JUNE2012
daring to dream
DREAMS! IMKÜMRA My dream is that Nagas should not be afraid to Dream. It is when people dare to dream Dreams that great things happen and the impossible becomes possible. Dreams help people guide their own destiny and make their own culture. It is through dreaming Dreams that we find our own humanness. It is when we dream Dreams that we evoke the consciousness within us to be imaginative and creative as it was meant to be. And yet, growing and living in the Naga nation that is oppressed, exploited, hurt, grieving, angry, divided, complacent, suspicious and in despair, it is easy not to dream. Being afraid to dream Dreams has become the norm for Naga people. It is indeed soothing to suffer peacefully and becomes effortless to slip into a state of mind where one is comforted by all the injustices around us. Our status quo has become a situation where the powerful become more powerful, the rich become richer, while the poor waste away in their helplessness; and our cries for a better future drowns in our own disappointment and bitterness. Misery has become our companion and comforter. Moving away from or out of this constant oppressive state is also threatening. Ironically, when people stop dreaming Dreams, the future becomes dim and uncertain as life is reduced to mechanical reactions to the world around us. The continuous task to collectively imagine a better relational society is by no means a recent attempt; it has been the ideal yearning of all who contemplate in thought and action a life guided to this realization. It is the prophetic imagination for a just and harmonious society that threatens those who feed upon an unjust system, perpetuating domination and marginalization. My dream is for Nagas to gather the courage to dream Dreams and to allow new hope to arise. We can no longer be afraid to Dream, because it is by daring to Dream that we reclaim our own humanity. Nagas need to dream in order for us to be
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sure of where we are and where we wish to go. It is by dreaming Dreams that we can transcend our past and embrace the diversity that reflects our shared humanity. The Naga dream is not a single vision; it is a way of life. It is based on the idea that the freedom of one is the freedom of the other. In the Naga dream, freedom is not the end, but only a means to become fully whole again. It is a dream where every man, woman and child can reach the zenith of what their creation allows. It is a dream where the Naga people uphold the land, resources, environment and their neighbors to the highest human worth for mutual co-existence. The Naga dream is about new life with creativity and originality that manifests through private and public expression the yearnings and aspirations that have been denied and suppressed for so long. It can begin by enabling a collective and optimistic imagination to have a space of its own. In reality, the Naga dream itself becomes the road that will be made by walking and working together. If we are not honest with ourselves, Nagas can dream our way through life and never reach the Naga destination. The Naga dream invites us to further engage in self-criticism, to correct ourselves and to embrace the values of the Naga dream, both in thought and in action. As dreamers, we are expected to nurture and nourish the Naga dream, and when necessary, to even replant it as many times as necessary. The Naga dream will not wither away as long as the dreamers are dreaming and sharing together their dreams. Finally, If I could talk to my grandparents, great-grandparents and great-great grandparents, I would say the old times are gone, so much has changed but love like the wind and the earth is still here. When all else fades away – faith, hope, love will remain. Those yearnings of freedom, justice and peace that are so strong, so mysterious will always be with us. I think of you all and I thank all those who have come before us to courageously dream the Naga Dream and make the sacrifices for the present and the future of our people. I thank you.
i My Dream is to live in a society where the welfare of each is bound up in the welfare of all, free from people so piteous and forlorn. Khesheli Chishi Convenor, IWFNEI My Dream is to see the oneness of Nagas not on the lips but in the heart of every Naga-be it in the South, East, Central, North & West- free from the divisive barriers of petty, narrow & low considerations -Nagas, upright, straight & upfront across the board. L. Adani President, United Naga Council My Dream is to see a Nagaland where justice and truth prevails…where its people live without fear and where reason has not lost its way… Azi Therieh Civil Judge (Jr) Kohima My Dream is to revitalize our hills with the songs of insects, birds, bests and man sung in joyful unison and let it begin with me and you… Ayo Jajo Aier Homemaker My Dream is to see Nagas becoming a people who care more for the health of the Naga tree than the enjoyment of the fruits of that tree. Niketu Iralu Member, Peace Committee, NBCC My Dream is for Nagas to reconcile in spirit and letter. Otherwise Nagas will perish together. Rev. Phughoto Aye Pastor, Sumi Baptist Church, Dimapur I Dream of a time when Nagas will become synonymous with being a people who follow the highest ethical standard and being industrious in whatever they do. I pray this happens in my lifetime. I dream of a time, in a not too distant future, where Nagas really determine their own economic, political and cultural future… and credible peoples’ platform such as FNR continue to ensure that the democratic context of the Naga struggle is safeguarded, both in the course of our movement, and once our goal of a sovereign Nagaland is realized. James Pochury Program Officer, ActionAid, Delhi My dream is to be faithful and true in the sight of God no matter what man may say. Rev. Anjo Keikung General Secretary, NBCC My dream is to see Clark Theological College (CTC) grow and impact the church and society meaningfully by developing a new generation of Church leaders through various programs and projects for those who come for training at Clark. I would like to see CTC establishing research programs, expanding the service of Clark Centre for Leadership Development (CCLD) far and near, and see Clark Centre for Peace Research and Action (CCPRA) actively involved in the ongoing life of the people. Rev. Dr. Takatemjen Principal, CTC
My Dream is to..... be the light wherever I go. Vevozo Vero
Qualities of Reflective Practitioners BETSY LEE
Recognize complexity Have a capacity to hear and see and understand Look for connections Acknowledge the Holy Have humility Notice who’s in and who’s out Celebrate diversity and breadth Value creativity Have curiosity Know the power of voice Are aware of power Have heart Value stories Peace with justice
My dream is to see Nagas come together as one people and build a strong nation one day. Dr. Atso Venuh Associate Professor, History and Archeology Dept, Nagaland University My Dream is to see Nagaland become corruption free, peaceful with a gender sensitive society that respects women’s rights and a better world for our children to live in… Rosemary Dzuvichu President NUTA Kohima, Nagaland University My Dream is for a fair Naga Society without bigotry and superficiality, a Society evolved upon a foundation of high Moral Values and Dignity for all. Lanu Longkumer Assistant Professor, Geography dept Nagaland University
