Victory to Nagas is Unity

1.1 Need for Unity:
“Where there is unity, there is always victory.” Publilius Syrus
Many tribes together make the Naga whole and not otherwise. No one tribe should impose one’s authority over the other tribes in any means. Every tribe must come together and tilt forward to make Nagaland excellent among Northeast Sates, across India and over the World. All tribes are created equal and not one tribe more or less. I believe that Nagas is destined to become a great society one day, soon. A small group of people in this big world, we are a proud-full Naga tribe. Progress comes only at great cost which is why we must unite together in unison and walk together to build Nagaland. Nobody will look after or take care of Nagas but ourselves alone.
In any given society, there are ups and downs. So, when we talk about logical faults or facts (not opinions) of government, politicians or leaders, we tend to receive it negatively. It is usually because we are immensely regress towards emotional attachment rather than taking it on rational maturity. Unnecessary hatred or ism has no place for a society that wants to progress. The tribal division mentality must be overwhelmed by imbibing the feeling of oneness and brotherhood from time to time. I dream of a wonderful Naga society and it is soothing to ponder on it. Yet, that is far imagination which only time will tell us how much will we endure and accomplish. “We must learn to live together as brothers and sisters or parish together as fools.” Martin Luther King Jr. A right leader will unite the clashing society to coexist together and build a great society.
The Naga society has not yet understood the value of Unity and its implications in every spear of activities in a society. We have fragments that are endangering the social fabric of our oneness. Unity cannot be achieved by superficial talk. There are forces that are penetrating into the minds of the Nagas which we must fight against it and overwhelm it with communication, understanding, mutual respect, kindness and with one heart. We are connected in a significant way and that should not be demeaned by selfish interest or any group. Naga leaders had laid down their lives and exhausted everything they have for the Political cause and future of Nagas. Their dreams of robust, united, peaceful Nagaland were what drive them to stand tall against mighty Indian forces. It is that extra mile of dedication that has made our lives better and happier.
Cause gave us identity
Movement gave us a separate State
Persistence gave us unique history
Promise gives us hope
My heart tilts towards a home that I called Nagalim
1.2 The diversity of Naga society:
Nagas Are like Salad
“Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and test of our civilization.” Mahatma Gandhi
Unity in Diversity is key principle of any thriving society. Varying cultures, languages, identities, lifestyle, ideas, all work together in search of progress, development, good-life, peaceful society and acceptance is common interest. For which we need visionary and optimistic leader who can encompass the Nagas ahead.
Nagas are like the salad, it is so beautiful to look when all the ingredients are mixed and most of all it taste very good. We (Nagas) have multiple dialect, food habit, culture, dress, dance, song, etc. We are Nagas with many ingredients (tribes) green chilli, onion, tomato, carrot, cucumber, cabbage, chuck, etc. All together it is perfectly delicious. So are the Nagas (ingredients) with Ao, Angami, Chakhesang, Lotha, Rengma, Konyak, Phom, Pochury, Sangtam, Sumi, Chang, Yimkhiung, Zeliang, Khiamniungan and Tikhir and other Nagas all together it is beautiful in a bowl. But we still miss one thing in us which is salt (Unity) without which we are tasteless. People see us beautifully together and not as individually. We are strong together and not otherwise. Together we taste perfect. What a beautiful salad we are.
Despite of all the distinctions among us, we are together, this is who we are, and this is the beauty of Nagas. A true leader will help bridge the divides and keep everyone cordially embracing the rich diversity of our people. This is Nagaland.
Coming together is a beginning
Keeping together is a progress
Working together is a success
Henry Ford
1.3 Need for virtues leadership:
Nagas and Integrity
“Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” C W Lewis
Blame game started from the very beginning, Adam and Eve. So it is in everybody. But we can be objective and constructive. Can integrity be measured? How do you treat others when it does not benefit you? Are you accountable to what you do right or wrong? You love your tribe but not other tribes. You respect and appreciate your own people but not other people. You can compromise with your tribe but not with other tribes. Leadership failure now and then has become very often issue in Nagaland. Unwillingness to render humble service, selfishness, not honest in work, no motivation, and no ideas has become attributes of our leaders in the State.
You long respect according to your post yet the way you are does not encourage others to respect your leadership. Leaders also have to take honest evaluation. Even if the idea is very good yet if you do not include others then your idea will become a problem. Leaders must learn to be inclusive. Relationship must be strengthened between leaders and masses. Every important topic should be address and discuss and if sensitive issue then handle wisely but should not be ignored. Your vision should be everyone and must relate to people or else it will become difficult to govern the masses. Respect mutually and not being individualistic must be an essence of a leader. “Integrity, insight and inclusiveness are three essential qualities of a leadership.” Sadhguru.
