Years before beginning his political journey, the present Advisor for School Education and SCERT, Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome had given a clarion call in a protest demanding, “We all want the Good Life!” amidst agreeable cheers among young protestors.

One wonders what the now turned Legislator mean by the good life in his political vision. The Teachers’ Day (5th September) announcements perhaps provide a peak in pursuing ‘The Good Life’. Ensuring the holistic growth for not just students but our educators is a step forward for that ‘good life’. That “teachers are not slaves and cannot afford to spend six days a week. They need their families”. Reducing working hours for our overworked teachers especially in private schools, by strictly observing Saturdays as holiday is a good start.

Providing free healthcare to our young learners, identifying young talents in sports are cases in point to ensure the good life.

However, these factors must not be taken as the main determinants for ‘The Good Life’. For the common Naga, a ‘Good Life’ might not entail a life of luxury or material accumulation but simply a life of standard amenities- affordable or free healthcare services, access to water, safe and secure housing, three square meals a day, quality education, equal and fair job opportunities. And especially being able to afford these amenities without the fear of reducing them to bankruptcy.

Will these statements be translated into action? Only time will tell.