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my DREAM is to.... I UNOKALI ASSUMI As I decide to write this article, I wonder . . . . It’s no little surprise that I have a million dreams that are waiting to be fulfilled, and it’s an impossible task fit into this article . . . . I dream to runaway from reality, though it sounds a little delusional, but yes I do. It’s like having my own space where I make my own rules and opinion on how life should function. Having dreams and aspirations is not limited; it’s not something only few people can afford. It’s for everyone be they rich, poor, young or old. I’d love to lend my ears to hear people’s dreams, because not only do they describe them enthusiastically and in detail, but they are also very inspiring and definitely give positive vibes. I believe there are many young people like me who dream of success, of finally reaping the seed of the well harvested dream. One should never feel that their dream is too high or to low, or be pessimistic about whether or not they will achieve it. Being embarrassed about having big dreams and anticipating people’s reactions is very natural. However, I personally think that it’s not what people think or react to the kind of dreams you aspire to have, it’s the way you react to your dreams. Only dreaming about your success will never do, it’s about putting to action, constructing your dream in reality through hard work and labour, and making people aware that you’re not only a dreamer but also a realist. My dream is to become a good journalist, but then I ask my self whether that is really enough. How in the process of fulfilling my dreams of becoming a journalist will I bring my other dreams to live, a dream of making impossibility possible? I want to be part of the beginning of a new era, the brigade of educated, independent, responsible and well equipped youth of Nagaland. My dream of being a successful journalist to make a difference in my society, to end corruption, help build a platform for the youth, explore and push their dreams to a whole new level and most importantly be the voice for my people. To be inspired and to be an inspiration, nurturing my dreams and hoping to turn them into reality are what I strive for. Nothing is impossible and I believe there are thousands of Naga youth today who I share my dream. I never hesitate to dream big, nor do I discourage people from doing that. I have a friend who one day aspires to be the first northeastern president of India. Yes, that to me is what dreams are made of. There will always be a point in our lives where failure and under estimation may put a full stop to our passion. But as I grow, learn and gain experience each day I realize it’s not about how many times you are under estimated or fail in life, it’s about the confidence and courage you possess in pursuing your dreams. Inspiration is everywhere, chase your dreams, grab your opportunity when it crosses your way do not miss out on it. Take advantage of the fact that we are part of a generation where such that dreams, ideas and innovations know no boundaries. It’s never too late or are we too young to aim high and think out of the box. If we decide to put in the effort, the rewards will be enormously satisfying. The sky is the limit; we don’t always have to be a game winner, be a changer, dream big and take charge of your own destiny. I’ll end with my all time favorite quote by Eleanor Roosevelt “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
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My dream is to Fly so High... M. Shanthungo Ezung
A State of Mine AL LONGKUMER Last evening I sat at the yard, enjoying the not so pleasant Dimapur heat, pondering about my life, my dreams, and my future. Minutes turned to hours and I began to think about the promises and commitments I’ve made and failed to keep. As the scourging sun began to sink, giving way to the moon and stars, I couldn’t help but think about how time drifts away like an unanchored boat. I, then, asked myself; “How much time do I have? More importantly, how much time do we Nagas have? How much time to make things right before it is too late?” Perhaps many of us agree or accept the saying that “promises are made to be broken” but why? Is it because we are used to hearing politicians making promises and not keeping any? Police personnel and medical practitioners (to name some) not conducting according to their oath? Or maybe we all just break promises
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at one time or the other just like that. My point, however, is that we all get hurt real bad when someone breaks a promise made towards us. Can you, however, imagine the intensity of pain we inflict on God our heavenly father when we make a promise or covenant with Him and fail to keep them? Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream. He dreamt of equality and justice irrespective of color or sex. Perhaps his dream is realized in America, evident in the fact that the President is a black guy. Our Naga forefathers also had a dream, a big dream indeed when Nagas will live as one sovereign and united nation. However that dream is yet to come true. The Naga church, likewise, also had a dream, a dream when Nagas will worship and testify that Christ is the only Lord and true God. Perhaps this is how the now infamous slogan was born; “Nagaland for Christ” (which of course we do not live up to). This, however, is not the whole story. The church went on to make a covenant with God vowing to send ten thousand missionaries across the globe. Ironically that promise is yet to be fulfilled. While on the other hand, our so called freedom fighters
my dream is for NAGAS to march forward in UNITY
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are spilling innocent blood under the banner “Nagaland for Christ,” and I keep asking myself how much we Nagas must be hurting God? I feel this burden every single day. We all, in fact, need to feel the burden and join hands to make a change. Sticking to the theme of today’s publication, my sole dream is that Nagas will live as one true Christian nation. This, in my opinion, can only be achieved by an intellectual (and not just spiritual) reformation. Nagaland is plagued with “revivalism” and “nominalism.” We need Luthers, Calvins, and Zwinglis and their likes. I, being a student of theology myself, sometimes feel embarrassed by the breath taking level of mediocrity exposed by theologically trained people. Nagas today more than anything else need genuine Christian leaders who are highly intellectual and spiritual. Perhaps one day our Government can work on establishing a department of theology in our own University, producing the best of theologians and ministers/ missionaries. All these self styled Theological seminaries in every nook and corner of Nagaland will simply not do. We need better. Kuknalim!
