Dr Prabhat Kumar IFS, District Forest Officer, Peren and Dr Fr CP Anto, Principal, NEISSR.
Dimapur, September 30 (MExN): The three-day 16th Peace Knit: National Youth Peace Convention commenced on September 30 at Peace Centre, 7th Mile, Chümoukedima, Nagaland with Dr Prabhat Kumar IFS, District Forest Officer, Peren District gracing the inaugural function as the chief guest.
The event is organized by North East Institute of Social Sciences & Research (NEISSR) and Peace Channel in collaboration with Xavier Board-Eastern and NE region, North Eastern Social Research Centre, Guwahati, and North Eastern Diocesan Social Service Society, Guwahati.
The convention’s theme, ‘Action for Peace: Our Ambition for the Global Goals’ serves as the foundation for a series of activities aimed at engaging and empowering the youth, stated a press release issued by NEISSR.
Dr Fr CP Anto, Principal, NEISSR in his welcome address highlighted the transformative potential of youth, emphasizing the importance of learning, unlearning, and relearning for conflict transformation. He stressed that peace is a vital requirement in today's world.
Rev Dr Br Simon Coelho, President Eastern and North East region XBHEI, emphasized the essence of ‘Action for Peace: Our Ambition for Global Goal,’ bringing together teachers and students from diverse communities and religions for peace and unity.
Dr Prabhat Kumar IFS, DFO, Peren shared insights on peace, noting that education plays a crucial role in understanding and contribution to peace. He encouraged active youth participation and the responsible use of social media for spreading the right message of peace and education.
Religious perspectives on peace were also presented. Rev Moses Murry discussed peace from a Christian perspective, highlighting the significance of spiritual, emotional, and interpersonal peace. Bijayata Barua spoke on peace from a Buddhist perspective, underscoring the importance of inner peace and interconnectedness. Buddhism is a philosophy that is deeply rooted in compassion and non-violence; the teaching of Siddhartha Gautama founder of Buddhism, he stated.
Ajay Sethi emphasized non-violence and dialogue in Jainism for peaceful conflict resolution. Ahidu Rehman shared the Muslim perspective, emphasizing that no religion advocates violence. “No religion practice violence, violence find no place in any religion”, he quoted.
351 students from various schools and colleges in India showed active participation on the first day.
On September 29 evening, Most Rev James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima graced an introductory function. The valedictory programme on October 1 will witness Temjen Imna Along, Minister for Tourism and Higher Education and Abhinav Shivam IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Chümoukedima as the guest of honour and special guest respectively.
