As a concerned citizen of Nagaland, I have always dreamed of a Nagaland that is prosperous, peaceful, and vibrant. With a deep passion for our State’s future and a strong desire to contribute to its growth and development, I am excited to share my vision with you, and I hope you’ll join me in thinking about how we can work together to build a brighter future for our state.

Growing up in Nagaland, I have witnessed the State’s unique cultural heritage, breathtaking natural beauty, and resilient people. Yet, I have also seen the challenges that hinder our progress, from inadequate infrastructure to social inequalities. Despite these obstacles, I firmly believe that Nagaland possesses the innate strength, creativity, and determination to overcome them.

As I reflect on our aspirations for Nagaland 2025, two themes that resonate deeply with me are Social Harmony and Cultural Preservation. As Nagas, we take immense pride in our rich cultural heritage and our unique traditions. However, we also recognize that our society is not immune to the challenges of social discord, cultural erosion, and identity crisis.

Social Harmony

In my vision for Nagaland 2025, I aspire for a society where every individual feels valued, respected, and included. A society where our diversity is celebrated and our differences are bridged through empathy, understanding, and mutual respect. We must strive to create an environment where every Naga, regardless of their tribe, clan, or socio-economic background, feels a sense of belonging and ownership.

To achieve Social Harmony, we must prioritize Dialogue, Reconciliation, and Conflict Resolution. We must create platforms for inter-tribal, inter-faith, and inter-generational dialogues, where we can share our stories, listen to each other’s perspectives, and build bridges of understanding. By doing so, we can foster a culture of empathy, tolerance, and cooperation.

Cultural Preservation

As Nagas, our culture is our identity, our strength, and our pride. However, we are also aware that our cultural heritage is facing numerous challenges, including globalization, urbanization, and cultural assimilation. In my vision for Nagaland 2025, I aspire for a society that prioritizes cultural preservation, promotion, and innovation.

We must recognize the importance of our traditional practices, customs, and take concrete steps to preserve and promote them. This can be achieved through cultural documentation, language preservation, traditional arts and crafts promotion, and cultural exchange programs. By doing so, we can ensure that our cultural heritage continues to thrive, inspire, and guide us for generations to come.

As we look at the future, I believe that Social Harmony and Cultural Preservation are essential for building a prosperous, peaceful, and progressive Nagaland. Let us work together to create a society that values diversity, promotes inclusivity, and celebrates our unique cultural heritage. Let us strive to build a Nagaland where every individual feels proud to be a Naga, and where our culture continues to inspire, guide, and unite us.

By Manom Taiwangshu