The recent 44th general conference of the Asetkong Kaketshir Telungjem Mungdang (AKTM) brought attention to an important issue in Naga society today: systemic pessimism. During the panel discussion’s Q&A session, a delegate raised this concern in relation to employment, self-reliance, and enterprise, which were key topics of the conference. This question struck a chord because it highlighted a deep-rooted mindset that is holding back progress.
Systemic pessimism refers to a widespread and deep-rooted attitude of doubt or negativity about the possibility of positive change or success. At the heart of this systemic pessimism, in the context of the conference, lies a widespread obsession with government jobs. In Naga society today, a government job is seen as the ultimate measure of success. The narrative suggests that without securing such a position, a person’s life is considered a failure before it even begins. This belief stifles ambition and creativity and creates a dangerous cycle of dependency and despair. When the majority place their hopes solely on limited government employment, it narrows the scope of opportunities for entrepreneurship, innovation, and self-driven economic growth.
This mindset not only limits individual potential but also hampers the collective development of Naga society. True self-reliance cannot flourish when the youth are conditioned to seek security only through government employment. Instead, the focus must shift toward encouraging diverse career paths, supporting small businesses, and nurturing an entrepreneurial spirit. Building a vibrant economy requires embracing risk, creativity, and hard work outside the traditional government framework.
Systemic pessimism goes beyond personal negativity. Instead of saying “this policy will fail” or “this leader is ineffective,” systemic pessimism assumes that the political, economic, social, or institutional structure itself is broken. As a result, outcomes are expected to be poor no matter who is in charge or what changes are proposed.
The challenge ahead is to break free from this systemic pessimism. This will require not just policy changes but a cultural shift that values all forms of meaningful work and success. Changing this mindset will take effort from leaders, educators, and families. They need to help redefine success so that all forms of work and achievement are valued. Only by overcoming systemic pessimism can Naga society truly become self-reliant.