Expecting every citizen of Mokokchung to be united in purpose at all times would be too idealistic and impractical. Agreeing to take a rational stand on all issues cannot be expected from all. But if there is one emotion that resonates from majority of the people living in Mokokchung, it would be their love for Mokokchung. However, for most citizens, this ‘love’ for Mokokchung is at its peak only when it is expressed in words, not deeds. Most citizens are busy earning a livelihood or running his own race, so much so he does not have the time to work for Mokokchung.
Now, with the advent of internet and social media, which is immensely popular among the younger citizens in particular, every citizen feels that his voice or opinion is being heard by “the world” when he vents it out on social media platforms. From pointing out issues of social concern to exposing discrepancies in public services, from sharing life lessons to sharing experiences, or promoting events and individuals, or even sharing breaking news, almost everybody takes to social media platforms. Sometimes, these posts on social media yield surprisingly positive results. Unfortunately, the older folks remain mostly detached from the world of social media and they are often left out of the loop.
People talk about how to improve and develop Mokokchung. They share brilliant ideas. That is because they love Mokokchung. But then, on most occasions, seldom do these ideas make their way to the real world. Someone can talk about corruption on social media, for instance, and a few hundreds or even thousands will ‘like’ their posts. And the matter ends there. Rarely do people take it to the real world. How many FIRs or PILs have the people of Mokokchung filed against corrupt officials? It is hard to recollect even one! No, it is not expected of everyone to take the plunge into the world of reality where the challenges are aplenty. Most are expected to sit back and vent it out online. But if only a few of the hundreds who profess their love for Mokokchung online would take their ‘love’ to the real world and fight the good fight, Mokokchung just might change for the better.
This love for Mokokchung professed online, unless proven with deeds in the real world, would remain an infatuation. True love for Mokokchung should be accompanied with action, including holding the policy makers, government agencies and the authorities responsible for making Mokokchung more livable accountable. The defeatist belief that nothing will change for the better should be replaced by a new understanding that change can happen from one person. You could be that one person.