MY DREAM IS. . .
DREAM ON LONGRANGTY LONGCHAR My dream is . . . well, I am a dreamer. I love to dream with my eyes wide open and be transported to a world of eternity just as John Keats did when he heard the song of a nightingale or saw a Grecian urn. My dreams change with my moods, but I still harbor my boyish dream of a good life of spending my middle age days with a loving wife, playing with my children and strolling out on the country roads on cool November eves with my wife, and simply fall in love with her over and over again. I have other dreams also, and though I might not be as eloquent as Martin Luther King when he delivered the famous speech ‘I have a dream’ which have touched the hearts of millions who have heard or read it. My dreams might be a bit shoddy simply because I belong to a generation of angry young Nagas who want change. I know I must change first, as Leo Tolstoy said, but I feel, if I change my thoughts then the changes I envisage would not be possible; therefore, I dream openly, and if you are reading this, I invite you into the darkest corners of my imagination. They say dreamers are idealists. I agree with that to some extent, because I am no Martin Luther King. I dream simply for some selfish satisfaction, to escape from this world of reality to a world of eternity. So, as I am typing, you will read it eventually, open your mind and join me as my messy room transforms to another world. My world. Let me tell you, I am writing this with a peg of whiskey on my table, and you most probably know why – because I dream of a day when there would be wine stores open in the towns and cities. There is nothing like having a peg of whiskey after a hard day of traveling, sharing thoughts and ideas with friends, and simply enjoying companionship. (I love traveling, and there is nothing like traveling. It refreshes my mind.) You might say drinking is a sin, drinking kills. I have no problem with that, because I love to drink just like the thousands of other young Nagas out there (who know, you might be a drinker too). As a young school boy, I have seen my elders die of drug addiction (some of them have reformed and are now good family men), I see my friends (including me) dying of alcoholism, and I have no regrets. I look at the young Korean-looking school going boys and girls in tight pants, with long hair and canvas shoes, walking hand in hand and I wonder. My elders died of drugs, my generation is going to die of alcoholism. Are these young boys and girls when they grow up, going to die of HIV/AIDS? Have you noticed the empty bottles of cough syrup in the corners of a stadium or a public toilet. They were not consumed by sick people, but school children who were too afraid to drink alcohol because their breath would smell of it. Isn’t cough-syrup more harmful than alcohol? Are we repeating history, because my elders, as a social worker once disclosed on drug use, took to using drugs after the prohibition act, because drugs were cheaper, and drug users got high without smelling of alcohol. Many have died. Ahem! We are talking of dying now. Sometimes I dream myself in heaven or in hell. I was (I say “was”) a good Christian, now I am an agnostic Christian. I still remember John Milton’s words ‘the mind is in its own place and can make a heaven of hell or hell of heaven’;
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I am in heaven now, because I am dreaming. Heaven and hell will take care of itself; Jesus will come in his own sweet time, so we have to think of the present. So wine stores have to be opened, and I dream of a day when this prohibition act will be lifted. Those who chose to drink will drink and those who don’t drink won’t drink, with or without prohibition. So why cheat ourselves? I once heard a very learned man commenting that the ‘Church, when they went against alcohol (in the early days of prohibition), they shouldn’t have cursed and spit upon the alcohol, because that curse is being incurred upon the drinkers and the wine-sellers now.’ Do you agree? No wonder, when there was a ‘prayer walk’ in Mokokchung against alcohol and drug use by the church recently, one champion of prohibition, a Reverend, when he prayed, he prayed asking God to “forgive” them for hating the drinkers, the wine-sellers, the drugs users for so long in the past. Sigh! Naga society needs more than that – lift prohibition, regulate alcohol sales through issuing licenses, check for underage drinking and the like, and educate the children on alcohol use or abuse. I harbor a dream that one day prohibition would be lifted, but I would not be there to see it, so I am living out my dream today and it’s nice. And if you are shocked with my dreams about prohibition, don’t panic, because it’s just the dream of a dreamer. But think again, look at drinking beyond heaven and hell, and we don’t have to cheat ourselves here – alcohol is flowing freely, so why not a review of the NTLP Act 1989? Every law is subject to amendments with the changing times. Anyway, you must be thinking why I am sharing my dreams of prohibition, of all the topics. You might have thought, perhaps, about politics, social or religious or economics. Or perhaps you might have thought of a dream about a good life holding a government job . . . here it is. I remember reading a quote somewhere, “Happy is the man who earns his livelihood through his hobby.” (You English honors student’s might remember the author of that book.); writing is not my hobby, it’s my passion. I want to work hard, earn my own money and enjoy life to the fullest. My English teacher, Mr. Zalal, during my Higher Secondary School days, used to say, ‘if life is all about living, then that’s very narrow”. My other English teacher Mr. Akok Walling at Fazl Ali College, once at a church youth programme said, ‘keep a dream, your dream might change, but there is no problem, just keep a dream.’ The words of my two teachers have been a source of inspiration thus far. So my dream of a society without prohibition continues. After the stroll with my wife and my children on the cool November evening in a remote village, enjoying the azure skies and the cool breeze; I am back home again. I want to read the children some stories until they fall sleep, then join my wife in the courtyard as she kindles a small fire. I want to feel the dew drops on the grass with my bare feet, and smell the air scented with the cherry blossoms as the orchestra of insects plays away under the moonless night. I want to sit near my wife gently kiss her hair and smile at her. Then I want to uncork good Bacardi Rum (or Jonnie Walker whiskey or any bottle of alcohol) and drink away and share the dreams that never were. Imagination has no limits. That’s why, I love to dream. So, dream on. Good night.
