Christmas & Nagas

NOVEMBER2012 December 2012

A Secularized Christmas?

Money and corruption are ruining the land, crooked politicians betray the working man [& woman], pocketing the profits and treating us like sheep, and we’re tired of hearing promises that we know they’ll never keep RAY DAVIES

CORRUPTION Niketu Iralu

It is not necessary to explain for good people to do nothAccountant enabled me to aim became to satisfy the real needs of peowhat corruption is to anyone ing”, said Edmund Burke. understand the complicated ple. For decades we have given priority to in Nagaland, nor to anyone And people like Anna Hazconnections in the finan- low-priced housing. We refused to speculate elsewhere in the world. are, Kejriwal, the Bhushan cial world. But above all it with our reserves of building land. If we had Indira Gandhi impatiently brothers, Kiran Bedi, and so enabled me to cheat heavily indulged in such speculation we often could and famously dismissed and on, are shining examples of on the income tax. We had have made bigger profits than by building rationalized corruption as “a good people caring and darthree balance sheets: one for houses ourselves. Through our new policy we global phenomenon” when ing enough to do something the tax authorities, that was built a few thousand housing units at low cost. a journalist touched on cer- to defeat evil. And these completely crooked; one for It is true that as a consequence the profit martain scandalous scams of her close associates. good people are discovering the shareholders which was gin became smaller. But in spite of that the It revealed the doctrine of politics and govern- how tough it is to defeat evil. fairly crooked; and one for income of the firm increased. ance she followed to consolidate her power In a recent discussion myself that was correct. Evebase to rule India and to pass on her dynastic on TV with industrialists and ry year it took two months Trust: Honesty is costly, but in the long run it legacy to her sons, and for them to do like- bankers, Deepak Parekh, to establish these three ver- pays. It creates trust. There was a period of wise. The nation discovered that none of the economist and highly resions. I was successful and recession because oil price trebled. Quite a few scams directly implicating her and her family garded Chairman of Housyet I missed the essential building firms closed down but we always had could be investigated by the CBI. The Bofors ing Development Finance which makes life worth liv- enough contracts – some of them from the case revealed this reality and the rest is history. Corporation, said “Corruping. I was bored and empty. State because of our reputation.

On November 8th President Hu Jintao tion is not going to go away I had to take pills to be fit of the People’s Republic of China, sternly told from our country. I think the and more pills to sleep.

Revolutionary teamwork: One day I proA church located in Dimapur seenishere for the Christmas season.

Photograph

by Caisii Mao the 2270 specially chosen delegates attending manner Kejriwal is goingis about not decorated right.”

One weekend I met the organization posed to the Works Council to share 50% the Communist Party Congress in Beijing for The justification and protection of cor- called Moral Re-Armament. It turned mebeenofoffering the profit with food the toworkers. were extravagant people whoThey already have James Kalong the once-in-a-decade leadership change pro- ruption by the Parekhs of today’s India and 180 degrees around. I was fascinated by theexcessive speechless. our promise but tables? did not food inWe theirkept own homes and on their Do If wecorruption cannot share ourruling food party with the hungry, what aboutto just giving a gift cess that in the could their readiness deny space to voices of dis- idea of living to transform the world insteadwe dare givetothem instead invested the moninvite cash to ourand homes in the name of Christmas those hristmas a high point in the Chris-bywhoeyareinhungry prove “fatal” tovery its 63-year-long sent do and protest against injustice from crusad- of only for my own issuccess.

I was struck socialinbenefit funds.

One was for the streets and who go fund for days without instead?

It is virtuous togrip give,over butthe to whom we mostly give gifts during calendar.

It is who the season re- a single country: “If we fail to handle this issue well, it ers like the ones already mentioned because the freedom tian of people I met were of totally cases of accident and sickness, another a meal?

If we cannot share our food with thewas hungry, Christmas?

It is to proper that and we must onesthey andare to those whoabout are is not committed tomembering andIt became celebrating the what could prove fatal the party, even give causeto our theloved manner “going a world aim. the most very generous pension fund. We 20 yearsto about just giving a gift instead?

It iswere very virtuous incarnation of the to up Hu-mygive, but to whom dolegislation we mostly give the of the state”. shows how complicated hazardous expensive week-end of my life.Divine I made ahead of the ofgifts theduring SwissChristmas?

Federal dearcollapse to us. But many a times we give to peopleright” who already have more thanand what man—the birth of Jesus, the Son of It isState. proper that mustwork give toresulted our lovedin ones and to those In the background of his report on the the battle is for anyone taking it on. mind to take stock of my whole life. I wrote Thiswe team many valuthey want or need and from whom we would expect What to reciprocate with another Godthat whowould gave his life as Savior whoable are dear to us. But many a times give to people who State of the Republic was the trial and sackare we to do then? Is it at all down 20 points have to the different. suggestions from the we workers for the of humanity! Celebrations of Christ- already have more than of what they want or need and from gift.ofWouldn’t be more blessed give to those whotrying will never able to return ing two top it ranking leaders of to the Party, worth “to bebe the change you want to practical running the firm, especially in the in honest Nagaland have, however, weofwould expect to reciprocate with another gift.

Bo Xilai Minister on see in the world”?

Family: I hadmas to get with my wife.

It waswhom field security. whatand we Railway give them so thatLiu weZhijun give without expecting anything in return? evolved into a carnival of sorts.

In Wouldn’t it be more blessed to give to those who will never shocking charges of corruption. Also ahead Aldous Huxley said, “Those who crusade, terribly hard. I thought she would divorce me. a state that prides itself on having a be able to return what giveenterprise: them so that we1.give of the Congress a New York Times investiga- not for God in themselves, but against the devil But she was most generous and merciful and Philosophy ofwe our Wewithout put large Christian population, Jesus, expecting anything in return? The Scripture is clear, “It is tive report revealed that Premier Wen Jiabao’s in others, do not succeed in making the world forgave me. It actually saved our marriage. people before profit. 2. Service is more imwho is the very reason for celebrating Christmas apparently more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Perhaps family had accumulated at least $ 2.7 billion in better”. Our endless discussions on corruption portant than getting. 3. He who gives much has taken a back seat during Christmas! Christmas carni- we are giving and sending the wrongourselves direction! to “hidden riches” during his ten-year rule. tend to be no more than crusading against vals, the Christmas Incomesales, Tax:Christmas I decidedfeasts, to goand and see the Minreceives much.

4.gifts Weincommit Christmas parWhen Jesus was born on that chilly winter Everyone knew who the President was devil in others. But instant interest and hope ties—Santa are ister takes of Finance.

He in was totally perplexed the best value for a fair price night and more we center-stage them all! Streets lit withtothanoffer 2000 years ago, he came into this world in a very pitireferring to when he talked of “Leading of- aroused by anyone who shows what crusading meet an honest businessman.

He told me that regard it as our duty to make an effective colorful lights, traffic points decorated, dim stars hanging able condition. Jesus was born in a stable because no one ficials at all levels, especially high ranking of- for God in oneself means and can do.

I had to pay no fine.

But the unpaid from contribution to the economic development on almost every business signboard—diktats aretaxes the way had any room for him. With no bed to sleep, he laid in a ficials” sabotaging the balanced growth of the I had the privilege of knowing Gottfried the past amounted to roughly 500,000 Swiss of our country. to go! Orders for putting up Christmas decoration in the manger of hay. Yet, Jesus was born so that he can give his nation by their unrestrained greed and grab.

Anliker, a Swiss businessman, and taking parttown in orFrancs, a big amount for our small firm.

My Allself-giving this amazing grew about Sunday shopping are the stark mnemonic of a life for us. The of Jesusdevelopments is what we need to emuChina risks the deepening unrest in some missions with him, in my work in Moral father scoldedA quick me fearing I would ourlateout of my decision to take every morning secularized Christmas. scan of current localruin papers today as we celebrate Christmas. We need a shift in the nation going out of control. But Hu Jintao Re-Armament, now called Initiatives of Change. firm.season But I isstuck the dictate of if myorientation enoughabout timeChristmas to reflectfrom andthe listen toinstitutionalfind new during building the Christmas all tootoglaring to reason usual could only talk about “unremitting efforts to Anliker inherited from his fatherChristmas a heart.

The amount wesecularized! had to pay in taxes hasizeddirection and to go back to the basic source. in Nagaland has been and secularized way of celebration—from formality combat corruption”. struggling construction company in Lucerne,Thenaturally multiplied many times.

Since that Through honesty I have found that undreamt secularization of Christmas is quite ubiquitous in to embracing messiness, from receiving to giving, from “It was a conservative report. But Switzerland, about 60 years ago. By the time initialMost payment the State has received of powers are liberated in me which formerly many ways. obviously Christmas season hasmillions been partying to worshipping.

We may want Christmas to be metamorphosed a season for shopping.

“Christmas” there is nothing there that suggests any break- he handed it over to his successor, his daughter, of Swiss to francs which it would not have if Ihas hadverywere blockedwarm, by a neat, bad well conscience. experiimmaculate, attired andI in a party synonymous with “shopping”!

Besides food, gifts, mood, through in political reforms”, stated Open it was the leading company in the field in become Lu- not made that turn around in my life. enced themust truth of the words of was Christ: but we remember that Jesus born“The into a and clothing, just think about many special Christmasofmessy Magazine, an independent Hong Kong publi- cerne and one of the top in the nation, known But there is the another side. Because Truth youAt free”. andshall lowlymake situation.

