There are a number of common issues that we as a society are faced with today, issues that affect every member of the society. Unfortunately, most of these issues remain unattended for reasons unknown. There is no such thing as a perfect society but, generally, a functional society is an ideal society. Social, economic, political and religious issues that complement each other and function smoothly ensure healthy growth of a society. These are like organs that work toward the proper functioning of the body as a whole. When social norms degrade or economic disparity increase, when political problems and religious discord abound, it becomes very difficult for a society to function. In fact, in most cases, it leads to a dysfunctional society. This social dysfunctionality leads to a condition where members of the society become hapless, leaving them gasping in despair. To keep a society functional, it needs enlightened and informed members. But the question here is, who will enlighten and inform the members in a society?
Trying to answer this question only gives rise to more and more questions. Finding that elusive answer to this pertinent question is what Naga society is faced with today. Is it the political leaders that have failed the society? Is it the faith leaders? Could it be the bureaucrats? Is it because the teachers have failed to impart proper education to the students? Have the intellectuals failed us? Is there something wrong with our parenting? The questions are endless.
While it is important to ask the questions, it is also equally important to realize that we as members of the society need each other to keep it functional. The uncomfortable questions we pose are signs of a dysfunctional society and the sooner we realize it, the better it is for us. With elections around the corner, judging by the manner in which elections are held here, there is every likelihood for cracks to appear in our society. Village against village, or a group against another even within the same village, is imminent. Just how much damage electioneering has caused to our society over the years is unquantifiable.
With the emerging change in electoral dynamics, it is observed that religion will be embroiled with electoral politics. In such a scenario, instead of bringing about solidarity, religion could become the cause of disorganization and disunity; and such a dysfunctionality could be more disruptive to the stability of our society than any other.
Lack of opportunities to earn a decent livelihood, the all pervasive corruption, and tribalism multiplies the problems. The conflict fatigue caused by the long drawn Indo-Naga political problem is not helping either. Observing the signs of a dysfunctional society is like gazing into an abyss. Yet, it is during trying times like this that turnarounds happen, often led by a person, an individual. It is hoped that such a leader would emerge to guide our society out of this quagmire as has happened in societies around the world over the ages. Hope remains.