It was by chance that a rare opportunity came my way to visit Nagaland. Born and brought up in the South, in a cozy, familiar set up, the very idea of a journey lasting three days in the train was a jolt-quite hard to stomach. However, I had the joy of traveling with a friendly group. The journey helped me, step by step to traverse the breath of India for the first time crossing seven states, many rivers and fields. Led so far away from my hometown was a sort of weaning of ties, no doubt leading to new friendships and horizons.
The short stay here has made me to realize the vastness of the land, mountains and hills turned to plains dotted with buildings many storeyed, well designed, and imposing enhancing the panorama.
During the first part of my stay I had the joy of reaching, seeing and being with the people of Shamator. People there, so far away, secluded from advancements are very friendly, warm, courteous and industrious. My visit to families needs a special mention. Invariably, every home keeps the fire alive and I was given a seat close to the fire. While the exchanges go on, the mother prepares the tea and serves so respectfully. I couldn’t miss noticing orderliness in the kitchen. It is simply outstanding. Every object in its place, arranged neatly makes the place very clean and tidy. However simple the setting, cleanliness is outstanding. The family tie is strong and the children are cared for.
The idea of two meals a day was very new to me. In the south we have three meals and two mid breaks. Here, a good morning meal, with interviewing cups of tea and an early supper brings the day to a close. Power failure may be one reason too. On the first morning I was served rice, dhal, beans (Kholar) and a non-vegetable item. Spending time with children in the school, teaching and playing with them, the stomach had lost its timely pinch. I was surprised to see myself at ease with the pattern of life.
Their concept of time though, seems different. Punctuality is set aside, instead they patiently wait for the gathering and it is only when all are present, is it the time to start whatever the activity. Time moves very slowly here.
Though the catholic community in Shamator town under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Francis Yimso is an evolving one, their capacity of the group for organization, sharing and carrying out responsibility was very inspiring. Though apparently simple they were basically very efficient indeed. This was most evident when the two day seminar on Evangelization was conducted by Rev. Fr. Benny and his team, on 18th and 19th of this month. The attendance was astounding and the participation was very good and the activities were interesting. The hospitality of the villagers to receive, accommodate and serve meals in small units was excellent.
Our hosts Rev Fr. Carolus, the Vicar General and the fathers of the Bishop’s House were too generous and thoughtful, planning to give varied experiences to the maximum particularly in the town area. Visit to different private schools was enchanting. Smartly clad in bright colored uniforms with shoes, ties, ribbons, the children look like beautiful dolls. Their smile and gentle way of responding are magical. The training and discipline inculcated will surely take them to great heights in the future.
The numerous churches stand aloft with its tall roof soaring towards heaven, inviting and reminding the people of Divinity. The bustle around the church, grouping of houses, shops etc acclaim that God is the center and our human life revolves around Him. Faith and life seem to be intermingled.
St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama is the only college that I visited. The imposing structure neatly maintained announces loudly the strenuous toil of the founders, their fore-sight in visualizing and achieving step by step, the glory it is now to the Land. Higher Education will surely make the youth of Nagaland to soar high in the future.
“Windows to heritage” (Kisama) is one spot which no one can afford to miss seeing. To me it was a treat to the eye, mind and soul. Cultured people take pride in their heritage. Tastefully they display their artistic talent using bamboo. Though the material is the same, the varied patterns, designs and the use of it for different purposes clearly display their creativity. Their bravery is exhibited powerfully. If a visit, on an ordinary day could inspire so much, I can guess the grandeur when the festival is held in the 1st week of December. The architectural display of patterns of building, supporting systems and decorative roofing are very advanced and is enchanting to behold. To anyone with an artistic slant, this centre of heritage is a colossal and authentic display of information.
However the journey from place to place cannot be overlooked. It is so very time consuming and tedious. The roads no doubt can be improved. All the same I’m thankful for the present roads; they give a chance also to view the panorama of the land. The winding roads of the hills make connectivity possible. Thanks to the laborers and engineers of the past.
Nagaland of nobility
Always abloom with newness
Godly manifestation of infinite glory
Awesome in vastness and beauty,
Laudable in culture, rich ad varied
Adorning the past glory with
Newer horizons to achieve
Daring and doubtless, a new era to unfold!