Christmas and also at other offers and is even ad for buying JCB cation specializing in Chinese politics. for its unmatched achievements in economic myproducts. honestyThere I saved twoan months I usedato usetimes we need to embrace the messiness of life that are as a festive Who wants JCBauthority. backhoe loadIndeed corruption is a global phenom- terms as well as in how management andproduct la- before for offer! defrauding the atax Dur-lived Conclusion: find people it fascinating be whom an emin the lives of Imany around ustowith Jeeconomic stimulus also frequently identified—the poor, of thedifficulties. sick, the prisenon. India, the world’s largest “democracy”, bour brought the best out of one another.er for Christmas? ing theseThere two certainly months isI an earned a great partsus ployer in the present day period around of Christmas, but Christmas is so commercialized that oners, prostitutes, thebe homeless, theshow beggars, the weak, and “Communist” China with the most stirring I shall give his story as he had it writthe money our firm had to pay in higher Wethe are called to tools to ourselves we are more often than not bought over by the tag “Christmas widow, to theothers lowly, the the outcast, and the slogans for the down-trodden, the two emerg- ten out in English for his visit to Nigeria some taxes. So I experienced this – cheating resultsthe useful andpowerless, so it is with our possesSALE!”in cheating ourselves, while honesty very soondespicable in the society. ing Asian super powers, are equally paralyzed years ago. sions. From this point of view I do not see myWe leads unabashedly indulgeeconomy. in it becauseAnd materialism identified himself to this classbut of people when he said, by corruption. What Titus Livius said of his decato a sound so our has firm Jesus self as an owner of our firm as a temporary been ingrained so deeply into our consciousness that shopFor I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was dent society under the Roman Empire correctly “At the age of 25 I worked very hard and grew rapidly from 50 to 500 workers over and steward of it.” ping has become an activity central to the Christmas seathirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger describes the crisis of the two giants: “We have took the Swiss Federal Diploma in Account- above our office staff. son. The culture of “Christmas shopping” corrodes the very and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, reached the point where we cannot bear ancy. I started 50 companies. They were so “The Christian ideal has not been tried essence of Christmas spirit! And speaking about “spirit,” sickfound and youwanting. looked afterItme, in prison and you either our vices or their cure”. interwoven that no one but I knew what be- New aim – the important thing was that I gotI was and hasI was been found difthe spirit of Christmas is further hijacked by the wrong kind came to visit me . . .

Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one “For evil to succeed it is only necessary longed to whom. My training as a Chartered concept of my job an employer.

My ficult and not tried”. - GK Chesterton. of spiritainnew Nagaland.

Alcoholic spiritasflows like a stream

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We have reached the point where we cannot bear either our vices or their cure TITUS LIVIUS

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of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for during Christmas in Nagaland, supposedly a dry state. This me” (Matthew 25:36-40). To love them and to share with them also tells us that the omnivore in us comes alive at Christ- what we have will redefine the meaning of Christmas for us. mas as well. There is nothing wrong in celebrating Christ- This is the same reason to reach out to this vulnerable group mas with eating feasting—eating feasting beingare of people.

As Jesus proclaimed the purpose Opinion is a theme-based supplement published on the third Saturday ofand every month.and Here you the artist, the writer, theof his coming to very symbolic and significant part of our Christian belief this world in Luke 4:18-19 – “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, photographer, the storyteller and the creator of your own opinion. and practice. because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.

It is also very noble to show hospitality and invite people He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and reto our homes for eating. We invite friends, family members, covery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proand relatives to our homes for meals and dinners. But have claim the year of the Lord’s favor.” we ever given a thought that most of the time we invite only We must celebrate Christmas but it must be celebrated Illustration by Süngküm those whom we favor or those who will favor us? Or have we in the way of Jesus’ self-giving!

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Christmas and Nagas through face of Santa Claus

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For many years now, celebrating Christmas has become more of a fanfare, a time to get together, a time to have a good time all in the ‘Christmas spirit.’

Over the years, the arrival of Christmas season is visibly known through the songs, the stars on trees and bamboo poles and of late, the construction of ‘Christmas Father’ or Santa Claus in different places.

Though most people might not know the origin of this ‘Christmas Father’ yet people make Santa Claus statues with much fervor. The following are some of the Santa Claus statues in Nagaland. Some gigantic, some funny, some miniature but yet, this is what Christmas is, and perhaps what Christmas is all about as of now.

iLLuStratiON by SÜnGkÜM

“Among a people generally corrupt, liberty cannot long exist” EDmUnD BURkE

REBEL AGAINST

CORRUPTION The Root Of All Evil Marcia SekhoSe

Nagaland, the state I was born in, rich in culture, welcomingnatured people, is unfortunately drowned in corruption. Anyone would say corJeNNifer riP LeStHat hayden ruption is a common phenomenon in politics, but what I see in my state is more like a drug It is true, there are people, that don’t really care which has been abused to its core. It has been 41 years since Nagaland reThey go on with life and ignore the bad news ceived its statehood, but till now not But just remember some are simply unaware much development has taken place.

Some information still needs time to diffuse Starting from electricity to roads and educational institutions which come later, the condition seems to be almost There are some people that simply choose to act blind the same as it was ten years back.

Nagaland is considered a They watch the world through candy coated glasses backward place and we are really Know that there others that leftWard behind A thirty foot gigantic Santaare Claus constructed by were youths ofjust Kumlong in Mokokchung. Photograph by Longrangty Longchar live up to this. The electricity probMuch of what we learn is from our school’s classes lem is probably the worst problem we are facing right now; this year the residents have faced the worst We have been taught to live but not how to react conditions ever. The occurrence of the problem as we read seems to be We hear something so wrong we do not believe due to the damaging of the electriSome people are so lost they deny what is fact cal towers, but there were some ruDespite all the truth some things we can’t perceive mors as to why the problems really occurred. I don’t even know what to say about the roads. The only time So proud some are to play the part of the hero the roads get fixed is when some ‘eminent’ person comes to visit our In truth many actions proved erroneous state. After that it’s back to broken The falsity scores many, while truth scores a zero roads, potholes, etc.

Some things start nice and then end felonious The main purpose of joining the government is to improve the conditions of the state, but here people Let the free criminals pay all their rightly dues join to steal the huge amount of money it receives. The developing states reNow it is our turn to make a wrong a right ceive much more than the other highly Even those holding power, don’t let them abuse developed states for improving the Never allow truth to take away your sight state from the Centre. Sadly, all this money is going to the pockets of the ‘great’ leaders we trust so much that Be a rebel and tell the world all that is wrong we give our vote to them for leading us. The other states show so much hate Even if you’re mean, persuade that you are right and mockery towards us and instead of Research to find the truth and you will become strong replying to them by showing that we Change their brainwashed minds so all may shed some light can do better, we are only giving them more chances to do so.

Source: http://www.poems-and-quotes.com/life/poems.php?id=998626 Our forefathers have fought

CORRUPTION

Young people decorate a Christmas manger for the upcoming Christmas festivities at Dimapur. Photograph by Caisii Mao

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so much for the pride of our state and it us up to the current leaders to retain and preserve what they fought for. The leaders are supposed to work together for the benefit of the state. Of course there is corruption in every government, but if we look at the other states, their leaders are developing the state that the question of corruption does not rise at all.

Nagaland is known for being a Christian state. There are so many programs held at our state and outside commemorating Christianity that prevails amongst us Nagas. It is also visible that in any political event that always starts with a prayer and the rest of the program follows. It is a shame that calling themselves Christians and following so many traditions, they are actually doing satanic works behind our backs. The money they use to live their lavish lives and show too, are not hard earned money, but money stolen which they do not deserve. Where is the Christianity in that?

It is very shameful and embarrassing for the students aspiring to study and learn more that have to go somewhere else to seek education. Many students including me, face situations where we are laughed at, mocked at for coming from a ‘backward’ area. Had our leaders thought about the state, all these things would not happen. Then again, it would not be right to put the blame entirely on the government since it is us, the general public who has chosen them to lead us. We cast our vote for them so it is not justifiable that we just sit and complain about every bad condition in our state.

It is our land so we should stand on our feet and do something about it. If one voice speaks and the others follow, it will surely make a difference. The rest of the world is advancing at such a rapid speed and here we are still worrying about our roads and electricity problems. Time is less, we should act soon.

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‘Christmas and Nagas’ Who Will Weed Out Corruption?

C hristmas is the time of the year which we all wait with boundless anticipation. It is the time of the year when friends and family get together and spend quality and quantity time with each other.

The mélange of different people from different parts is stimulating and too sweet a memory to let go!

But the Big Question remains, is Christmas just a metahopeSon, phorLiba for wrong indulgences? Rashbtc, driving, Pfutsero violence, accidents, and alcohol; all these take their toll more so during

this festive season. Christmas should not be treated as a time for malpractices that one can possibly imagine. This would be an absolute juxtaposition and an insult to the true literary meaning of Christmas. It would be blasphemous and wrong on our part as Christians.

So dear Brothers and Sisters, let us all gear up this Christmas and resolve to have a non-violent peaceful festive season and be an inspiration to others!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Today, the ram- tangible evidence that we are not nificant. There is a notion that, if we Kivi Sohe pant corruption true to ourselves and we play games are aware and somber about small prevailing in our with our tongue and actions. temptations, we can with stand the society is plainly Now, where does corruption big temptations. But if we neglect recognized and come from? I opine that it starts and brush aside the small temptaextensively dis- from the grass-root level. Much tions, we will stumble even when cussed by us. I corruption starts from the public. we face big temptations. Similarly, have heard many Frequently, we are involved in cor- if we are not serious and truthful in people express- ruption because we want to get small matters, we cannot be in the ing istheir our work done very hastily or justwhich big matters. hristmas a time forviews coming together mas has also become a regular practice has made peo- When we uproot the with much burden and discontentbecause we love our life more than plants in our campus or surrounding, in friendship with God. It is a time for ple afraid to celebrate Christmas. ment against corruption.

