Disconnected

It appears today a transformation have taken place within communities altering the "traditional" family ways. A discombobulated society where greed motivates both parents in the work force. Society and family value have changed into an institutionalized process. The system in which one parent worked, while the other parent tended to the children has almost become obsolete. Gone are the good old days when mom and dad were around to teach their children about morality and the basics of growing up. Instead, we see parents who have replaced caring and personal involvement with the purchase of material goods. We also see parents who are afraid to discipline their children and who are afraid to set boundaries. We also see parents who are afraid to hug their children and be involved in their lives. All this is a result of the insatiable desire of parents to earn more income, as opposed to spending quality time with their children. This has led to a decrease in the maturity level of the neglected children at a later age. A child's behavior shows the kind of home he or she comes from. Parents are supposed to be role models, but what do we find today? Parents are neglecting their responsibility. Parents, who ought to teach by precept and example, have fallen prey to the "do as I say, but not as I do" syndrome. As a result we as a society, often times, fail to look at the root cause of many of the adolescent problems being witnessed today. No wonder there is a tremendous breakdown in the relationship between children and their parents. In fact the relationships between parents and children play a significant role in the social well being of the children. Children who do the best have parents who use both a great deal of warmth and caring with their children and also exercise a high level of control over their children's actions. High levels of warmth and control characterize the form of parenting referred to as authoritative. And we all know that authoritative parents are both firm and fair. Sadly today many parents are unable to connect with their children and even if they do, they think that just showing concern is enough. The common perception among parents is that children should be allowed to sow their wild oats when they are young so that they won't do the same when they are older. But clearly just showing concern is not enough. Adolescents need guidance as well as encouragement and they need to know that their parents, their relatives, and the adult network in the neighborhood are all watching them, are all concerned, and see their upbringing as a priority. Thence the imperative need for parent-child interactions, of the parents getting involved. By spending a few hours a week with their children, the parents are able to get involved, while at the same time leaving the children with a sense of stability. Perhaps the solution to juvenile delinquency is not more laws or greater restrictions, for rarely do these interventions work. What actually is needed is to have adults who are continuously, visibly and actively present in the lives of children.

 

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NNC condoles

Dear Madam,

The Naga National Council condoles the death of Khodao Yanthan. Late Khodao worked for the Naga Nation since early part of 1950 at his best and youthful time. Khodao worked and served in the NNC and become one of the longest serving NNC executive members. He became the Fifth President of NNC in the year 1990. As soon as he become the President of NNC,he condemned the Shillong Accord of 1975 in letter and spirit,also excommunicated all the Accordists and the supporters from the Naga National service. During his Presidency period, he also appealed all the Naga National Groups to come together to unite once again to work as a whole as his objective and concerned. But it was unfortunate that he could not complete the full term of his Presidentship in the Office.

 Indeed,Khodao was a noble and dedicated leader for the Naga people  as a whole. The NNC will remember his noble deeds for the Naga Freedom. May his soul rest in peace.

Kiumukam Yimchungrii,

Vice President, Naga National Council.