Having come, seen and experienced, I shall treasure the memories of the beautiful Land in my heart and always wish great success. Hail Nagaland! May God continue to bless.
Rev. Sr. Angel Mary FMM
St. Dominic’s Convent
Chennai 600 016
The short stay here has made me to realize the vastness of the land, mountains and hills turned to plains dotted with buildings many storeyed, well designed, and imposing enhancing the panorama.
During the first part of my stay I had the joy of reaching, seeing and being with the people of Shamator. People there, so far away, secluded from advancements are very friendly, warm, courteous and industrious. My visit to families needs a special mention. Invariably, every home keeps the fire alive and I was given a seat close to the fire. While the exchanges go on, the mother prepares the tea and serves so respectfully. I couldn’t miss noticing orderliness in the kitchen. It is simply outstanding. Every object in its place, arranged neatly makes the place very clean and tidy. However simple the setting, cleanliness is outstanding. The family tie is strong and the children are cared for.
The idea of two meals a day was very new to me. In the south we have three meals and two mid breaks. Here, a good morning meal, with interviewing cups of tea and an early supper brings the day to a close. Power failure may be one reason too. On the first morning I was served rice, dhal, beans (Kholar) and a non-vegetable item. Spending time with children in the school, teaching and playing with them, the stomach had lost its timely pinch. I was surprised to see myself at ease with the pattern of life.
Their concept of time though, seems different. Punctuality is set aside, instead they patiently wait for the gathering and it is only when all are present, is it the time to start whatever the activity. Time moves very slowly here.
Though the catholic community in Shamator town under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Francis Yimso is an evolving one, their capacity of the group for organization, sharing and carrying out responsibility was very inspiring. Though apparently simple they were basically very efficient indeed. This was most evident when the two day seminar on Evangelization was conducted by Rev. Fr. Benny and his team, on 18th and 19th of this month. The attendance was astounding and the participation was very good and the activities were interesting. The hospitality of the villagers to receive, accommodate and serve meals in small units was excellent.
Our hosts Rev Fr. Carolus, the Vicar General and the fathers of the Bishop’s House were too generous and thoughtful, planning to give varied experiences to the maximum particularly in the town area. Visit to different private schools was enchanting. Smartly clad in bright colored uniforms with shoes, ties, ribbons, the children look like beautiful dolls. Their smile and gentle way of responding are magical. The training and discipline inculcated will surely take them to great heights in the future.
The numerous churches stand aloft with its tall roof soaring towards heaven, inviting and reminding the people of Divinity. The bustle around the church, grouping of houses, shops etc acclaim that God is the center and our human life revolves around Him. Faith and life seem to be intermingled.
St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama is the only college that I visited. The imposing structure neatly maintained announces loudly the strenuous toil of the founders, their fore-sight in visualizing and achieving step by step, the glory it is now to the Land. Higher Education will surely make the youth of Nagaland to soar high in the future.
“Windows to heritage” (Kisama) is one spot which no one can afford to miss seeing. To me it was a treat to the eye, mind and soul. Cultured people take pride in their heritage. Tastefully they display their artistic talent using bamboo. Though the material is the same, the varied patterns, designs and the use of it for different purposes clearly display their creativity. Their bravery is exhibited powerfully. If a visit, on an ordinary day could inspire so much, I can guess the grandeur when the festival is held in the 1st week of December. The architectural display of patterns of building, supporting systems and decorative roofing are very advanced and is enchanting to behold. To anyone with an artistic slant, this centre of heritage is a colossal and authentic display of information.
However the journey from place to place cannot be overlooked. It is so very time consuming and tedious. The roads no doubt can be improved. All the same I’m thankful for the present roads; they give a chance also to view the panorama of the land. The winding roads of the hills make connectivity possible. Thanks to the laborers and engineers of the past.
Nagaland of nobility
Always abloom with newness
Godly manifestation of infinite glory
Awesome in vastness and beauty,
Laudable in culture, rich ad varied
Adorning the past glory with
Newer horizons to achieve
Daring and doubtless, a new era to unfold!
Having come, seen and experienced, I shall treasure the memories of the beautiful Land in my heart and always wish great success. Hail Nagaland! May God continue to bless.
Rev. Sr. Angel Mary FMM
St. Dominic’s Convent
Chennai 600 016