As I think truth.

I’m bringing out all these idewe should not be idle to uproot the forgiveness to our fellow friends. It On the eve of Christmas we see dead-drunk persons lyabout our life today, the wave of the as because, to do away with corrupsmall plants is also a time when we share our hap- ing on the roads, when they should be either in church or at thinking that they are ‘blame game’ that transpired in with the ourtion, need know not clearly piness and problems loved we home withto their lovedthe ones.nature As I haveof mentioned, Christmasvisible, for they will grow ‘garden of Eden’ones in together the beginning corruption and the factors leading and become with God. But in to- is a time for sharing, helping the needy, but all we see today is big one day and trouble of human history is still sweeping to it.

I reckon that our understandus again. day’s present modern Naga society that most of the VVIPs and the rich are enjoying to the fullest across us and affecting us. ofWe of- ing corruption is alsoabout very narCorruption, as I believe, starts the celebration Christmas, whichof while getting confused where to throw their money. ten point at others forgetting that, row.

Generally, when we talk about from minute is the most important day for Christians, is frightening as On the other hand, the poor people in the villages don’t even things, which we often three fingers mean observed by me. are pointing at us. We corruption, have a we square meal. bribery, fraud, take it lightly. For instance, in some daringly say, politicians areextortion, corrupt, extortion, exploitations, But, simple paper work where a signature Naga Christmas means alcohol, killings, vioChristmas to us meansetc. buying the latest fashionable contractors corrupt, bureaucrats corruption includes elements, is signed by some Government servlence, criticism, are and oh, the most important thing is the kill- clothes, while our many way of dressing and mentality are far beareofcorrupt, village cor- Naga even things ing PIGS. It has become leaders customaryare for every that those hind each other.which we consider ants, we give some amount to them, rupt, people are for corrupt, todurbe alright. say rupees “No Pig,business No Christmas”.

The concept an ideal Naga With so many temptations and weaknesses existing inten or twenty or fifty for underground workers I cannot boldly say thatshow theour intimacy a signature. ing Christmas is to eat, enjoy andare forgetcorrupt what Christmas is our present society, let us at least with the But, it can trigger even all about.

Lord or whothe comes to us personally Thecorruptions, best and consider that we are clean and politicians contractors or this theChristmas. bigger since they have Extortion people by certain people during Christgift we are can give Him is our person. free from from corruption.

I don’t mean bureaucrats thetoworst corruptors the taste of getting money in a very that these groups of people are not because I find corruption exists even small work. Then when it comes to corrupt, they might be, but we lam- in my own Meriyani institution.

Here, please giving employment or a big contract Judy Humtsoe baste and condemn them to be the don’t take me wrong, thinking that work or big projects, they will deworst corruptors or sinners, albeit I’m trying to defame the reputation mand a larger amount of money. So, many others are worse than them. of my college or expose the weak- according to my opinion, in order As I mentioned in my previ- nesses of us, but it’s a fact. I believe to weed out corruption, everyone ous write-up, “Everyone Is Expert in all the institutions have some kind should be serious and careful about Defending Oneself”, we do not smell of corruptions If you can tell me the small matters. our own excreta, but smell only oth- name of an institution is totally free As I interacted with some of ers excreta. Sadly, many a times, we of corruption, please let me know, I my friends, asking their view on how fail to realize that, we push others would like to pay a visit. to do away with corruption, they to corruption, but ofcriticize Corruption even in shared intheir thatthe year. Everyone the opinions which were henever I think Christ- them Christmas AND NAGAS, whenexists I of cancer when they wrong.

Churchit and I reminds believe you will agree my view. That is, everyone family came down similar to spendto their mas, go it reminds me For of myinstance, think of Christmas always Christmas with last Christmas father. of my late father, he was we talk late a lot about the village me leadwith meyou if see your understanding ofthe should change oneself before we that the MAN andat always was they a guy who everyone in my ersWell, andmy saydad that are albadlya lovable cor- guy corruption is family not narrow.

For that in- I loved point others who are corrupted. A wanted to be like. ways thought of Christmas as his perloved him.

He was a great guy.

Well, rupted. But in today’s world it’s stance, we see many Churches with friend of mine opines that everyone for meshould reminds me of and examine one’s life sonal holiday.

His birthdaywhen was onweI am his son and I will always blow amusing sometimes conclosed doors and, in fact,Christmas they cancheck the love that I lost but the love that I oneself to have a corJanuary 30th, my dad was a family his horn.

Every Sunday he would tell sider the way or system on how they not keep them open because there and transform will always cherish. guy . . . he always taught me and my his nephews and niece that it was his are elected. In the past, almost eve- is corruption. In a hostel, students ruption-free society. It doesn’t mean Christmas for me that and my brothers . . . love your brothers and birthday would have to cel- or some ryone was reluctant to become the and dowe not keep eatables handy wefamily never talk about others misalways reminded us of the that others, but we should your sisters, and above all, love your ebrate.

He would go buy meat and chairman or secretary or finance or things on the table and go out for a takeslove or judge we always have and we almost had. mother and your father. would cook. a member of the Village Council, but stroll with doors open, because there never consider that we are free from everyideas Christmascorruption. my late fatherIn fact, this is one of the I always wanted to beislike my dad.

Christmas reminds me of my Well, today, the trend quite different. is corruption.

Perhaps, these would say to me and my brothers, “I IMany always are wish Iquarrelling could be like him; he late dad.

All I wanted in my life was and fighting appear to be silly or insignificant most important things we have to to spend that last Christmas with my love you son.”

That is what Christloved his brothers and he loved his for the Village Council posts. when we deal about corruption, but do in order to weed out corruption mas is for me. sisters. Recently, I heard that Dad. You see dad wasto in first his stage there wemyought dig out the petite in our society today. Sometimes, it’s was election of leaders in a small vil- things that lead to corruption. Some- worth criticizing and condemning Yaselie Linyii lage, and interestingly, few students times, when I read my published ar- oneself. We should not always exand workers who were in New Delhi ticles, I come across silly spelling er- pect others to change and be comwere brought home to cast votes rors in a word or grammatical errors placent with our lives. for the Village Council candidates. in a phrase which I have overlooked, Change will not come from Surprisingly or unsurprisingly, those and hence, I had a remorseful expe- politicians, Government officers and persuaded guys came by flight, paid rience reading them. Just because of leaders alone; it will come from all by the candidates. And I was stunned a single mistake in a word, the idea of us. We should be constantly reHowthat many observe birthday!

How few, Hisby the phrase that, ‘everyto learn the candidates spentChrist’s of the whole sentence went wrong. minded some lacs of rupees in the election precepts!

I regretted thinking, if I have read one is a leader’. Indeed, there are campaign. So, in this situation, the through more times seriously, that many things – schemes, funds, proBenjamin Franklin villagers are sure that when those should not have happened.

But unjects and others that the illiterate candidates are elected, they will cer- desirable situations occur when we people do not know, so they can be tainly siphon off the money meant are careless. Remember, “A rotten taken advantage of and siphoned will honor Christmas in my heart, and try tooff keep for I the village through village funds, potato will rot the whole potatoes”! by the knowledgeable or eduNREGS and others. So, will it be apt I think about change, cated people easily. Consequently, in it all theWhen year. or right for the villagers to criticize I’m always reminded and inspired by such matter, we need some erudite Charles the village leaders if they take vil- Leo Tolstoy’s popular quote, “Every-Dickens and wise leaders who can mobilize lage money more than they have body wants to change the world, but and tell people about these, educate spent in the election? Can’t we say nobody wants to change oneself”. In them, assist them and ensure that My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned that villagers directly or indirectly fact, we often think and say that the they enjoy the privileges. signal theor candidates that they politicians, bureaucrats, contractors, I wish some wise leaders modern, iscan very simple: loving others. be corrupt? This is the situation we business people, underground work- would emerge to influence people Come to think of it, ers why do we have to wait for are facing today. and other leaders are corrupt, that would not to give money to Christmas do that?

Consider about demanding while to considering ourselves to be anybody for any job so that the sysmoney for jobs! Many often grum- righteous and good. Although, not will be clean and fair one day!

Bob tem Hope ble saying, it’s very hard to get job trying to lift up the head of these I wish everyone recognizes and retoday, we cannot get jobs without groups of people, I would like to say alizes that to do away with corrupmoney, jobs are bought with monthatnor they a areseason, corrupted to a great tion;of one’s life should be positively Christmas is not a time but a state ey, so on and so forth. But imagine extent because of the public. For in- changed. I would like to say that if To cherish peace and to admisbe plenteif all mind. the people who apply for jobs stance, if agoodwill, lazy student gets we examine our lives and be transdecide not to give any money to the sion in a very good institution and formed, and live a truthful and ous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. officers demanding, will they say studies there and she/he finds eve- faithful life, truth and faithfulness Calvin Coolidge that without money nothing will be ryone studying hard, that student will hunt all those who are corrupt worked out? We say politicians are will not be comfortable or free to and change them. But, if we are corrupt, but how much money do we go on living with his sluggish habits. not faithful and truthful, those who And in despair I bowed my head; demand from them before election? He will be immensely influenced and are corrupt now will get bolder and How much do we spend in foods and peace draggedon down by the environment, “There is no earth,” I said; bolder, and become more corrupt in drinks? Why do we run after differ- where all the students work hard to the future. If we are still overruled “For hate is strong, ent candidates for money? We criti- achieve their goal. Likewise, if all by the concept that corruption will thearound songa Government be stopped when the bureaucrats, cize them, but when we are And in needmocks the people of money, don’t we elevate them Officer in a locality and contractors, politicians, UG groups, Of peace on earth, good-will are to good men!” very high and treat them like kings truthful, the officer will find hard to business people and other leaders even in the Church worship servic- be corrupt and deceitful. change their lives, I opine that there es? Are the people of the commuMany boldly are involved in is a long way for us to go to remove Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: nity more corrupt or the politicians? corruption because they know that corruption. Who is corrupted? Who “Godabout is not dead, nor doth he the sleep!

