It was during regular reading that I came across this concept of NOBLE SAVAGE. It really got me thinking as the title itself suggested something very akin to my own LEPCHA. Then I searched for more on this new concept and I slowly came across information and details which surely reflected many ideals shared by the Lepchas too. So here goes to all interested in the ethos shared by most Lepchas
I know modernization has helped us Lepcha to a great extent especially in sectors like health and education. But with it came many ills that destroyed the very fabric of Lepcha’s life. In fact the sense of eagerness and enthusiasm you see today amongst the Lepchas are actually healing procedures after years of illness that Lepcha had to carry with the advent of outsiders in Mayel Lyang. Here I am not referring to the physical illness but the wounds created in the soul of the Lepchas by the destruction of their “savage” (as others would say) lives. Setting aside the biasness that may arise with my argument I would say Lepchas were not ready for the onslaught and as such could not overcome the invasion both spiritually and economically. Where the Lepchas failed other communities picked up the spoils and went on to become more successful in the very Lepcha land. But I am not here to discuss why other communities won but why does it seem like the Lepchas have lost.
This is where the Concept of Noble Savages inspired me. Today Lepcha have one of the most active organizational framework and an efficient networking even through remote villages and inaccessible areas. The question that arises is why do the Lepchas need such and elaborate system of organizational network. Here I would like to mention that even the Lepchas who gave up their traditions and adopted religions that came across the borders too have their own system of networking and communal gatherings that they cannot do without. So does this suggest that we have this inborn quality to bond and live as a community rather than exist as lone rangers. Time has proved that we lepchas are sentimentally attached to our immediate environment and as such cannot get separated from our land. It is a known fact that we have very few economic migrants as compared to many other communities thriving alongside us in our lands. And in the very heart of every Lepcha there seems to be an unspoken desire to exist amidst the fields and birds and forests and sparkling rivers. Well we have some exception few who are rather frowned upon for their desire to give up their basic nature. So Utopia for an average lepcha would be going back to the basics and roaming freely in the bounty of the nature rather than tied down to orders and commands of some one else…..
