At the turn of the century, the words ‘21st century’ carried an almost mystical promise. It was supposed to be an era of transformation, where old inefficiencies would be erased, and progress would be the defining feature of society. But for many of us, especially here, that promise has proven to be an illusion. The roads remain as broken as they were decades ago. Corruption continues to plague our systems. The rhetoric has changed, but the reality remains stubbornly the same.
The most disheartening aspect of this stagnation is that an entire generation has been born and raised under the shadow of these unfulfilled promises. Those who were born after the turn of the century are now in their twenties, nearing midlife, yet still grappling with the same challenges that existed before they were even born. Politically, economically, and socially, the landscape remains bleak. The only noticeable advancements are in personal luxuries—better cars, newer gadgets—but the fundamental structures of society remain crippled.
This failure is not theirs to bear. Children did not choose the world they were born into, and they certainly do not deserve to inherit a system that refuses to evolve. Society’s progress is measured by the opportunities it provides to its youth, and on that scale, we have failed them. Instead of condemning them for their frustrations and disillusionment, we must recognize that they are the products of a dysfunctional system—one that needs urgent rectification.
Nagaland’s crumbling social and political infrastructure cannot be ignored any longer. We must move beyond mere rhetoric and demand tangible change. Governance must be held accountable, and the cycle of corruption must be broken. Investment in education, employment, and transparent governance must take precedence over empty promises. Today, the path to progress is accessible only to a select few—far from what we were promised. Justice and equitable development must be prioritized. The ‘21st century’ must stand for real, measurable progress—until then, it remains the biggest hoax ever played on us.