Many often complain chasing they can stand because people will weed out corruption? I believe the worshippers who have occupied around shall them arefail, also not truthful. corruption can be removed when The Wrong the front benches when some impor- They know that the people are also everybody is concerned about one’s the Right prevail, tant personalities come to attend loose and corrupt. The root of cor- life and change. “Corruption starts Church service or Jubilee or other ruption isgood-will from small matters which from us and thus we have to weed With peace on earth, to men! important programs. In fact, this is we consider to be trivial and insig- out corruption”.

T

A Time for Forgiveness

C

‘The Love that I will always cherish’ W Christmas Quotation

iLLuStratiON by aTonG roThronG

The fight for justice against corruption is never easy. It never has been and never will be. It exacts a toll on our self, our families, our friends, and especially our children. In the end, I believe, as in my case, the price we pay is well worth holding on to our dignity FRAnk SERPICO

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Illustration by Atong Rothrong

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the voices for

Christmas & Nagas Vibeizonuo The word Christmas denotes and conveys to us the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Ever since Christianity was brought into Nagaland, Nagas have Celebrated Christmas in a festive mood, but the foremost thing that are intend to forget is allowing Him to be apart and to be with us. Let’s all unite our heart in one accord and invite our majesty to dwell into the heart of Nagas as we celebrate this Christmas Eve.

Ari

iLLuStratiON by SÜnGkÜM Christmas greetings…. Every Christian child knows when and what December 25 is…. Nagas too celebrate with great pomp’s and shows with the rest of the Christian world on this day..

This year too the Santa Claus is coming slowly but surely… Are you gonna make this Christmas real and meaningful one which you had never EDmUnD BURkE done before, dedicating your life to Jesus, a kind of thanks giving or just be a normal Christmas hanging out with family and friends…. Dear Nagas, let this winter be a real transformation in our life. Look at the cross and make it a real joyful Christmas… Be a change.

“Among a people generally corrupt, liberty cannot long exist”

REBEL AGAINST

CORRUPTION Bendangsenla Ao

The very thought of Christmas time brings a JeNNifer riP(ILeStHat hayden rush of excitement deliberately choose the word “excitement” instead of hapIt ispiness) true, there that don’t really care into every are livingpeople, Naga soul.

They ontime with life and ignore Thisgo is the when Nagas do not the bad news Butwish just remember are simply unaware to waste any time some harboring Some information still but, needs ill thoughts against anyone, to time to diffuse spend every possible time in merry There areNagas somelike people that simply choose to act blind making. to celebrate They watchbythe world through candy coated glasses Christmas sharing cards, gifts, Know that there are others that were just left behind home-made delicacies, and above all sharMuch of what we learn is from our school’s classes ing love with everyone. The frenzy of “Christmas shopping” is still not lost amongst youngsters We have been taught to live but not how to react the adults alike. In fact, the festive is incomplete without Weand hear something so wrong weseason do not believe a decent doze of retail therapy because Nagas haveisalways Some people are so lost they deny what fact been drawn to stylish clothes. all Fashion talks aside, the things villages happen to be the best places to celebrate Despite the truth some we can’t perceive Christmas because they offer a calmness and harmonious solidarity that is not existentare in the mostpart cases.ofAny So naturally proud some totowns playinthe theoccasion hero is dull without good music and Christmas time is no exception.

Nagas love music, be it any genre. Rock, In truth many actions proved erroneous I believe, rules but the other genrestruth are definitely The falsitystill scores many, while scorescatching a zeroup real good.

Christmas juststart gets better and better because there is so much happenSome things nice and theneach endyear felonious ing around us. I wish a blessed and exciting Christmas to everyone reading this!

Let the free criminals pay all their rightly dues Now it is our turn to make a wrong a right Even those holding power, don’t let them abuse Never allow truth to take away your sight

Digum Grangbe

know tell that the the Christmas the birthday BeEveryone a rebel and world allis that is wrong of Lif ordyou’re Jesus Christ, present wasyou are right Even mean,everybody persuade that happy on Christmas andtruth it is a great Research to find the and occasion you will become strong in my life, the memories of which will lingerso in all may shed some light Change their brainwashed minds my mind for the years to come again. Wishing Source: http://www.poems-and-quotes.com/life/poems.php?id=998626 you a joyous Christmas.

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Colmna Jamir Christmas is not the celebration of wine, is not celebration of impure acts, it’s not the local festival, but Christmas is the best season to present something to someone who is in need, because John 3: 16 says, “for God so love the world so he gave His only begotten Son” ….Above all Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ who redeemed the humanity and the world.

Imponger Jamir We celebrate Christmas for a reason not explode bombs and have parties but to celebrate the day of Jesus’ birth.

Celebrating Christmas is not for wasting money on buying bombs and crackers but is of praising God and even helping the poor families just like the kind inn keeper who led Mary and Joseph stay for a night on the stable.

We should even decorate our house, make Christmas trees and buy new cloths not to have parties, drink bears and smoke. Christmas is also a time of happiness and enjoyment. All of us enjoy our Christmas.

CORRUPTION Irwin Rommel

The Root Of All Evil

Comparing other states, Christmas is celebrated by the people of Nagaland with great festivity and rejoices in the name of Christ. It is a time which each and every individual in theSekhoSe Christian Marcia family wait each year with great enthusiasm. But the few unexpected Nagaland, the so much for the pride of our state incidents that we come across state duringI was born and it us up to the current leaders in, rich in cul- to retain and preserve what they Christmas eve shatter many dreams ture, welcoming- fought for. The leaders are supposed natured people, to work together for the benefit of which occurs as a result of Christmas is unfortunately the state. Of course there is corrupcelebration. If we can avoid such incidents, we drowned in cor- tion in every government, but if we can enjoy Christmas in great ruption. glory of Anyone our Lord. look at the other states, their lead-

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would say cor- ers are developing the state that the ruption is a com- question of corruption does not rise mon phenomenon in politics, but what at all.

I see in my state is more like a drug Nagaland is known for being which has been abused to its core. It a Christian state. There are so many has been 41 years since Nagaland re- programs held at our state and outKhetoholi ceived its statehood, but till now not side commemorating Christianity much development has into taken place. that prevails amongst us Nagas. It is After conversion of the Nagas Starting from electricity to roads and also visible that in any political event Christianity, we haveinstitutions been observing educational which come that always starts with a prayer and later, the condition seems to be almost the rest of the program follows. It is a perpetual Christmas celebration every the same as it was ten years back. shame that calling themselves Chrisyear in honour ofNagaland the birth ofis Jesus considered a tians and following so many tradiplace Christ. Itbackward was through theand birthweof are really tions, they are actually doing satanic live up to this. The electricity prob- works behind our backs. The money Jesus and spread of Christianity lem is probably the worst problem they use to live their lavish lives and we are facing right that our land (Nagaland) has now; been this year show too, are not hard earned monthe residents have faced the worst ey, but money stolen which they do transformed from the practice in the conditions ever. The occurrence of not deserve. Where is the Christianway of head Christian the hunting probleminto as we read seems to be ity in that? due to the damaging of the electriIt is very shameful and emState. Which now stands ‘Nagaland for cal towers, but there were some ru- barrassing for the students aspiring Christ’. mors Let’saspray a time to to study and learn more that have to this why Christmas the problems really occurred.

I don’t even know what to peace, to goharmony, somewhere seek educabury the darkest hour and strive forward for loveelse andtogiving. say about the roads. The only time tion. Many students including me, face Merry Christmas.

Bless!! the roads God get fixed is when some situations where we are laughed at, ‘eminent’ person comes to visit our mocked at for coming from a ‘backstate. After that it’s back to broken ward’ area. Had our leaders thought roads, potholes, etc. about the state, all these things would The main purpose of joining not happen. Then again, it would not the government is to improve the con- be right to put the blame entirely on ditions of the state, but here people the government since it is us, the genLipomen join to steal the huge amount of mon- eral public who has chosen them to ey itenjoyable receives. The developing The most holiday is states re- lead us. We cast our vote for them so ceive much more than the other highly it is not justifiable that we just sit and Christmas.

All Christians developed states for improving the complain about every bad condition in state from the Centre.

Sadly, all this our state. celebrate Christmas let it be money is going to the pockets of the It is our land so we should from poor to rich, it we should ‘great’ leaders trust so much that stand on our feet and do something we giveby ourdecorating vote to them for leading about it. If one voice speaks and the be celebrated us. The other states show so much hate others follow, it will surely make a house, singing Christmas songs, and mockery towards us and instead of difference. The rest of the world is to going them by praying replying to God, toshowing churchthat we advancing at such a rapid speed and better, we are only giving them here we are still worrying about our etc and can thedomost important thing more chances to do so. roads and electricity problems. Time is have fought less, we should act soon. of Christmas Our is offorefathers remembering

the birth of Jesus Christ.

