In Nagaland, civil society organizations have become the heartbeat of social engagement. Almost every week, a new group emerges, each with its own vision and mandate, yet the refrain in meetings remains strikingly familiar: “We need unity.” Lack of unity is often cited as the root of collective failures, whether in addressing social issues, advocating for community interests, or mobilizing resources. But perhaps it is time to reconsider this conventional wisdom. Unity, as noble and necessary as it is, is not the starting point; it is the outcome. The true cause of disunity lies deeper: a lack of moral courage among individual members.
Moral courage is the ability to uphold one’s ethical principles even when faced with discomfort, opposition, or risk. It is the willingness to speak out against wrongdoing, to stand up for justice, and to act in accordance with one’s conscience, regardless of convenience or popularity. In any society, when individuals shy away from these responsibilities, collective cohesion suffers. The absence of moral courage allows selfish interests, fear, or complacency to dictate actions, eroding trust and causing divisions.
In the Naga context, this pattern is visible in many civil society gatherings. Members often voice agreement in principle during meetings but hesitate to challenge harmful practices, confront mismanagement, or address inequalities. Decisions are deferred, conflicts are left unresolved, and accountability becomes diluted. In such an environment, unity becomes a fragile aspiration rather than a lived reality. The blame for failures is projected onto “lack of unity,” while the underlying problem of moral cowardice remains unaddressed.
Conversely, when moral courage is exercised, unity naturally emerges. Courageous individuals speak up when injustice arises, fight corruption, defend the vulnerable, and uphold shared values. Their actions set a standard for others, creating a culture of integrity and mutual respect. When members act with conviction, trust deepens, conflicts are resolved constructively, and collective goals are pursued with genuine commitment. True unity is not forced but emerges from the moral strength of the community.
For Naga civil society organizations, the lesson is clear. Rather than endlessly lamenting the lack of unity, members must first cultivate moral courage within themselves. Small acts of integrity, such as challenging unfair decisions or taking principled stands in difficult situations can ripple outward and strengthen the moral fabric of the community. Unity will follow, not as a slogan, but as a lived reality.
In the end, if our civil society organizations aspire to achieve meaningful collective outcomes, they must recognize that unity is the fruit, and moral courage is the root. Without the latter, the former will remain an ideal rather than a reality.
