A society cannot progress without a collective aspiration for a better tomorrow. There has been a lot of talk and opinions shared on various platforms by groups and individuals for a better Mokokchung lately, which indicate that there is a yearning – an aspiration – in the minds of the people for a better tomorrow for Mokokchung and for Nagaland by extension. Not that there was no aspiration before but the signs are more conspicuous now. For any idea to get to fruition, timing is very important and the time is ripe now for Mokokchung to ignite the engine. Every one of us, regardless of where we reside, has an idea of Mokokchung that springs from our love for Mokokchung. That image of Mokokchung we have in our mind is what we might call ‘aspiration’, an improved Mokokchung that offers opportunities of a better life for us and our children. We should capitalize on this aspirational impulse and not be one of those who do not aspire, those who enjoy wallowing in the mud of victimhood.
Each one of us has this aspiration for Mokokchung, a vivid image of an improved Mokokchung. This image is what we may call our ‘collective aspiration’, a meeting point for all of us despite or in spite of our divergent views. It is here that we should invest in. In order to harness the energy of this collective aspiration, we need thought leaders and intellectual discussions. Once again, to materialize our collective aspiration, we need the intellectuals to step forward, to speak up and to inspire the masses. We need thought leaders to mold and give form to our collective aspiration. We need intellectual discourse to sieve the wheat from the chaff of ideas. We need a think tank devoted to the study of our collective aspiration. It can be a planned and coordinated move or just a spontaneous activity but intellectual discussions by thought leaders on our collective aspiration is a must, a vehicle to help us get to our destination sooner than later.
Every individual has a role to play, no doubt. From the administrator to the last employee, from the politician to the pastor, from the entrepreneur to the daily wage earner, from the public leaders to the ordinary citizens, everyone must play their part to accomplish our collective aspiration. Along with the intellectuals, the church and the civil society organizations are encouraged to make a conscious analysis of the aspirations of the people. There is no genie in the bottle; there is no readymade answer. There is no secret formula. The only way to achieve our collective aspiration is through intellectual discourse and conscious efforts. Otherwise, all those beautiful dreams and vivid images of Mokokchung that we have in our minds will remain just a mirage of what could have been.