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Who Will Weed Out Corruption?

Akhayii Komou

Mika K. Achumi

Christmas is the birth of the prince of peace our December 25 is the day where every Christian Lord Jesus Christ. However we Nagas celebrates the birth of Christ. We have different meaning particularly our celebrate Christmas because there is youngsters. It is celebrated at night on a a way of salvation. Giving birth is wrong date i.e. 24th of December under the beginning of new life on earth; Liba hopeSon, btc, Pfutsero the influence of alcohol; it is a birth of rival Christmas open doors the beginning ram- tangible evidence that we are not nificant. There is a notion if weIt is a sleepless night bunch ofthat, hooligan. of new life to anToday, every the Christian. pant corruption true to ourselves and we play games are aware and somber about small parents andthe neighbours because of the But in Nagas prevailing society, it seems the our tongue and actions. in ourlike with temptations, we canforwith stand society is plainly rather Now, where does corruption big temptations. But if we heavy soundneglect system. The funniest thing is that festivals of party and entertaining recognized and come from? I opine that it starts and brush aside the small temptawe do not even play Christmas songs. Too much than spiritual awakening. interest, extensivelySelf disfrom the grass-root level. Much tions, we will stumble even when dancing, Similarly, fighting, shouting and drinking leads us to a cussed by us.selfI righteousness, corruption starts from the public. we face big temptations. superior complex, corruption, heard many Frequently, we are involved in cor- if we are not seriouslong and truthful in slumber on Christmas day. Christmas for Nagas is a reason to commit sins. tribalism, pride,have nepotism, dishonesty, division, injustice, hatred, extortion, silence, people express- ruption because we want to get small matters, we cannot be in the factionalism, indiscipline, etc work are thedone reality totally ing theirhypocrites, views our verypractices hastily which or justare big matters. When we uproot the with much burden and discontent- because we love our life more than plants in our campus or surrounding, against the character of Christianity value. Christmas is the day of celebration ment against corruption. As I think truth. I’m bringing out all these ide- we should not be idle to uproot the to our renew, forgive and recall as thebecause, Christianity the church about life revive, today, the wave of the to docharacter; away with where corrupsmall plants thinking that they are Phongtang.C. Noklang ‘blame game’ that transpired in the tion, we need to know the nature of not clearly visible, for they will grow elders, priest, missionary, leaders and common people need to think and rationalize ‘garden of Eden’ in the beginning corruption and the factors leading and become big one day and trouble Christmas is the Celebration of Jesus in spirituality, economy of human history politics, is still power, sweeping to and it. I humanity. reckon that our understand- us again.

Christ’s birthday across us and affecting us. We of- ing of corruption is also very narCorruption, as I believe, starts for Christians all over ten point at others forgetting that, row. Generally, when we talk about from minute things,the which we Though often the idea and the world. three fingers are pointing at us. We corruption, we mean bribery, fraud, take it lightly. For instance, in some meaning of the birth is all the same, daringly say, politicians are corrupt, extortion, exploitations, etc. But, simple paper work where a signature contractors are corrupt, bureaucrats corruption includes many elements, is signed by some Government servthe celebration observed by the Livika M.those Chophy are corrupt, village leaders are coreven things which we consider ants, we give some amount to them, people or in fifty the world rupt, business people are corrupt, to be alright. say rupees ten or twenty for has in one way or What comes into your mind when you heard underground workers are corrupt I cannot boldly say that the a signature. But, it the can other trigger even depending on the varied and the consider that we are clean and politicians or the contractors or the bigger corruptions, since they have word ‘Christmas’? As we all know people and where they free from corruption. I don’t mean bureaucrats are the worst corruptors the taste of gettingcontext money of in athe very that it is the birthday of our L ord that these groups of people are not because I find corruption exists even small work. Then when comes to lived.itFor Nagas, it has a unique way corrupt, they might be, but we lamin my own institution.

Here, please giving employment or a big contract Jesus Christ. It is also one of the of celebrating Christ’s birthday. We in baste and condemn them to be the don’t take me wrong, thinking that work or big projects, they will debiggest festival celebrated whole worst corruptors or sinners, albeit I’m trying to defame the reputation mand a larger amount of money.

So, general have community service sharing the love many others worse in order over the are world.

Wethan can them. see aroundof my college or expose the weak- according to my opinion, of God who sent His only son to be our savior. This is the time of accepting As I mentioned in my previ- nesses of us, but it’s a fact. I believe to weed out corruption, everyone the beautiful decorations, different Christ in our hearts. We also enjoy physically by celebrating feast in family, ous write-up, “Everyone Is Expert in all the institutions have some kind should be serious and careful about Christmas songs,we exchanging of gifts Defending Oneself”, do not smell of corruptions If you can tell me the small matters. community entertain, merry making and have fun with friends and family. our own excreta, but smell only oth- name of an institution is totally free As I interacted with some of and many more.

But now when we come ers excreta. Sadly, many a times, we of corruption, please let me know, I my friends, asking their view on how our context we usually celebratewould just like to pay a visit. fail into to realize that, we push others to do away with corruption, they to corruption, but criticize them Corruption exists even in the shared for the sake of Christmas without knowing the actual their opinions which were when they go wrong. For instance, Church and I believe you will agree similar to my view. That is, everyone Rev. Dr. Paulah Kapfo meaning Christ born to thewith world. as we anticipate thisofChristmas we talk a lot of about the being village leadme Even if your understanding should change oneself before we ers and that they are badly cor- Him corruption is not narrow. point at others who are corrupted. A let ussayprepare ourselves to receive with great joy and also letForthisin-Christmas In 2007, I spent the first Christmas in Nagaland rupted. But in today’s world it’s stance, we see many Churches with friend of mine opines that everyone be a time where you experience the goodness of His lovein that have nevershould check and examine away from my families and church members. amusing sometimes when we conclosed doors and, fact,you they canone’s life siderexperience the way or system onnot howforgetting they not them open because there and transform oneself to have a corbefore and tokeep give thanks to God for being so special to The best scene I saw in Nagaland was are elected. In the past, almost eve- is corruption. In a hostel, students ruption-free society. It doesn’t mean us was reminding His to lovebecome once again and only Jesus.

Christmas stars at every home. Even ryone reluctant the through do notHis keepone eatables or son some handy that we never talk about others mischairman or secretary or finance or things on the table and go out for a takes or judge others, but we should though the house was very humble thatch a member of the Village Council, but stroll with doors open, because there never consider that we are free from one, isbecause the bright star in it, today, the trend is quite different. is corruption. Perhaps, these ideas corruption. In fact, this one ofofthe Many are quarrelling and fighting appear to be silly or insignificant most important things we have all houses looked to very warm and lovely. for the Village Council posts. when we deal about corruption, but do in order to weed out corruption shining starit’sover humble house looked Recently, I heard that there we ought to first dig out the petite in our society today.The Sometimes, Marjo A. Kichu was election of leaders in a small vil- things that lead to corruption. Some- worth criticizing and condemning attractive and magnificent because it lage,Christmas and interestingly, few students times, not always exis celebrated by us Nagas in when I read my published ar- oneself. We shouldcarried Jesus in their fragile vessel. I and workers who were in New Delhi ticles, I come across silly spelling er- pect others to change andthe bestar comthe most extraordinary way.

But we were brought home to cast votes rors in a word or grammatical errors placent with our lives. realized why Nagas are loved by God. The reason is for forget the Village Council in a phrase which I have overlooked, Change will not come from one thing, thecandidates. main reason for that Nagas have the longing heart to Jesus Christ as a Superstar in their lives.

Surprisingly or unsurprisingly, those and hence, I had a remorseful expe- politicians, Government officers and iLLuStratiON by the celebration.

We forget Jesus persuaded guys came by flight, paid rience reading them. Just because of leaders alone; it will come from all aTonG roThronG Christ.

We should be celebrating by the candidates.

And I was stunned a single mistake in a word, the idea of us. We should be constantly reto learn thatand the not candidates spent Letof the whole sentence went wrong. minded by the phrase that, ‘everyfor Him for ourselves. some lacs of rupees in the election I regretted thinking, if I have read one is a leader’. Indeed, there are us all remember very essence campaign.

So, in thisthe situation, the through more times seriously, that many things – schemes, funds, proMesensen villagers are sure that when those should not have happened.

But unjects and others that the illiterate of Christmas and worship the one candidates are elected, they will cer- desirable situations occur when we people do not know, so most theyenjoyable can be festival of the year is Christmas.

The Christmas is meant for, our Lord are careless. Remember, “A rotten taken advantage of and siphoned tainly siphon off the money meant Christmasoris edua great event for every member of our for the village through village funds, potato will rot the whole potatoes”! off by the knowledgeable Jesus Christ.

NREGS and others. So, will it be apt When I think about change, cated people easily. family Consequently, in and neighbours.

As soon as Christmas stars or right for the villagers to criticize I’m always reminded and inspired by such matter, we need some erudite many people decorates the church. Christmas the village leaders if they take vil- Leo Tolstoy’s popular quote, “Every- and wise leaders who can mobilize must not be celebrated by doing bad things, by lage money more than they have body wants to change the world, but and tell people about these, educate spent in the election? Can’t we say nobody wants to change oneself”. In them, assist them and ensure that destroying the environment but Christmas must that villagers directly or indirectly fact, we often think and say that the they enjoy the privileges.

Sentimenla be celebrated by going to church, knowing others, signal the candidates that they can politicians, bureaucrats, contractors, I wish some wise leaders be corrupt? This is the situation we business people, underground work- would emerge to influence people sharing meals, praising God and family worship.