to establish SHALOM KEVI MERU When I say Nagaland, please consider it as encompassing all Naga inhabited areas transcending political boundaries. I am here to share a dream and so let me ramble a bit before coming to the point. In the poetic song ‘Ara Kezivi’, the composer heightens the realization that hits when one is transported to a different culture and scenery. The beauty of homeland is magnified and the longing to be immersed in familiarity is intensified. This reminds us of the famous ‘Hanging Garden’ that a Babylonian king built to accommodate the yearnings of a favorite wife who came from mountainous regions. One can also imagine the anguish of the people of Judea who were deported to Babylon and sitting down to reflect of happier times back home: “By the rivers of Babylon --- there we sat down, and there we wept when we remembered Zion.” (Psalms 137:1). Well, people grow up and things steadily change, but humans always carry certain things with them wherever they go such as craving for indigenous food and memories of childhood. Also, we carry a certain way of social interaction we call culture. Concerning food, in the Naga context, one can speak of axone, bamboo shoot, yongchak, king chilli, fermented fish (Khuosa from Manipur), dried beef over dirt kitchen (chiigu), etc, etc. Just to insert a soft patriotic touch, our Naga patriarch A. Z. Phizo gave up all these for the common good of the people, so it is gratifying to see his body brought home to rest in a fitting memorial. Now coming to specifics, I have been away from Nagaland for many years and I am not familiar enough with the topography to speak convincingly on the subject. So as I share ideas or suggestions, please consider the fact that I am out of my element and may be throwing enough at the wall of ideas with the hope that some may stick, others may hit or miss.
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1. I dream of a future when some regions bordering Myanmar can turn into boom towns and cities. Where for whatever reason one can also drive into and through Myanmar to other neighboring countries such as Thailand and Laos. Where there is liberty of movement for those with proper legal documents, and not harassed by illegal tax collectors. OK, this vision may be a bit far off, but I believe we can do something concerning border boom towns. Right now land in those areas may be cheap so the local people can, along with government planning allocate certain areas for wide roads, community parks, large pig or poultry farms some distance away from streams and dwellings, etc. (Hinting that either private or community projects can turn into meat (produce too) suppliers for Kohima, Dimapur, or Mokokchung --- with government grants to build distribution centers in urban areas). This will require reliable roads and overnight transportation, so prepared (or dressed) meat can be sold within 12 hours. An organized system like this will create earning opportunities for many villagers. Make it tax free. 2. I have already used the word ‘transcend’ in relation to political borders and wish also to apply the same in tribal matters. I dream that Nagas will become civilized, enlightened, fair-minded and broadminded enough to transcend tribal pettiness. This will grease the wheels of progress in Naga society. A maturity here could also enhance our relationship with neighbors of different ethnic backgrounds, such as Meitei, Kuki, Ahoms, Dimasha, and Karbi, etc. Jesus said that ‘ethnic’ tensions will increase in the end times (Matthew 24:7). Consequently, neutralizing and overcoming ‘ethnic conflicts’ with neighbors will signal Christian maturity on the part of Nagas. We should be both the initiator and facilitator in this ethnic harmony. Let us pray that God will reveal our blind spots, deflate the offensive elements of ethnic pride, and establish shalom in mixedethnic communities where generosity and prosperity will flourish.
dream and reality MAX EDIGER
Our life moves from one event to the next, each filled with its own dreams and visions. How one event builds on to the one just past Depends on how we perceive those drams and visions. If they are but something to float through our minds like clouds which seem solid, but quickly dissipate in the heat, then each event in our life will not provide the foundation for the one following, and we will lead busy lives which build nothing for the future. But if those dreams and visions are meant to be reality and we truly believe they can be, we will work as if they are reality already today and the new future we dream of will begin to grow and someday there will be a new society.
Dream my friends MAX EDIGER Dream my friends. Dream with passion. Dream with hope. Dream with your mind, your soul, your spirit. Dream with your hands, your back-breaking labor, your hours of commitment, Draw others into your dream. Strengthen it, expand it, build it. Guided by that dream look far into the future and know hope.
for others may not see the dream. There will even be those who do not care to see. It is not simple task to pass a dream on to others in vivid color and digital sound. That is natural. Be ready to weep. But let those tears of disappointment gently water that dream so it will sprout anew if need be.
Dream and be ready to weep, Max Ediger is an activist for justice and peace. Based on his journey through Africa and Asia, he has published ‘dialogue with a dream: reflections of poets, artists and dreamer.’ These are some of his poems from ‘dialogue with a dream.’
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the peoples’
DREAMS My dream is to be a good Home maker
Dreams of earning more so that he can own a vehicle for commuting to work
A. LOLIA
ACHIN WANGSA Security Guard
My dream is to become an IAS officer. I want to serve our people.
“My dream is to live in a clean and green world, a world with equality, peace, love, justice, opportunities, freedom and liberty. I dream of a world where everyone is literate and free from crimes and happy. I hope all these will be fulfilled one day.”
