Traditionally, Naga society and Indian society in general have been taught to respect and obey elders. It is commonly stated that Asians have a long history of respecting elders. Of course, where would society be without the wisdom and counsel of the elders? The need for seasoned and experienced individuals will always exist, particularly in the field of politics.
However, there is a downside to an elderly-dominated society because it can become stagnant and be trapped in the vicious cycle of gerontocracy – a state or region governed by old people.
According to the 2011 census, 40.2% of Nagaland’s population is between the ages of 15 and 35. Generally, in Naga society, people under the age of 45 are considered youths. So, in the Naga parlance, the youth population is easily above 50% of the total population of Nagaland. However, most leaders, particularly political leaders, are already over the age of 60. Despite the youth’s large population, politics has not been very representative of them and youths have failed to engage themselves in governance. And if this cycle does not break, it could be harmful to the state’s political environment. In fact, it has caused enough harm already.
Putting aside the more positive aspects of old age for a moment, some issues that come with the package include impaired decision-making, a lack of enthusiasm, rigidity, and an unwillingness to change – to unlearn and relearn.
According to the young intending candidate, Er Meshenlo Kath, for example, young Nagas are attempting to move away from Tribalism, which has historically been detrimental to Naga society’s growth and unity. But the larger question is, how far will the youths go if the elders do not support and teach them to move away from such evils? Nagaland’s old school politics have always been based on parochialism such as bloc politics, tribalism, village-ism, or clan-ism.
Furthermore, in this fast-paced multi-polar world where science and technology are constantly changing the world with more advanced systems, how skilled and equipped are our elderly to make decisions – be it for the village, state, nation or even geopolitically?
These are just a few examples of the urgent need to strike a balance between experienced and fresh candidates, or to nominate young turks to hold office in our civil society organizations. Every society requires leaders and systems that are spontaneous and unafraid of taking risks.
Therefore, the way forward is to begin providing opportunities to young potential leaders and provide opportunities in the decision making process at the most basic levels, such as wards, villages and other apex organizations. Time has come to accept youth as an equally separate entity in decision making.
This is not to propose that we do not need the wisdom and guidance of the seniors and this is not an argument that it is in opposition to a traditional system. It is just that we must all consider what good it will be to preserve a system if we do not include the opinions and views of almost half of our adult population. The energy and exuberance of the youth must be harnessed if the society is to progress.