In those bygone days Christmasers meant are facing today. and other leaders are corrupt, that would not to give money to of the aConsider great triumphant for those who about demanding while considering ourselves to be anybody for any jobMost so that theNagas sys- are kind and soft hearted, giving money for jobs! Many often grum- righteous and good. Although, not tem will be clean and onemeals, day! Christmas is a time when we should andfair sharing celebrate knowing its true Essence ble saying, it’s very hard to get job trying to lift up the head of these I wish everyone recognizes and reworship God. Christmas is a time when we should help poor families. Christmas is wait for groups of people, I would like to say alizes that to do away today, for we celebration. cannot get They jobs without with corrupmoney,Christmas jobs are bought mon- that they are corrupted to a great tion; one’s life should positively also be a time when we make new friends. That is how Nagas celebrate Christmas. in orderwith to welcome ey, so on and so forth. But imagine extent because of the public. For in- changed. I would like to say that if Jesus Christ to for givejobs gratitude if all the people who and apply stance, if a lazy student gets admis- we examine our lives and be transdecidefor notwhat to give any money to the sion in a very good institution and formed, and live a truthful and he has done. But now we officers demanding, will they say studies there and she/he finds eve- faithful life, truth and faithfulness see the money changes!!!.

WewillthebeNagas that without nothing ryone studying hard, that student will hunt all those who are corrupt worked out?

Weadopted say politicians are ofwill not be comfortable or free to and change them. But, if we are Sungtirer who solely the religion corrupt, but how much money do we go on living with his sluggish habits. not faithful and truthful, those who Christian lackbefore the knowledge, and a time to enjoy because it is the demand from them election? moral He will be immensely influenced and are corrupt now willChristmas get bolderis and How much spend in foods andmain dragged down by the environment, bolder, and becometime more corrupt in was born to save mankind valuedoofwe Christmas and the reason for when Jesus drinks? Why do we run after differ- where all the students work hard to the future. If we are still overruled its celebration. Some of the Nagas accepts Christmas as a celebration sin. Christmas should not be ent candidates for money? We criti- achieve their goal. Likewise, if all by the concept thatfrom corruption will cize them, but whenmoney, we aregetting in needdrunk theand people around a Government be stopped when the bureaucrats, for spending the most interesting act is getting celebrated by drinking beers, smoking of money, don’t we elevate them Officer in a locality are good and contractors, politicians, UG groups, into fight. Now we see not a true essence of Christmas!!! But a mess! or exploding crackers. Christmas very high and treat them like kings truthful, the officer will find hard to business people and other leaders Chaotic!

Pathetic Christmas.

Great curiosity is ??? “What if thechange their lives, I should even in the Church worship servic- be corrupt and deceitful. opine be that there celebrated with joy and love. es? Are the people of the commuMany boldly are involved in is a long way for us to go to remove Nagas can be devoted like other religions who solely practice their religion ChristmasWho we should help people. nity more corrupt or the politicians? corruption because they know that corruption. Who is In corrupted? and culture”.

But now, there’s not a point to turned it right until one’s Many often complain about chasing they can stand because the people will weed out corruption?

I believe Christmas is celebrated by Christian the worshippers who have occupied around them are also not truthful. corruption can be removed when check their heart and accepts Jesus Christ who is the true assurance and some people the front benches when some impor- They know that the people are also everybody is concerned about one’sgo to different places and the true meaning of Christmas!!!

May we bring the changes by tant personalities come to attend loose and corrupt. The root of cor- life and change. “Corruption starts to celebrated Christmas. We should pray, Churchcelebrating service or the Jubilee or other ruption is from small matters which from us and thus we have to weed Christmas in its true colour so that the Nagas and the share things with each other and help the poor important programs. In fact, this is we consider to be trivial and insig- out corruption”.

Christmas becomes a meaningful one. people. At Christmas we should go to church and worshipped God.

T

The fight for justice against corruption is never easy. It never has been and never will be. It exacts a toll on our self, our families, our friends, and especially our children. In the end, I believe, as in my case, the price we pay is well worth holding on to our dignity FRAnk SERPICO

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Christmas

so shall U receive blesses, Then if rain fall so shall it going to carry all ur problem away from U! Happy Christmas!!! ******

May this Christmas end the present year Here are some Christmas sms In a cheerful note and make way you can send to friends: For a fresh and bright new year.

Here’s wishing you a Christmas gift suggestions: Merry Christmas and a Happy To your enemy, forgiveness.

New Year!

To an opponent, tolerance. ****** To a friend, your heart.

In the daytime if sun shine To a customer, service. so shall Ur expectations come To all, charity. true, To every child, a good example.

At night when moon comes out To yourself, respect. so shall U receive blesses, ****** then if rain fall so shall it going

Lets welcome the year to carry all your problem away which is fresh from U! Lets welcome the year which is Happy Merry Christmas fresh and new, ****** Lets cherish each moment it

May the miracle of beholds, iLLuStratiON

by SÜnGkÜM Christmas fill your heart with Lets celebrate this blissful New warmth and love. year. Merry X-mas Christmas is the time of giving ****** and sharing.

From Home to home, and It is the time of loving and heart to heart, forgiving.

From one place to another.

Merry Christmas to Everyone The warmth and joy of ****** Christmas, EDmUnD BURkE If one night a big fat Brings us closer to each other. man jumps in at your window ****** grabs you and puts you in a

In this Christmas, sack don’t worry I told Santa I In the daytime if sun shin so wanted you for CHRISTMAS shall Ur expectation come true, Faith makes all things At night when moon comes out

Sms

“Among a people generally corrupt, liberty cannot long exist”

possible, Hope makes all things work, Love makes all things beautiful.

May you have all the three for this Christmas!

Merry Christmas! ******

One day a big fat man comes to you and puts you in a big bag.

Don’t get afraid, i asked santaclaus to gift me a good friend for this xmas.

Happy Christmas ******

Christmas is not a time nor a season, But a state of mind.

To cherish peace and goodwill, To be plenteous in mercy, Is to have the real spirit of Christmas. ******

Before Now you are just ok, yesterday you were better, today you are perfect, This is the effect of a blissful season…christmas. merry it in style. ******

May you be reminded of all the most important things in your life this Christmas. Merry Christmas! ******

Love came down at Christmas; Love all lovely, love divine; Marcia SekhoSe Love was born at Christmas, Stars and angels gave the sign.

REBEL AGAINST

CORRUPTION The Root Of All Evil

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With Christmas just around the corner people in Nagaland are busy JeNNifer riP LeStHat hayden shopping their hearts out, started decorating every house, putting up It stars is true,and there Christmas are people, that don’t really care trees.

Every one seems so busy preparing ….But They go on with life and ignore the bad news But rememberThe somequestion are simply unaware forjustwhat??? here is are we busy preparing our life for Some information still needs time to diffuse reconciliation or are we busy preparing for the fun and enjoyment?

There areNagas some people that simply choose toaact blind Dear let this season be different one by inviting God in our They watch the world through candy coated glasses Know thattransforms there are others left a behind heart a that newwere lifejust and new phase with him anchored Much of what we learn is from our school’s classes with spiritual shield because only God is our source of all We have been taught to live but not how to react meaningful and contented life.

We hear something so wrong we do not believe So proud some are to play the part of the hero In truth many actions proved erroneous The falsity scores many, while truth scores a zero Some things start nice and then end felonious

May all the sweet magic Of Christmas conspire To gladden your hearts And fill every desire. ******

From Home to home, and heart to heart, From one place to another.

The warmth and joy of Christmas, Brings us closer to each other. ******

Heap on the wood!-the wind is chill, But let it whistle as it will, We’ll keep our Christmas merry still. ******

May the spirit of Christmas bring you peace, The gladness of Christmas give you hope, And the warmth of Christmas grant you With many blessings.

Faith makes all things possible, Hope makes all things work, Love makes all things beautiful. May you have all the three for this Christmas! Merry Christmas! ******

The Blessings of Peace The Beauty of Hope The Spirit of Love The Comfort of Faith May these be your gifts this Christmas Season.

Nagaland, the state I was born in, rich in culture, welcomingnatured people, is unfortunately drowned in corruption. Anyone would say corruption is a common phenomenon in politics, but what I see in my state is more like a drug which has been abused to its core. It has been 41 years since Nagaland received its statehood, but till now not much development has taken place.

Starting from electricity to roads and educational institutions which come later, the condition seems to be almost the same as it was ten years back.

Nagaland is considered a backward place and we are really live up to this. The electricity problem is probably the worst problem we are facing right now; this year the residents have faced the worst conditions ever. The occurrence of the problem as we read seems to be due to the damaging of the electriAjensangla Aier cal towers, but there were some rumors as to why the problems really occurred. I don’t even know what to say about the roads. The only time the roads get fixed is when some ‘eminent’ person comes to visit our state. After that it’s back to broken roads, potholes, etc.

The main purpose of joining the government is to improve the conditions of the state, but here people join to steal the huge amount of money it receives. The developing states receive much more than the other highly developed states for improving the state from the Centre. Sadly, all this money is going to the pockets of the ‘great’ leaders we trust so much that we give our vote to them for leading us. The other states show so much hate and mockery towards us and instead of replying to them by showing that we can do better, we are only giving them more chances to do so.

Our forefathers have fought

CORRUPTION

Some people are so lost they deny what is fact Despite all the truth some things we can’t perceive

so much for the pride of our state and it us up to the current leaders to retain and preserve what they fought for. The leaders are supposed to work together for the benefit of the state. Of course there is corruption in every government, but if we look at the other states, their leaders are developing the state that the question of corruption does not rise at all.

