The Erosion of Our Identity: 

Being Mishing in a Globalized World

Bishal Doley

"A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots." - Marcus Garvey

As a Mishing, my connection to our heritage runs deep. The rhythmic beats of the dumdum, the celebration of Ali Aye Ligang, the warmth of our chang okum, and the rich tapestry of stories passed down through generations-these are the threads that bind us to our ancestors. But in this fast-paced, globalized world, I find myself asking: How much of this identity will survive in the years to come?

Globalization has brought us many opportunities, but it has also brought challenges that threaten to dilute the essence of who we are. Like many indigenous communities worldwide, we Mishings stand at a crossroads, trying to navigate the delicate balance between embracing the future and preserving the traditions that define us.

Losing Our Language, Losing Ourselves :

"When a language dies, a way of understanding the world dies with it."

- George Steiner

Language is the heart of culture. Our Mishing language, a unique thread of the Tani group of Tibeto-Burman languages, carries centuries of wisdom, emotion, and a worldview deeply tied to our land. But as I look around, I see fewer young Mishings speaking it fluently. Schools emphasize Assamese and English, and our own language is slowly confined to the elderly.

I wonder: If we lose our language, who will sing our Oi-Nitoms? Who will recite the proverbs that have guided our community for generations? With every word we forget, we lose a piece of ourselves. And soon, the stories and knowledge that make us Mishing may no longer be passed down.

Urbanization and Cultural Dilution :

"Modernity is not about dress or eating habits; it is about the values you uphold." 

- A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

Growing up, I watched my elders weaving our Gero and Ribi Gaseng, building sturdy chang okum to withstand the floods, and practicing farming techniques passed down through generations. Today, these traditions are slowly fading. Many Mishings migrate to cities for education and work, leaving behind not just their homes but also the customs that define us. Concrete replaces bamboo, mass-produced clothes replace handwoven textiles, and the sounds of Bollywood and Western music drown out our folk songs.

Progress is inevitable, but I often wonder: Why should it come at the expense of our identity? Can we not embrace the future while still holding onto the customs, values, and traditions that make us who we are?

A Personal Reflection: Writing in English, Not Mishing :

As I write this article today, I do so in English. This is not because I want to distance myself from my heritage, but because I find myself unable to write it in Mishing. I wish I could express my thoughts in my native tongue, but the reality is that my generation, like so many others, has drifted away from learning and using the Mishing script. The Mishing language is not just a means of communication-it's the essence of who we are, the pulse of our community, and the vessel of our stories. Yet, here I am, writing in English because I cannot yet write in the language that should have been my first.

This is a struggle faced by many of us. We grow up hearing our elders speak Mishing, but the practicalities of modern life-education, work, and the overwhelming influence of dominant languages like Assamese and English-leave us without the skills to write it. I deeply regret that I have to rely on English to express my thoughts on this very issue.

But I also realize this: it's not too late. I still have time to learn-to reconnect with the Mishing language, to reclaim the skill of writing in it, and to ensure that my future work will honor our heritage in the language it deserves.

The Need for Cultural Revival :

"He who is not proud of his own heritage will never amount to much." - José Rizal

If we don't act now, we risk being forgotten, relegated to history books with no one left to remember. But there is hope if we choose to fight for our culture. Here's what we can do:

1. Revitalize Our Language Encourage Mishing language education in schools, teach it at home, and use it in digital spaces to keep it alive.

2. Document Our Traditions - Record our oral histories, folklore, and traditional knowledge to ensure future generations can access and learn from them.

3. Celebrate Our Culture reignite pride in who we are. Organize festivals, storytelling sessions, and cultural workshops to reignite pride in who we are.

4. Government and Community Support - Advocate for policies that promote and protect indigenous heritage, support traditional craftsmanship, and integrate our culture into tourism.

The Way Forward :

"A culture that does not value its past is doomed to have no future." - T.S. Eliot

As a Mishing, I refuse to let our identity be forgotten or silenced. We may live in a rapidly changing world, but we are still the keepers of an ancient heritage, one that deserves to thrive-not just survive.

The question is: Will we fight for it? I believe we must-if not for ourselves, then for the generations that will follow. Only then can we ensure that our heritage remains a living, breathing part of our future.