There is a beautiful phrase that says, “What we give does not always return, but what we give is always what we are.” It is a reminder that giving is less about transaction and more about character. In an age where recognition, returns and visibility often accompany acts of charity, it is worth asking whether we truly understand the spirit of giving. When we give with expectation, it ceases to be giving. True generosity asks for nothing in return.
Not everyone can give equally. Some give wealth, others give time, skill, mentorship or compassion. What matters is not the scale but the sincerity. In Naga society, generosity has always been woven into the social fabric.
People contribute to church, community events, student bodies and crisis response. Yet, much of this giving is informal and often without a structured framework that ensures long term and measurable impact.
Giving is personal and how one gives is entirely an individual choice. However, impact can be deepened through organisation and planning. The idea of launching NGOs, foundations or trusts dedicated to specific causes deserves serious thought. Whether it is education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, environmental protection, youth empowerment or rural development, structured platforms can pool resources, ensure accountability and sustain initiatives beyond individual effort.
Many retired officers and top bureaucrats choose politics as a way of giving back. They contest elections but not everybody wins. Of course, there is nothing wrong with that path. Public life is one avenue of service. However, it is not the only one. Experience, networks and administrative knowledge can be channelled into independent institutions that serve society without electoral considerations.
There are many opportunities in Nagaland for those who genuinely want to give to impact and transform society. Many Nagas do give. Perhaps it is time to explore giving in a more organised and purposeful manner.
Giving back is not about visibility. It is about responsibility. If generosity defines who we are, then perhaps it is time to give not just with heart, but also with vision and structure.
