Where have all the intellectuals gone?

The term “intellectuals” refers to a group of individuals who engage in intellectual pursuits, such as academics, researchers, writers, and scientists. Individuals who engage in creative pursuits like artists are also regarded as intellectuals in some contexts. They are typically knowledgeable in their respective fields and have a deep understanding of complex ideas and concepts. It goes without saying that intellectuals can contribute significantly towards progress and development of a state or region in many ways. Unfortunately, in Mokokchung, the intellectuals in general seem to be nonchalant to the issues impeding progress and development of the district or the state for reasons best known to them. There may be some intellectuals who are concerned about the pertinent issues but they are too few and too thinly spread.

Intellectuals are supposed to play a pivotal role in shaping public policy, advancing knowledge and innovation, promoting education, skills and cultural development, and fostering entrepreneurship, among other things. That’s what they do in other parts of the world thereby helping the communities they belong to progress.

Intellectuals can play a vital role in shaping public policy by providing expert advice and analysis to policymakers. They can study the economic impact of different policy proposals, identify potential challenges, and offer solutions. This, for instance, can lead to the development of policies that promote economic growth and create a favorable business environment.

Intellectuals are often at the forefront of research and development in various fields such as science, technology, and medicine. By contributing towards new knowledge and innovation, they can create new products, services, and industries that can drive economic growth.

Intellectuals can also help promote education and skills development. They can also act as mentors to young people and encourage them to pursue careers in fields that are in high demand or make them future-ready. By promoting education and skills development, intellectuals can help create a more skilled workforce and attract businesses to the district or region.

Intellectuals can contribute towards economic development by fostering entrepreneurship. They can provide support and guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs, help them develop their business ideas, and connect them with potential investors. This can create new businesses and jobs, and contribute towards economic growth.

Overall, intellectuals can play a significant role in the progress and economic development of Mokokchung by contributing their expertise and knowledge. We tend to almost always put the blame on the politicians and bureaucrats for the development deficiency in Mokokchung but seldom do we suggest solutions to the myriad problems Mokokchung is faced with. For instance, we complain about poor roads but there is not a single intellectual to offer the solution and, once our patience runs out, we resort to protests and serving ultimatums. All brawn and no brains syndrome.

Last week, a political leader from the district stated in public that people should for once stop complaining and offer suggestions. Who will give the suggestions if not the intellectuals? Not a single intellectual in Mokokchung has publicly analyzed the state government’s most recent budget or published any independent research work on the socio-economic issues like migration and immigration to and from Mokokchung, PCI and GDP of Mokokchung, unemployment, mental health, corruption, water supply, etc.

Maybe somebody should first do research on why the intellectuals in Mokokchung are so laid back and nonchalant.