Nagaland is known for being a Christian state. There are so many programs held at our state and outside commemorating Christianity that prevails amongst us Nagas. It is also visible that in any political event that always starts with a prayer and the rest of the program follows. It is a shame that calling themselves Christians and following so many traditions, they are actually doing satanic works behind our backs. The money they use to live their lavish lives and show too, are not hard earned money, but money stolen which they do not deserve. Where is the Christianity in that?

It is very shameful and embarrassing for the students aspiring to study and learn more that have to go somewhere else to seek education. Many students including me, face situations where we are laughed at, mocked at for coming from a ‘backward’ area. Had our leaders thought about the state, all these things would not happen. Then again, it would not be right to put the blame entirely on the government since it is us, the general public who has chosen them to lead us. We cast our vote for them so it is not justifiable that we just sit and complain about every bad condition in our state.

It is our land so we should stand on our feet and do something about it. If one voice speaks and the others follow, it will surely make a difference. The rest of the world is advancing at such a rapid speed and here we are still worrying about our roads and electricity problems. Time is less, we should act soon.

Come December and red stars are seen hung on top of the houses, Christmas trees beautifully decorated and early morning wake up songs are heard playing from Boney M’s album, ‘Feliz Navidad’, ‘Zion’s daughter’ and Jim Reeve’s ‘Silver bells’. Christmas Let the free criminals pay all their rightly dues Cards Cake business flourishes, everyone busy for Christmas shopping, Churches Now it is our turn to make a wrongand a right Even those holding power, don’t everywhere let them abuse echoes the beautiful Christmas hymns like ‘Silent Night’, ‘Joy to the Never allow truth to take away your sight world’. Families and friends visit one another, young and old alike enjoys sitting Be a rebel and tell the world all that is wrong around Even if you’re mean, persuade that you arebon rightfire during Christmas Eve, many attends midnight services for thanks Research to find the truth and you will become strong giving and all these happens for one reason, to celebrate the BIRTHDAY OF Change their brainwashed minds so all may shed some light JESUS CHRIST! This is what Christmas and Naga’s is all about.

Source: http://www.poems-and-quotes.com/life/poems.php?id=998626 Susan Lotha (Su Lot)

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Who Will Weed Out Corruption?

Liba hopeSon, btc, Pfutsero Today, the ram- tangible evidence that we are not nificant. There is a notion that, if we pant corruption true to ourselves and we play games are aware and somber about small prevailing in our with our tongue and actions. temptations, we can with stand the society is plainly Now, where does corruption big temptations. But if we neglect recognized and come from? I opine that it starts and brush aside the small temptaextensively dis- from the grass-root level. Much tions, we will stumble even when cussed by us. I corruption starts from the public. we face big temptations. Similarly, have heard many Frequently, we are involved in cor- if we are not serious and truthful in people express- ruption because we want to get small matters, we cannot be in the ing their views our work done very hastily or just big matters. When we uproot the with much burden and discontent- because we love our life more than plants in our campus or surrounding, ment against corruption. As I think truth. I’m bringing out all these ide- we should not be idle to uproot the about our life today, the wave of the as because, to do away with corrup- small plants thinking that they are ‘blame game’ that transpired in the tion, we need to know the nature of not clearly visible, for they will grow ‘garden of Eden’ in the beginning corruption and the factors leading and become big one day and trouble of human history is still sweeping to it. I reckon that our understand- us again. across us and affecting us. We of- ing of corruption is also very narCorruption, as I believe, starts of Christmas a lanewe in atalk colony in Mokokchung town.

(Right) A ‘3Dwe version’ ten point at (LEFT) others Rows forgetting that, lights row. illuminating Generally, when about from minute things, which oftenstar put up on a roof at Mokokchung. Photograph by Taliakum three fingers are pointing at us. We corruption, we mean bribery, fraud, take it lightly. For instance, in some daringly say, politicians are corrupt, extortion, exploitations, etc. But, simple paper work where a signature contractors are corrupt, bureaucrats corruption includes many elements, is signed by some Government servare corrupt, village leaders are cor- even those things which we consider ants, we give some amount to them, rupt, business people are corrupt, to be alright. say rupees ten or twenty or fifty for underground workers are corrupt I cannot boldly say that the a signature. But, it can trigger even and consider that we are clean and politicians or the contractors or the bigger corruptions, since they have free from corruption. I don’t mean bureaucrats are the worst corruptors the taste of getting money in a very that these groups of people are not because I find corruption exists even small work. Then when it comes to corrupt, they might be, but we lam- in my own institution. Here, please giving employment or a big contract baste and condemn them to be the don’t take me wrong, thinking that work or big projects, they will deworst corruptors or sinners, albeit I’m trying to defame the reputation mand a larger amount of money. So, many others are worse than them. of my college or expose the weak- according to my opinion, in order As I mentioned in my previ- nesses of us, but it’s a fact. I believe to weed out corruption, everyone ous write-up, “Everyone Is Expert in all the institutions have some kind should be serious and careful about Defending Oneself”, we do not smell of corruptions If you can tell me the small matters. our own excreta, but smell only oth- name of an institution is totally free As I interacted with some of ers excreta. Sadly, many a times, we of corruption, please let me know, I my friends, asking their view on how fail to realize that, we push others would like to pay a visit. to do away with corruption, they to corruption, but criticize them Corruption exists even in the shared their opinions which were when they go wrong. For instance, Church and I believe you will agree similar to my view. That is, everyone we talk a lot about the village lead- with me if your understanding of should change oneself before we ers and say that they are badly cor- corruption is not narrow. For in- point at others who are corrupted. A rupted. But in today’s world it’s stance, we see many Churches with friend of mine opines that everyone amusing sometimes when we con- closed doors and, in fact, they can- should check and examine one’s life sider the way or system on how they not keep them open because there and transform oneself to have a corare elected. In the past, almost eve- is corruption. In a hostel, students ruption-free society. It doesn’t mean ryone was reluctant to become the do not keep eatables or some handy that we never talk about others mischairman or secretary or finance or things on the table and go out for a takes or judge others, but we should a member of the Village Council, but stroll with doors open, because there never consider that we are free from today, the trend is quite different. is corruption. Perhaps, these ideas corruption. In fact, this is one of the Many are quarrelling and fighting appear to be silly or insignificant most important things we have to for the Village Council posts. when we deal about corruption, but do in order to weed out corruption Recently, I heard that there we ought to first dig out the petite in our society today. Sometimes, it’s was election of leaders in a small vil- things that lead to corruption. Some- worth criticizing and condemning lage, and interestingly, few students times, when I read my published ar- oneself. We should not always exand workers who were in New Delhi ticles, I come across silly spelling er- pect others to change and be comwere brought home to cast votes rors in a word or grammatical errors placent with our lives. for the Village Council candidates. in a phrase which I have overlooked, Change will not come from Surprisingly or unsurprisingly, those and hence, I had a remorseful expe- politicians, Government officers and iLLuStratiON by persuaded guys came by flight, paid rience reading them. Just because of leaders alone; it will come from all aTonG roThronG by the candidates. And I was stunned a single mistake in a word, the idea of us. We should be constantly reto learn that the candidates spent of the whole sentence went wrong. minded by the phrase that, ‘everysome lacs of rupees in the election I regretted thinking, if I have read one is a leader’. Indeed, there are campaign. So, in this situation, the through more times seriously, that many things – schemes, funds, provillagers are sure that when those should not have happened. But un- jects and others that the illiterate candidates are elected, they will cer- desirable situations occur when we people do not know, so they can be tainly siphon off the money meant are careless. Remember, “A rotten taken advantage of and siphoned for the village through village funds, potato will rot the whole potatoes”! off by the knowledgeable or eduNREGS and others. So, will it be apt When I think about change, cated people easily. Consequently, in or right for the villagers to criticize I’m always reminded and inspired by such matter, we need some erudite the village leaders if they take vil- Leo Tolstoy’s popular quote, “Every- and wise leaders who can mobilize lage money more than Ministry they have bodyblanket wantsto tounderprivileged change the world, butduring andthe tell people about these, educate A volunteer of Deborah distributes people Advent Christmas celebration at the railway station in Dimapur on December 20. Photograph by Caisii Mao spent in the election? Can’t we say nobody wants to change oneself”. In them, assist them and ensure that that villagers directly or indirectly fact, we often think and say that the they enjoy the privileges. signal the candidates that they can politicians, bureaucrats, contractors, I wish some wise leaders be corrupt? This is the situation we business people, underground work- would emerge to influence people are facing today. ers and other leaders are corrupt, that would not to give money to Consider about demanding while considering ourselves to be anybody for any job so that the sysmoney for jobs! Many often grum- righteous and good. Although, not tem will be clean and fair one day! ble saying, it’s very hard to get job trying to lift up the head of these I wish everyone recognizes and retoday, we cannot get jobs without groups of people, I would like to say alizes that to do away with corrupmoney, jobs are bought with mon- that they are corrupted to a great tion; one’s life should be positively ey, so on and so forth. But imagine extent because of the public. For in- changed. I would like to say that if if all the people who apply for jobs stance, if a lazy student gets admis- we examine our lives and be transdecide not to give any money to the sion in a very good institution and formed, and live a truthful and officers demanding, will they say studies there and she/he finds eve- faithful life, truth and faithfulness that without money nothing will be ryone studying hard, that student will hunt all those who are corrupt worked out? We say politicians are will not be comfortable or free to and change them. But, if we are corrupt, but how much money do we go on living with his sluggish habits. not faithful and truthful, those who demand from them before election? He will be immensely influenced and are corrupt now will get bolder and How much do we spend in foods and dragged down by the environment, bolder, and become more corrupt in drinks? Why do we run after differ- where all the students work hard to the future. If we are still overruled ent candidates for money? We criti- achieve their goal. Likewise, if all by the concept that corruption will cize them, but when we are in need the people around a Government be stopped when the bureaucrats, of money, don’t we elevate them Officer in a locality are good and contractors, politicians, UG groups, very high and treat them like kings truthful, the officer will find hard to business people and other leaders even in the Church worship servic- be corrupt and deceitful. change their lives, I opine that there es? Are the people of the commuMany boldly are involved in is a long way for us to go to remove nity more corrupt or the politicians? corruption because they know that corruption. Who is corrupted? Who Many often complain about chasing they can stand because the people will weed out corruption? I believe the worshippers who have occupied around them are also not truthful. corruption can be removed when the front benches when some impor- They know that the people are also everybody is concerned about one’s tant personalities come to attend loose and corrupt. The root of cor- life and change. “Corruption starts Church service or Jubilee or other ruption is from small matters which from us and thus we have to weed important programs. In fact, this is we consider to be trivial and insig- out corruption”.

