We have very many eminent people who have shown the right way. There are many peacemakers who are doing wonderfully well in order to sustain our society from becoming bad to worse. We have Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, the Convener of FNR, who recently received the most prestigious Baptist World Alliance, 2011, Denton and Janice Lotz Human Rights Awards at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Also we are proud to have noted Gandhian and social activist Niketu Iralu, who received the prestigious Upendra Nath Brahma Soldier of Humanity Award 2011 at Kokrajhar Commerce College, Assam. These and many other shining examples is, in fact, a ray of hope to our society that is hassled by recent untoward incidents. May we draw long-standing lessons from these similar figures who have realized their worth and dignity and that of others that they can’t rest until everyone realizes this sense of worth. Let’s work together towards realizing our true dignity.
Often times, we tend to evaluate our self worth with what we possess or know. Material possession and knowledge alone will not enhance our dignity. It is the right use of the money and knowledge that determines the value of a person. One will be able to utilize one’s money and knowledge rightly, only if it is acquired from a right source. And it is sad to note that easy flow of money is degrading the value of our society gradually. When a person has earned his wealth with hard work, then he will have first of all, a certain value for money. If not, he is sure of misusing his wealth for anti-social activities. This will in turn promote violence and bloodshed.
There is corruption, dishonesty, money power and muscle power in order to achieve one’s petty desires. There is a mad rush for acquiring a better position in the society and reputed departments for monetary as well as personal gains. Corruption is rampant everywhere. The recent back door appointments are only a tip of the iceberg. Therefore there is a danger of these vile practices corroding the decorum of our society. Does that mean that we accept dishonesty as practical reality? No, we should strive for the ideal. We are the only species that understands the concept of pursuit of excellence.
Sometimes, there is a tendency in all of us to tolerate evil just because it is becoming the rule of the day, as most are indulging in it. This sort of lackadaisical attitude would further dampen the spirit of renewal. Therefore, we need men of impeccable integrity in every sense of the word to revive the morale of our society. At the same time, an integrated approach involving the magnanimous acceptance of everyone as God’s child is urgently needed to change the face of our society. Moreover, morbid as it may sound, this menace will only be solved by realizing our true dignity. Yes, we need to resist and fight tendencies that seek to erode what makes us human. We should disregard traits that are anathema to public goodwill.
Hence, even as we vociferously register our discontent, it is also the need of the hour to recognize certain stalwarts who are contributing positively towards the welfare of our society. It has been a common trait to seek and admire role models outside our society. Now the time is highly ripe that we look into our society for such role models. We have very many eminent people who have shown the right way. There are many peacemakers who are doing wonderfully well in order to sustain our society from becoming bad to worse. We have Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, the Convener of FNR, who recently received the most prestigious Baptist World Alliance, 2011, Denton and Janice Lotz Human Rights Awards at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Also we are proud to have noted Gandhian and social activist Niketu Iralu, who received the prestigious Upendra Nath Brahma Soldier of Humanity Award 2011 at Kokrajhar Commerce College, Assam. These and many other shining examples is, in fact, a ray of hope to our society that is hassled by recent untoward incidents. May we draw long-standing lessons from these similar figures who have realized their worth and dignity and that of others that they can’t rest until everyone realizes this sense of worth. Let’s work together towards realizing our true dignity.
Fr. Loyola Antony
Chumukedima