AKUMMEREN SANGLIR (Kids Worship Centre)
My dream is to train young women to be self reliant and selfdependent
Dream! I sincerely wish every parent especially mothers would get trained in early childhood care. Every child is precious and unique and needs a different approach to understand. I believe it would help the parents in providing a positive environment for the child to grow and develop holistically.
As a teacher, my dream is for my students and children to be somebody in near future. I also dream for the society to preserve identify and culture.
A LIPEN PHOM
My Dream is to…let everyone know the importance of Early Childhood Education. AKHONO Administrator, Stepping Stones
I want Nagaland not to be poor in study.
AMEN JAMIR Pre-school Teacher
ARÜNI
My dream is to become an Architect Engineer and beautify my house by using my skills and also want to grow to be a good person
My dream is to put positive thoughts in people’s life and another is to tour around the world.
ATENO DOLIE Proprietor, Image Cutting & Tailoring
IMCHARENLA
CHONKHI JOEL HUMTSOE (Kids Worship Centre)
ELI KOZA
My dream is to work for a free Nagaland, free from HATRED, TRIBALISM, CORRUPTION......ONE UNITED NAGALAND BOUND BY LOVE!
My dream is to be a great leader and create lots of happiness in Nagaland and to help others who are in trouble, poor and who are in prison.
My dream is to be a good and perfect hairdresser
My dream is to be a change maker.
FUNG WALLING Bassist, Alobo Naga and the Band
IMNASEN
AMEN
JELITOLI I. SWU
My dream is to become a singer.
My dream is to expand my tattoo parlour to other part of the State and to have my own tattoo institutions so that I can teach people who wants to learn about the art of tattooing.
My dream is…I want the poor people of the world to be rich and happy all the time.”
My dream is to “be a good mother and to take care of my children
JULI ZHIMOMI Christian Higher Secondary School
K. SOIHEM Tatoo Artist
MOA
LUCY EZUNG
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My dream is to see doctors give free check up or operate the poor and needy and to let everyone have justice if they are right in court cases.
MHAJAN TUNGOE
My dream is that there will be flying cars which needs water instead of petrol and diesel. I dream of a future where cars, planes and ships will all be pollution free. Scientist will make all extinct animals come back to life. If all these happen, it will be a pleasant future…
Childhood is a very important and crucial stage of human development; and my dream is for every child to grow up in a happy, loving and respectful environment.
My dream is to serve others as a dedicated social worker.
My dream is that when I grow up, I want a world full of nature because it keeps the earth cool and protects the earth from becoming very hot.
NONIE APON Tseminyu
MESATSOLIE KROSE
My dream is to have a silent world. I want the world to be silent because it is very noisy and they fight every day. I don’t want the people to fight.
My dream is employment for every youth and a corruption free society.
VECIILÜ PURO
MOLUNGSUNEP
MOUSHMI MOMIN
My dream is to serve and to save
Children are one of life’s biggest blessing and my dream as a pre-school teacher would be to see happy, secured children running with enthusiasm and joy. Responsible and loving parents and teachers guiding and raising the children to grow up to become good and responsible human beings would do much in making our society better.
My dream is that the teachers will not give tough homeworks
MANGYANGER
INSPECTOR PIKHUVI SEMA OC Dimapur, Nagaland Fire Service
My dream is that our (family) business grows bigger, better and to be able to provide education for my two children so they may become successful in life.
My dream is that when I grow up I will tell other people to put the waste in the waste bin and recycle things.
SARU SHARMA Shopkeeper
SENTILEMLA
SHÜRHONO TERHÜJAH Pre-school Teacher
Sr. CAROL B.S Headmistress, Holy Cross School
My dream is to have good administration in Dimapur
“My dream is to make a better world to live in. There should be no war; there should be no air pollution or water pollution. There should be more electricity in Dimapur. People should not cut trees and ban car which pollutes the air and my last dream is that people should not kill each other.”
I dream of a developed Nagaland where people will be cultured enough to respect and acknowledge the contributions made by each one whether great or small, making our society desirable to live in
I dream of having green nature, with blue sky, sunshine… My dream is that the world should be full of fresh air. I want to have peace.
TOKATO K. YEPTHO
VIKEDO
My dream is for God to show the way to the Nagas
My dream is of having good roads...
TEMJENCHUBA
YEMHI PHUCHO Age 88 Years
YESHEHO Auto Driver
T. MAJUMDAR
My dream is to become a computer engineer YANGER AO Ram Janaki Higher Secondary School
RIPAM DHUNGEL SD Jain Higher Secondary School
My dream is to make my students successful in different field and areas.
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the
SUMI NAGA HOTEL CHINGYA LUITHUI
The Sumi Naga Hotel, I am told, was one of the more popular eating joints for Nagas passing through Silonijan. Sadly, it seems to have lost its former glory and is rather worn and decrepit now; and there are no Sumi Nagas in the management. This photo was a fluke shot; I was trying to capture the rich hues of the setting sun with little success. Frustrated, I turned around only to see this captured scene. The woman was pensively staring away into the distance without moving for a long while and I can only imagine what must be on her mind. Aside from the woman’s wistful expression, the faint reflection of the numerals on the clock face visible above her head, the big blank space of the window interrupted and divided by its grill, the elephant on the electoral poster of Asom Gana Parishad, and the bold floral prints on her dress all incongruously combines to depict the paradoxical interface of abstract dreams and desires with the reality of existence.
