Naga society takes pride in its identity, history and traditions. Yet our persistent divisions along tribal, village and clan lines reveal how easily pride in one’s own people can become prejudice against others. We speak of unity, but our loyalties often stop at the boundaries of our own communities.
The “chosen people syndrome” is not a clinical diagnosis but a useful way to describe a collective mindset in which a group begins to see itself as exceptional, morally superior or entitled to special treatment. In Naga society, its manifestations can be seen through the rigid boundaries of tribe, village, clan and community, where loyalty to one’s own often takes precedence over fairness to others.
There is nothing inherently wrong with cherishing one’s roots or defending one’s community. These attachments preserve culture, sustain solidarity and give meaning to a shared history. The trouble begins when belonging becomes a measure of human worth, when our own people are presumed right by default and others are viewed with suspicion, resentment or contempt.
This mindset can also turn historical grievances into permanent moral credentials. Past suffering deserves acknowledgement, but it cannot become a licence to dismiss the suffering of others or evade responsibility for our own actions. Nor can every criticism of our community be dismissed as hostility. A society unable to examine itself honestly will struggle to correct its own shortcomings.
In a society as diverse as Nagaland, where coexistence depends on mutual trust, such attitudes carry consequences beyond personal prejudice. Tribalism, village-ism and clan loyalties can weaken the very unity we frequently proclaim. We demand understanding for our own grievances while showing little patience for those of others, and speak of collective rights without always acknowledging collective responsibilities.
Our identity means little if pride in our own community prevents us from treating others with fairness and respect. If we believe our history has given us a special responsibility, that belief should make us more accountable, not less; more considerate, not more entitled.
Naga society does not need to abandon its pride. It needs to distinguish pride from superiority and solidarity from exclusion. Belonging should deepen our sense of responsibility towards others, not narrow the circle of those we consider deserving of dignity and justice.
A people’s greatness is not established by declaring themselves chosen. It is demonstrated by how they treat everyone else.