T

The fight for justice against corruption is never easy. It never has been and never will be. It exacts a toll on our self, our families, our friends, and especially our children. In the end, I believe, as in my case, the price we pay is well worth holding on to our dignity FRAnk SERPICO

A Christmas manger with a musical touch at Khensa village, some 6 km away from Mokokchung town. Photograph by Moa Jamir

Christmas decoration at lower Chandmari in the capital. Colonies compete with each other to put up the best decorations every year. Photograph by Keren R Rose

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iLLuStratiON by SÜnGkÜM

“Among a people generally corrupt, liberty cannot long exist”

CORRUPTION

The Root Of All Evil ‘Hope this Christmas REBEL AGAINST will be different’ CORRUPTION N EDmUnD BURkE

With Christmas festivities underway, people are seen busy purchasing cakes at a bakery in Kohima Town. Photograph by Thiala Chang

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During the early Y2K, as we used to call it, a group of young boys and girls were returning home, but met with an accident which resulted in the death of all of them. If we don’t want to Nagaland, the so have much foronthe pridewe ofshould our learn stateto blood our hands, state I was born and it us up to the current leaders be a responsible youth, because after the older in, rich in cul- to generation retain and preserve what is nothing but dust and sand,they it will ture, welcoming- fought for.

The leaders are supposed be up to us to step up. natured people, to work for the ifbenefit of One together of the most irritating, not horrible, is unfortunately the state. Of course there is corrupSungjemmongba Jamir things we practice as Nagas is selling lottery tickdrowned in cor- tion in every government, but if we ets. Whether it’s a big or small organization, we ruption. Anyone look at the other states, their leadeverything else seems void.

Now regarding the youth, we should learn aren’t spared by them. My question is that why do would say cor- ers are developing the state that the We should really stop being hypocrites, to respect the society and its rules. When we you want to disturb people with those lottery tickruption is a com- question of corruption does not rise and that goes both for parents and children. tell our parents that we are going to attend the ets which, I believe no one really bothers to even mon phenomenon in politics, but what at all.

Our society is tangled around the notion that church, isn’t it during that time when we see give a second glance. Is it that they can’t think of I see in my state is more like a drug Nagaland is known for being we should only show the good side of our face, young couples merged with the dark and do- how to earn money?There are a lot of people who which has been abused to its core. It a Christian state. There are so many like trying to be holier-than-thou. When parlive on a strict budget scalestate becauseand theyoutaren’t ing heaven knowssince what? Nagaland re- programs has been 41 years held at our ents give unnecessary restrictions to their chilthat well off. If you want money,Christianity then conduct a When we are in the church we should ceived its statehood, but till now not re-side commemorating dren, even though with good intentions, the fair or a charity show or even make something spect God, because it’s a holy place and also the much development has taken place. that prevails amongst us Nagas.

It is end result is never good. The child will evenand sell it.

Just anything, but the lottery event because it’s the birth of our Saviour.

We Starting from electricity to roads and also visible that in any politicaltickets. event tually grow up and find ways to sneak away, I hope thestarts upcoming will are celebrating Christmaswhich solely because educational institutions come it’sthat always withChristmas a prayerweand because children are naturally born to rebel.later, If Christ’s get to see a different kind of Christmas where birthday and nothing else.

Controlling the condition seems to be almost the rest of the program follows. It is a parents want their children to appreciate them we seethat people helpingthemselves each other andChrismaking one’s primal urge ten is also necessary. the same as it was years back.How manyshame calling then they can celebrate Christmas at home by of usNagaland it more alive without forgetting that it’s about hear or see or is evenconsidered go through the phase a tians and following so many tradiletting their child invite their friends, that way giving rather than taking. Let the Christmas called “It’s a Christmas or accidents backward place and baby!” we are really ontions, they are actually doing satanic you can keep an eye on them and the childlive is the spirit behind touch everyone.

Drinking and driving neverworks up highway, to this.etc.

The electricity probour backs. The money happy as well. It’s a win-win situation.

Merry as history tells time and time again.they use lem helps is probably the us worst problem toChristmas live their lavish lives and we are facing right now; this year show too, are not hard earned monthe residents have faced the worst ey, but money stolen which they do We have been taught to live but not how to react conditions ever. The occurrence of not deserve. Where is the Christianthe problem as we read seems to be ity in that?

We hear something so wrong we do not believe due to the damaging of the electriIt is very shameful and emSome people are so lost they deny what is fact cal towers, but there were some ru- barrassing for the students aspiring Despite all the truth some things we can’t perceive mors as to why the problems really to study and learn more that have occurred. I don’t even know what to to go somewhere else to seek educasay about the roads. The only time tion. Many students including me, face So proud some are to play the part of the hero the roads get fixed is when some situations where we are laughed at, ‘eminent’ person comes to visit our mocked at for coming from a ‘backIn truth many actions proved erroneous state. After that it’s back to broken ward’ area. Had our leaders thought The falsity scores many, while truth scores a zero roads, potholes, etc. about the state, all these things would Some things start nice and then end felonious The main purpose of joining not happen. Then again, it would not the government is tosupplement improve the conbe rightwill to put blame entirely The Morung Express monthly ‘Opinion’ bethe published on on ditions of the state, but here people the government since it is us, the genthe third Saturday every In the Opinion, you are Let the free criminals pay all their rightly dues join of to steal the month. huge amount of moneral public whothe has storyteller. chosen them to ey it receives.

The developing states relead us.

We cast our vote for them so Now it is our turn to make a wrong a right Please share your story by responding to the theme of this month’s ceive much more than the other highly it is not justifiable that we just sit and Even those holding power, don’t let them abuse issue:“MY HOPEdeveloped FOR NAGAS 2013” statesINfor improving the complain about every bad condition in Never allow truth to take away your sight state from the Centre. Sadly, all this our state. money is going to the pockets of the It is our land so we should Contributions can be in the form of photography, illustrations, photos of ‘great’ leaders we trust so much that stand on our feet and do something Be a rebel and tell the world all that is wrong give our vote accounts, to them for leading it. If one voice speaks artwork, essays,wefirst-person poetry, about reported articles, and and anythe us. The other states show so much hate others follow, it will surely make a Even if you’re mean, persuade that you are right other form of expression that can be printed. and mockery towards us and instead of difference. The rest of the world is Research to find the truth and you will become strong replying to them by showing that we advancing at such a rapid speed and Change their brainwashed minds so all may shed some light can do better, we are only giving them here we are still worrying about our A PRODUCTION OFmore chances to do so. roads and electricity problems. Time is Source: http://www.poems-and-quotes.com/life/poems.php?id=998626 Our forefathers have fought less, we should act soon.

hen it comes to Christmas and Nagas we can say a lot or nothing at all. There are numerous positive points and negative points like two sides of the same coin.

Before we were Christians we were pagans or nature worshippers. It was only after the colonization of Nagaland that we started to believe in Christianity, but I believe in a way we still haven’t changed much. We are We have a certain group of bikers in Nagaland, although we automatically think all bikstill rooted to our cultureriP whichLeStHat is admirable and JeNNifer hayden and noteworthy, but at the same time we tend ers are rowdy and unruly they have proved us wrong because it was these youths that reto get dragged down for the same reason. the littlereally children and helped them.

During the holiday season many of us get It is true, there are people, membered that don’t care together with friends and family and have a Correct me if I am wrong, but there aren’t a They go on with life and ignore the bad news good time in the name of Christmas. We buy lot of people willing to help the less fortunate.

But remember simply unaware Neither the common man nor the higher ups gifts forjust our neighbours or relativessome and also are are willing to help anyone which contradicts for ourselves, go to church, and make merry Some information still needs time to diffuse which I believe is quite fair. But isn’t Christ- the very meaning of Christmas. It is indeed a very meaningful gesture to buy a bag or rice or mas something more than that? for thechoose needy but being and There some people thatclothes simply towith actthem blind There areare people who do good deeds which spending time with them will not only warm mostly go unnoticed like buying gifts for the They watch the world through candy coated glasses orphans and sick. I am sure you may or may their heart, but it will become one of the best Know there are others that were just behind of your lives and left theirs as well. We not know of that people who help the needy, but memories are all human without thatclasses human touch the media hardly bring to light such incidents.

Much of what we learn is from our and school’s

Marcia SekhoSe

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