Ordinary Naga’s dream
Dream to live
NARO WALLING My dream is just like any other ordinary Naga’s dream ... where nobody is illiterate and nobody sleeps hungry, where there is no distinction on the basis of genre, religion or tribe, where jobs cannot be purchased, instead, merit will count in every sphere of life, where justice is not denied to the common man, where corruption, nepotism and favouritism is non-existent in public life, where rapists will spend the rest of their lives behind bars, where our politicians should focus more on development, progress and uplifting the socio-economic life instead of just filling up their coffers for the next elections, where the men and women working for our national cause will refrain from factional clashes, taxation, and harassment to the public and unite to bring about a common solution for peace, where the chiming of the bells of churches of all religious denominations will merge and mingle and produce a melodious, harmonious spiritual tune. So, just like the man in El Dorado, let’s start on the path of dreams, take a big step out of our comfort zone and do what it takes to reach our goals of becoming one and make Nagaland a state which all Nagas can be proud of.
ROBIN DAS Often I dream to live in the world, where there is no divide, where we can live and not fight. We should live in a lovely home, where there is no change in tone. Often I dreamt the world as a temple, where people come and pray for others, where people never care for themselves, but care for others. Often I dreamt the world as a shop, where we can buy love, where we can stand united, and hope there is no partiality in order to live happily. Often I dreamt the world as a dictionary, where all words appear importantly. Often I dream the world as a beautiful painting, which is painted by colour of love, and shows every single detail. Often I dreamt the world as a place where no one is responsible for pollution, where people demolish structure, and plant saplings instead of factories. Often I dreamt the world as new, as we had before.
A student of class 9, studying at Xuvihe memorial school. He lives in Dimapur Nagaland. Writing poems is his passion and views Rabindranath Tagore as his mentor.
SOMEBODY SUL VILANUEVA Because SOMEBODY dreamt of Wealth, someone will be sleeping above the cold graveyard tombs tonight. Because SOMEBODY dreamt of Power, she doesn’t have the strength to carry her head because of malnutrition. Because SOMEBODY dreamt for an easy and Abundant life, a father is searching each bag of garbage hoping to find SOMEBODY’s leftovers for his family to eat. Because SOMEBODY dreamt of “Freedom”, a mother is weeping because chemical gases are filling the lungs of her little ones. Because SOMEBODY dreamt of Greatness, these people stopped Dreaming. My Dream is to see SOMEBODY Helping, Understanding, and Giving these people a reason to Dream.
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My Dream is to live in a society that embraces Failure N. ARHE A friend had recently forwarded me a commencement speech by Maria A. Ressa, a journalist and author of ‘Seeds of Terror’. While addressing the graduating students of Far Eastern University, Manila, she challenged them with these words: “I wish you the courage to fail – because success and failure are two sides of the same coin. You cannot succeed if at some point you haven’t failed. I’m not the first to say this, but I can tell you I’ve proven it first-hand. You can’t accomplish anything important if you don’t take risks. And you won’t risk if you’re afraid to fail. So “fail fast. Fail forward. Fail better.” Reading through her speech, many thoughts came to my mind, one of which was the word ‘Failure”. How and why it has come to be such a dreaded word in our lives. The society we live in is a society that fears failure. So much so, that failure has such a negative connotation. Anybody who has failed in anything is written off permanently or, expect failure to hang their head in shame. Failure makes us uncomfortable; nobody wants to be associated with a failure. A student who has flunked his exams is reminded to keep a safe distance from, by parents and sometimes even teachers. A failed marriage is still sneered down upon. A failed businessman rarely gets a second chance to prove himself. A failed politician becomes a joke. A failed family can never, ever, imagine sitting in the front pew of the church. Fact is, nobody plans to fail, but like many other things, failure is a part of life. It just happens, sometimes, more than once. Just because we have failed once, twice or even thrice, it doesn’t mean we can never succeed. At worst, the fear of taking risk for fear of failure can only limit our future. I recently told a dear friend, a successful recovered addict, how proud his family and loved ones must be to see him doing so well, to which he said, “People still have not accepted me fully. They still doubt me; they look at me through magnifying glasses. I failed them once and that failure has sealed my image forever, such is my destiny” An International artist who took part in an event in Kohima recently, while recounting his experiences said, “while interacting with over 70 students in a college, we shared our experiences, ideas and our works, hopping to get some reactions from the students but unfortunately, not a single student had one thing to say. We kept asking, any questions? Drop-dead silence. Any views? Silence. Any comments? Silence. An auditorium full of young minds and not one comment shocked them. According to the artist, it seemed like they feared something, perhaps the fear of saying something wrong or stupid, lest they become a victim of a joke or even failure. My dream is to live in a society without the fear of failure. Where success is not measured by the amount of money or social ranking. That someday, we wake up to realize not every failure is set to doom one’s life and, every failure is just one step closer to success. After all, it is through failure we learn exactly what doesn’t work, and so the chance of making it right the next time is so much higher. May we all have the courage to fail!
