Shen Ruivah
ASK AN average teenager in Ukhrul what they do for fun and they’ll tell you the small town isn’t much fun. Besides school, house chores, and the occasional church service, there aren’t a lot of ways teenagers can engage with society in a meaningful way.
It’s not a mystery why many spend most of their free time with friends, consuming media; some even resort to alcohol or narcotics. There’s not a lot to do in a small town; many songs of teenage angst attest to this. “Why not explore a hobby?”, you might ask. Photography, sports, music, dance, painting, poetry, or writing could be options. Some may harshly suggest focusing solely on studies, however, it’s unrealistic to confine restless young minds to just studies. Solely relying on formal education might hinder their ability to become well-rounded individuals.
Engaging in hobbies can be a more meaningful way to spend time but they can quickly add up in expenses; equipment like cameras, musical instruments or capable computers cost a small fortune. Even seemingly inexpensive pursuits like writing or sports have their hidden expenses. Ukhrul is not a wealthy corner of the world, imagine kids asking parents for a camera; they might see it as indulgence.
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Hobbies like music, photography, writing, or sports offer career paths, personal growth, and social connections. Many pursue these hobbies not just for fun but to develop storytelling skills and connect with others online, expressing themselves in the process. If mainstream media from their own culture doesn’t resonate, young people seek content that aligns with their interests or values. Online communities function as tribes where like-minded peers share aesthetics and opinions. For example, the scarcity of Tangkhul media depicting the struggles of young teens in school and college prompts them to turn to Korean or Western series, finding them more relatable as young individuals.
Media from Ukhrul is developing but still leaves much to be desired. Encouraging the new generation of content creators to harness their talents can lead to authentic local storytelling and innovative media that reflects and shapes culture more meaningfully. Media’s undeniable power reflects and influences societal values, fostering cultural exchange, pride, and belonging. Gen Z, connected through various platforms, shares a cultural bond that can combat brain drain, with strong media helping them stay rooted while pursuing opportunities in metropolitan cities. Sports also contribute significantly; Liverpool FC’s Mohamed Salah’s success uplifts Arabs globally, showcasing the power of representation. Both media and sports offer platforms for diverse voices.
So, what can we do collectively to help young people have more avenues for meaningful social activities? The most affluent and influential social institution in Ukhrul, like many other hill towns in the NorthEast, is the church and other faith-based institutions. Over 90% of the Tangkhul population professes Christianity.
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To the credit of the Church in Ukhrul, it has previous experience as an agent of change. Neha Abraham documents this in her article for Scroll, noting the church’s role in caring for HIV-affected individuals in the 2000s by changing society’s perception through honest discussions, counselling training for leaders, and encouraging treatment. The church also provides platforms for young performing artists through various social events and youth organisations it sponsors, such as the choir at the local church where many musicians begin their music education.
In the early days of football around the late 19th and early 20th century, the church played a pivotal role in laying the groundwork for the sport’s future in England. Recognising its potential to foster community engagement and wholesome activities, church organisations and Christian institutions (like those behind Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton) took the initiative to establish football clubs. These clubs provided a safe and positive space for young men, promoting values of teamwork, discipline, and fair play. Over time, these church-founded clubs not only flourished but also evolved into professional entities, their popularity transcending their religious roots. Names like Wolverhampton Wanderers, Aston Villa, Southampton, and Tottenham Hotspurs became synonymous with English football’s rich history. The enduring legacy of these clubs stands as a testament to the transformative impact faith-based institutions had on shaping the cultural landscape of football in England.
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To regain ground with youth, the church can go beyond music, offering platforms like photography, writing, or sports through classes or initiatives. This can not only boost church engagement but also foster youth passion, identity, and community spirit. While practicality is valued, the arts, like those in Mizo and Meitei communities, can strengthen cultural identity and offer teenagers more than just leisure. Understanding the importance of media in cultural development, particularly among the youth, could greatly benefit the Church’s outreach efforts. By embracing modern media platforms and encouraging meaningful storytelling, the Church can effectively engage with younger generations and contribute to shaping societal values and perspectives.
Sources
Shen is a freelancer who is interested in writing about the popular culture of Northeast India.
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