2010 | Arenjungla
Mokokchung, once hailed as a ‘pioneering’ district until the early 2000s, now stands at a crucial juncture, poised to redefine its image and make a significant leap into the new world that unfolded after 2010.
Reflecting on the time before 2010 reveals a society devoid of today’s ubiquitous connectivity. The absence of wifi, Netflix and smartphones characterized an era where color TV still held sway. Landlines were the communication lifeline, and public transport, especially buses, dominated the district’s mobility.
Fast forward to today, and the transformation is striking. The advent of 3G, 4G, and the current 5G era has ushered in a technological dominance that shapes our worldview. The internet’s evolution has not only altered our perspectives but has also reshaped aspirations. Gone are the days when securing a government job was the pinnacle; today, we inhabit a connected world where geographical boundaries are no hindrance to collaboration.
The bygone era, whether it be the 2000s, 90s, 80s, or 70s, has given way to a globalized reality. To remain relevant, Mokokchung must adapt. The key question echoes: Have we embraced this change? While preserving valuable aspects of our past is essential, stagnation in the face of progress will result in us being left behind. The urgency for a change in mentality becomes apparent. It’s time for the wisdom of our elders to align with the aspirations of the youth. Outdated norms like “women must be in the kitchen” or “youths must not speak before the elders” or the idea of “My village, your village”, “Your range, my range” or the “us versus them” no longer resonate with the dynamic world we live in. Despite the challenges, a significant leap forward is imperative.
The time for divisive statements like “Ao people are the best” or distinctions between various communities have passed. In this interconnected world, we are fundamentally human beings sharing the same planet, or to narrow it down, we are all Nagas.
Multiculturalism must be celebrated, fostering unity among the Eastern Naga, Lotha, Sumi, Tenyemi, Nagas from other states and Non-Naga communities residing together. Breaking free from the shackles of majority versus minority is paramount. Mokokchung’s citizens have work to do — embracing each other, discarding isms and stereotypes, and uniting to collectively propel the district forward.
Furthermore, it has been found that engagement with diverse cultures cultivates confidence beyond comfort zones. A culturally diverse educational environment prepares students for a future workplace characterized by global collaboration.
The natural multiculturalism of our world presents numerous benefits, including increased compassion, innovative thinking, heightened productivity, new opportunities, and improved problem-solving skills.
Mokokchung must ask itself: How many young entrepreneurs does it produce? The educational focus should extend beyond grooming government servants, and instead focus on encouraging and supporting children in pursuing their extraordinary dreams.
It’s time to align with the new world led by entrepreneurs and open-minded youth. Failure to do so risks stagnation in our self-created cocoon, hindering growth. A revolution is imperative for Mokokchung to reclaim its stride in this ever-evolving landscape.
Adding to the narrative, a critical reflection is needed. Why are people leaving Mokokchung? What breeds insecurity within ourselves, hindering progress and development compared to our counterparts? This requires a mentality shift, a significant change to instil confidence and align with global practices.
The power to transform Mokokchung into a thriving district lies with its people. It’s time to halt the brain drain and turn Mokokchung into a welcoming place for individuals from diverse backgrounds. There’s a bigger world outside Mokokchung; it’s time to look beyond our immediate surroundings and glean insights from the broader global community.
– Arenjungla,
Mokokchung