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WIDER BRIDGES, LANES AND MINDS TEXT & IMAGES : ATHILI SAPRIINA Allright, Dimapur looks pretty from an airplane and even better on Google Earth. However, down here, the main roads are narrow and made even more so because motorists of all hues, tribes, castes and ‘positions’ flout every traffic norm there is in the books. And I don’t blame them because it is complicated. A confession. I got my driver’s license before I learnt to drive. Do I hear some more Amen? It’s a decade now. I don’t know now, but couple of years ago this license was the surest way to an ILP, in other words, a VISA to enter the land policed by the Friends of the Hill Peoples. I dream of Dimapur having its own Mass Rapid Transport System (MRTS) like in Delhi, Kolkata, and Bangkok. It should connect Diphu with Chumukedima and Medziphema and Munglamukh with Nuiland and Ralan. Whether underground or over ground or partial, this earthquake resistant system should zip between Dimapur’s railway station and Chumukedima in 30 minutes with 15 stops. For those wanting a shorter trip, an Express will take you there in less than 15 minutes flat with only 6 stops. What about connecting these to mega sports stadiums, shopping centres and the new 15 square kilometer international airport donated by a host of super rich Nagas? Fluid transportation and safety of commuters will be accorded foremost priority. My dream is disturbed right now because there is some homework that we ought to do. Nagaland needs to prove to God that it can handle small things wisely and efficiently. Then the big things will come. I dream of wider bridges in Dimapur. Let us look at the arterial bridges even within the main city limits like Church Road, SP Office-
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Town Hall Junction, the old railway flyover or even the ‘new’ one. According to me, all these are way too narrow for a people as proud and forward looking as us. Dimapur has done pretty well actually. Though the bridges are narrow, it expands (mostly) along the rest of the stretch. Unfortunately, construction continues so very close to these bridges – meat stalls, eateries, etc. To prove my point, I have seen a new bridge coming up parallel to an old one in Guwahati. I am cognizant of the rights of land owners over their property. Governments and municipalities cannot take unilateral decisions should expansion drives take place, and just compensations must be there.
Will citizens cooperate?
Again, what use is a wider bridge and road if people continue parking vehicles the way we do today? My one big dream is that every moving vehicle – truck, bus, car, auto and mobike - maintain minimum traffic requirements. Once, when travelling in an Ambassador taxi in Kolkata, we were stopped by a traffic cop. We were let go only when our driver proved that the signal lights were all working. Unfortunately, half of the motorists do not give a hoot. Even cycles, rickshaws, horse or buffalo cart should have some sort of light beaming in front and reflectors in the rear, especially when traveling at night time. I dream of ZEBRA CROSSINGS along busy roads. Since speed breakers are not allowed on national highways, I dream of these special markings coming up all over Dimapur. Children, older men and women will benefit most. It should be permanent, water resistant and thick enough to stay long and not get washed away.
The lanes.
Dimapur has of late seen some flurry of colony and village gates being constructed. Some of these are too
close to the main road or wee bit too narrow from the standpoint of looking at it from the future in 30 years from now. Well, these super lanes, lanes and by-lanes are what personify the people’s mindset. I submit that we are in no way building a model city. I am not saying these lanes need to be straight or perpendicular, but they require more space. Two auto rickshaws coming in opposite directions have to slow down because they could scratch each other. Wider roads will increase the value of the property. Besides, every road and lane needs space for a drain on each side for sure. Village and colony leaders should pass wise resolutions. Of course, exceptions and considerations do emerge because of history and often one cannot blame anyone in particular. I am raising this assuming hundreds who may read this desire that Dimapur will emerge as a metropolis some day. It will not be realized by acquiring more of other people’s lands. It will have to be built here where we stand. Tour the interior roads of Dimapur and you soon realize that a fire brigade will struggle to reach most homes. Another dream is to see shopping malls, schools and other massive construction sites having emergency fire exits. I can count them on the fingers of my left hand. What about hygiene and sanitation standards in the eateries? What about the current opposing positions on alcohol? What about the increasing divide between haves and have-nots? Can we even talk of redistribution of wealth and land? What about reconciliation among over ground Nagas? What about the prominent notice in the Passport Office at Guwahati that reads “ONE YEAR VALIDITY PASSPORT UNDER TATKAAL FOR PEOPLE OF NAGALAND AND NAGA ORIGIN”? Some of my dreams revolve around these concerns.
“My dream is to see a peaceful Nagaland. Where we all live freely, without fear, prosperous and with all its scenic best. The dream our forefathers saw” - KOLO RITSE
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Words are W stories you know, and stories are our lives TUNGSHANG NINGREICHON
When my grandfather came home from his village, he was unwell and wanted to see a doctor. As we sat down to pray I looked at him. He was much older than how I saw him just a year ago. I asked him how old he is and that weaved many a story; a story teller that he is. In that one hour he took me yet again to the different facet of his memory. This time I wrote what I could lest I forget, as many of these stories have been retold to us over and over again. Stories which as a child have shaped me and have been the foundation of the vision I now carry as a burden. Grandfather said he was 84, but disowned the same recollecting the time the Japanese came to his village. It also meant that he actually did not know his age. “I was big enough to tag along with my father and grandfather when they went to the fields,” he said, which indicates that he must have been 7-8 years old or younger. He went on to say how they used to hide in the forest where the village high school now stands. “We used to run to the woods, but the Japanese were clever. They traced us through our footprints, and asked us all to come out from our hiding places. We were afraid of them, but, oh, I must tell you they were very disciplined and never harmed us. They were not like Indian soldiers! They were very dignified. They never touched our women! The only thing they needed from us was food so they would rummage through houses because they were hungry and any hungry man would do the same” he justified. “I saw them” said he “when I accompanied my father and grandfather to Marem village as one of the potters” and he repeats what his memory nudged. “I remember he was very handsome, tall too.” He was referring to the Japanese officer who married one Sarengla from Ramphoi village, one of the first Tangkhul women to have received education and be trained as a nurse. “When the Japanese soldiers came, her father hid her in the barn. Fearing that the soldiers might harm her father, she revealed herself” he narrated. The Sarengla woman went with them from village to village as their interpreter and later married the Commanding Officer Masa Nishida, also called Masada by Sarengla. Stories retold sitting in Ukhrul homes by the fire say that when her husband left for war with his faithful dog, he told Sarengla ‘when the dog returns to you, know that I am dead.’ Legend says the faithful dog returned few months later. My grandfather then recollected memories of his eldest son who was a soldier in the Naga army. “It was in the late 70s and this was a time when not too many people from our area were in the Naga movement,” he said. “We remember and honour captain Phungtha from Tusom village as one of the foremost Naga leaders from our region” and serenely narrated “your Awo (uncle) was barely 15 when he left.” I asked “did he leave quietly without letting you know?” “Oh he went with two of his friends with our prayers and blessing. Your Awo was known to be a brilliant student and was staying in the Holy Spirit boarding at Longpi village. He was about to write matriculate exam when he left. I was told that he went till the far-east, in the remote villages of Burma and taught there. Those days battles were fierce, the “government” was hunting them down and anyone they suspected were severely brutalized. Unlike these days, communication was rare” he continued. “We had neither phone nor safety means to send messages unless it was through trusted people who would come by sometimes for work in town. Your Awo used to write us letters once in a while from a village where he and a friend were staying taking care of many children whom they taught. He kept in touch until the time he and his friend was attacked by the people from the next village for daring to enter their village. They had gone to ask the people there to send their children to the school. The villagers feared that they would take away their children” he said. “I don’t know, I was only told. Words are stories you know, and stories are our lives,” he told me solemnly. “His friend did not make it. The villagers broke the door in the dead of the night and chopped his neck with a dao (machete). He shouted to warn Awo who was sleeping in next room to flee, but it was too late. They were already inside the house which must have been easy to break in since it was made
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of bamboo” he imagined. “When they struck him with the dao, he lifted his hands to defend himself and the dao struck his face instead. He ran out of the door and in the dark night rolled down a cliff and escaped just to crawl back the next morning before he nearly bled to death. The village declared war on the neighbouring village for attacking their guests, but Awo begged them not to do anything. So there was no war, but peace. That peace” he said “comes from the power of forgiveness.” Grandfather digressed, “our family genealogy points that from the time of my great forefathers we rarely had sons to carry the generation forward. We did not know God then. From me, began the first generation that embraced Christianity and I am a living testimony of that grace. I have four sons!” he said like he had won some trophies in a competition. “It is the Christian values that gave Awo the strength to forgive even those who attempted to take his life… They told me that he grieved for his friend for a long time,” he told me slowly. “Your Awo, as his friends told me, was in one of the first groups to walk to China,” he continued. “They tried to persuade him not to go because he was very weak due to severe loss of blood, but he was adamant. He told his leaders ‘I came because I wanted to serve and what good am I if I am not able to serve and fight.’ So they walked for days and when they were nearing the border they stopped in a village which had the plague. They halted there to help the villagers. People were dying every day and many of his companions died too. Awo also felt sick and for some days he could not even get up to attend to his personal needs. Few days later he felt better. With the help of a walking stick he went off gallivanting. He also visited the house where the girls were staying. They were happy to see him in the fullness of life. He too was happy to be able to move around after days of being dormant. He was glad to tell them that he is feeling much better and with that gladness and satisfaction he passed away quietly that night,” narrated my grandfather soulfully. “They had to bury him there because too many of them were dying one after the other and the heavy rain made it worse. They buried him along with the rest in strange land and the only honour they could accord was a prayer and a cross made out of sticks to mark the graves. We couldn’t possibly think of retrieving even the bones. They say the place where he and his many friends lay is very, very far. I miss him.” Grandfather paused taking a deep breath as if he was letting go off a heavy memory he carried for a long time and continued, “You know he was very different. He was fast and stubborn and was made of tough stuff,” he said with a tinge of satisfaction. “I met him in my dreams once after he died and that was the end of our life’s conversation. My dream tells me he is at peace. He was a good son and I believe that he has done something for our people, but people don’t remember anymore. They don’t care! They spit on us instead.” he metaphorically stated “but that my child is not wisdom. They are wrong to think their arrogance is power and that we will fear them when they treat us like that. We pity them instead. The situation we are in is sad,” he stressed, “it is like a replay of the story of the Israelites who walked for 40 years; a journey that could have been just 40 days and 40 nights. God is taming us too as a people. We will never make the journey we set out for with the burden of all the wrongs we are committing. Please tell them” he seems to plead with a trace of indignation.
EPILOGUE:
After treatment and medication my grandfather has gone back to resume his life in the village as a cultivator. He and his friends depend on the mercies of heaven to shower upon their fields and crops. This time after a long wait they are thankful that the rain has come to lighten their burden and their hearts, as the earth softens and prepares to welcome the paddy plant that will see them through the year. While they lead their mundane life and we relegate them in the background of Naga politics it makes me think about what we have to offer ordinary people like him who keeps the hearth burning in Naga homes and keeps the politics alive? I deeply wish that our politics and aspirations will embrace people like him and let them know that their sons did not die in vain. I dream that my son and his generation will never have to lose someone like my grandfather did. He only heard that his son died. He never saw him again from the day he left home. Death, too, could not bring him home.
Issue Theme for July: CHANGE Deadline for Submission: July 12, 2012 Date of Publication: July 21, 2012
The Morung Express is introducing a monthly supplement that will be published on the third Saturday of every month. In this supplement, you are the storyteller. Please share your story by responding to the theme of this month’s issue: “CHANGE” Contributions can be in the form of photography, illustrations, photos of artwork, essays, first-person accounts, poetry, reported articles, and any other form of expression that can be printed.
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