A society that fears speaking the truth is doomed to fail. This is a harsh but undeniable fact that Naga society must urgently address. Today, truth speakers are few and far between. Their voices, though present, are often overwhelmed by the silence and complacency of the majority. This silence is not just passive; it actively hinders progress, allowing corruption, inefficiency, and injustice to thrive unchecked. While everyone has a role in speaking the truth, the heaviest responsibility lies with intellectuals, those equipped with knowledge and influence. When intellectuals remain silent out of fear or convenience, they betray their very purpose and become mere pretenders.
Where are the engineers willing to expose why newly paved roads fail to survive a single monsoon? Who among the doctors will reveal the rampant corruption that threatens public health? Which teachers dare to challenge an education system that fails to empower students to stand against injustice? Are there preachers prepared to call out corruption and hypocrisy within religious institutions? Is there even a single administrator or officer brave enough to speak the truth and expose the system’s incompetence? Is there any leader in civil society with the courage to confront hypocrisy head-on? The absence of honest critique from these key figures allows systemic problems to deepen, eroding public trust and social cohesion.
A society without a critical mass of truth speakers is destined to stagnate. Truth is the foundation of accountability and reform. When truth is suppressed, ignorance and wrongdoing flourish. Courageous truth speakers force society to confront uncomfortable realities and demand change. Their voices serve as a necessary check on power and complacency.
Naga society must cultivate a culture that not only accepts but encourages truth-telling. Protecting and supporting those who dare to speak honestly, whether one agrees with them or not, is vital for collective growth. Without this, progress will remain elusive, and potential unfulfilled. The future depends on our willingness to face hard truths today. Without truth, there can be no justice, no growth, and no hope. Silence in the face of truth is the greatest betrayal of all.