A leader is in-charge of well-being and care-taker and not to exploit, destroy or over-rule with authority. Thus, you have been entrusted with responsibility for which you ought to fulfill the given responsibility and challenge. Do it with full commitment. Serving the people does not mean you did mercy or you own us. You are simply administrators and facilitators acting for the public, period. You cannot escape accountability from the people. Faithful to the duties and responsibilities is an indispensable quality looked by people in a leader. For the resources and assets at your disposal is not yours to be taken but for the public. Everything belongs to the people. Discharge it for the welfare of the general public. As a leader always fulfill your promises made to the people. Hard work gives recognition and a leader must have this quality.
A leader should not only think about capturing and staying in power but it must be about development, prosperity and promising future for the Nagas and generations to come. You have the power to make that happen. The struggle for power in this world is real and it can either destroy or create. Power profoundly impacts our interpersonal relationships and social relationships. The dreams and aspirations of the people rest in the leaders hands greatly. Leaders must connect with the people emotionally as well. Leaders should have an attitude of gratitude, patient in dealing people, positivity, compassion, ability to listen, being sociable, humble and discerning right and wrong.
1.4 A leader and a great leader:
A Naga leader I envision
“A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.” Rosalynn Carter
A leader brings order out of disarray, he gives path to the directionless, and he gives purpose to the people whose energy was going to waste. A leader execute deeds that millions desire but which the millions cannot do and thus you are the leader of the millions. We had leaders in ancient time, where kings were regarded as divine or ordained that leads the masses despite their lack of virtues or qualities of an exceptional leadership. Even today we have such leaders who get respect by virtue of their office or position and not because of their leadership qualities. Such leaders are unpopular to the masses. A leader is the servant of the people. We find that the disciples of Jesus Christ were quarreling for leadership among themselves. Then, Christ said, “let the man who would be the servant of all, be the leader of all.” So a leader must have the humility to work for the people and not for its name or title. Thus, servanthood is leadership.
Mahatma Gandhi said, “I must reduce myself to a zero.” He who eye on personal advancement can never rise to great heights of leadership, found in his autobiography. A leader’s life is generally hard and they have to face adversities. America’s famous President, Abraham Lincoln, who abolished slavery and saved his country from being split into pieces and turmoil, had a poor childhood as well as had failures in his political career. Through such dire need and poverty, Lincoln became the greatest American of his time and to the world.
Courage and bravery are the hallmark of a leadership. They guide the destinies of the people and nation. In modern times, leaders must also be a good orator. For instance, Churchill’s speeches raise the drooping morale of the nation during World War II. Nehru is another powerful orator and a man of letters. His fiery speeches influenced the minds of the millions. A leader must possess charisma and should display character imperative to inspire the public when such situation arise. “You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor.” – Aristotle, the father of Political Science.
A leader must have original ideas to lead the masses. The Indians wanted independence but did not have point (spearhead) to go about the movement of millions of diverse people. Even though there were many other freedom heroes like Subhas Chandra Bose, Jawaharlal Nehru and Bhagat Singh, Gandhiji became the point and gave a completely new idea, as non-violent struggle. His philosophy of Non-violence became beacon of light to fight against the imperial power and carry the people forward. The people embraced the idea which eventually leads to the success story of Indian Independence movement. Mahatma Gandhi was always with the people, that is why he understood the masses mind and thus millions followed him. A leader must have the capacity to think and bring forth ideas that would take our society ahead and to do that one must embody the masses vision and make it his mission.
A true leader rises to eminence not by blood and force but by willing obedience of the people. Their life is one constant struggle, excitement and challenges that they must endure and shoulder with great resilience. They are heroes in the life battle book. They demonstrate greatness in their leadership that illuminate for others to follow and generations to come. I have read and come across leaders who have inspired, empowered and can coordinate with the masses challenging the status-quo and appealing hopes and dreams of the people. A Z Phizo was an ideal Naga leader, under his able leadership he brought group of Nagas together for a great cause (Freedom). True leaders with these qualities and characters seems absent in our society. My only dream is to see a great leader who can bring us all together under one accord and unify us with his idea, vision and mission to redirect our people.
What hopes and future do you expect from your leaders? This is what I want to ask you at the end!
Kuknalim
Mhashevil Ltu,
Tenyiphe-I vill.,
Chiimoukedima