Geoffrey Yaden, publisher, and Editor-in-Chief of Nagaland Post (left)
Chümoukedima, September 21 (MExN): Peace Channel, in collaboration with the North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR) and the North East Diocesan Social Service Society (NEDSSS), commemorated the International Day of Peace with the peace award ceremony at the Peace Channel Institute on September 21.
The Peace Award was conferred to Geoffrey Meyikokba Yaden, the founder, publisher, and Editor-in-Chief of Nagaland Post. Yaden’s recognition was a tribute to his lifelong dedication to peace-building through journalism, an often underappreciated but powerful tool for fostering unity, understanding, and positive change in society, stated a press release received here.
Through Nagaland Post, he has sought to give voice to the Naga people, offering them a platform to engage with critical issues, express their aspirations, and address the complex social, political, and economic challenges they face. By facilitating open dialogue and encouraging civic participation, his journalism has contributed significantly to peace-building efforts in a region often fraught with conflict, the release stated.
In his acceptance speech, Yaden highlighted that journalism in a region like Nagaland is not without its difficulties; it requires navigating a delicate balance between representing the truth and managing sensitivities around complex and often contentious issues. “I did not start the newspaper for peace or for war but to empower individuals to discover their true selves,” he stated.
Addressing the occasion, KPA Ilyas, IPS, Deputy Inspector General of Police (CID) emphasised the importance of transformation over mere conflict resolution, urging the audience to seek lasting change that addresses the root causes of discord.
Drawing on the wisdom of renowned figures in peace studies, Ilyas pointed out that peace is not simply about resolving conflicts but about transforming them. Reflecting on his personal experiences, he shared how reading about Nagaland in newspapers changed his perception of the region. He compared Nagaland to his home state of Kerala, commending Nagaland for its dignity and unwavering commitment to standing up for its values. “True power,” he remarked, “does not reside in politicians or societal institutions but within individuals themselves.”
The festival concluded with the crowning of Maria Goretti Beck and Vizokhotuo Suokhrie, both from Salesian College of Higher Education, Dimapur, as Miss Peace Knit 2024 and Mr Peace Knit 2024, respectively.
