Dimapur | September 21 : It has been rightly said that for many people peace begins with food and water, shelter, clothing and health care. For some people, peace begins with the end of torture, slavery, and other forms of oppression. For some people peace begins with the freedom of speech, education, a job or a creative outlet. For some people peace begins with trust and values, family safety, neighborhood and government cooperation, or a clean environment. For all people peace comprises our hopes and dreams and aspirations.
The culture of Peace Day was established by a United Nations resolution in 1981 to coincide with the opening of the General Assembly. The first Peace Day was celebrated in September 1982. In 2002 the General Assembly officially declared September 21 as the permanent date for the International Day of Peace. By creating the International Day of Peace, the UN devoted itself to worldwide peace and encouraged all of mankind to work in cooperation for this goal. The theme for this year’s International Day of Peace 2011 is ‘Make Your Voice Heard’. The International Day of Peace (Peace Day) also provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations and nations to create practical acts of peace on a shared date.
Professor Akok Walling Lecturer at Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung stated that peace is a term which has got two elements- interpersonal and intrapersonal. He says that interpersonal peace is when the peace is there in the person himself, a life without worry, with at least reduced problems in life. Intrapersonal peace, he says is when peace means no or less conflicts among groups. He also believes that peace in our society can be achieved if due recognition is given to one another. However, he also says that one should not keep quiet for the sake of maintaining peace. The utopian concept of peace cannot be there, he said.
“We are living in a society where peace seems like a distant dream” says journalist, Merina Chishi relating the term to the Naga context. In her opinion, the term Peace can mean differently to people as it can either be individual or collective, personal or social. On the context of Naga society she feels that when a thousand and more youths are frustrated, obviously the society will not be at peace. “It’s a dominoes effect,” she said, “Unless we are at peace with ourselves, we cannot be at peace with the other.”
“Peace to me is contentment and harmony with myself and my neighbors. It is the practice of tolerance and acceptance”, said Rozelle Mero, Director of Peace Channel Nagaland. Associate Youth Director of DABA, Jongshi Manen says that peace is the feelings of comfort and Hope even at times of struggles. “Free from any kinds of guilt even when the world is falling around you”.
“Peace for me is a state of productive and blissful homeostasis with one’s environment, be it material, physical, mental, emotional or spiritual. A Utopian state free from worries as basic as the next meal to... situations both within or outside one’s home environment says Doctor Lanu.
He however believes that ‘Absolute Peace’ can never be a reality. “Having said that, I would like to mention that reconciliation will be a major step forward towards maybe brokering some amount of peace, but the sooner people realize that the freedom train has long since left, leaving behind a carcass that constantly demands to be fed, and unless we get rid of this cancer in the society, no amount of brokering will lead to long term peace”.
The Morung Express asked people to comment on what peace means to them and also suggest one practical act of Peace. Here’s what they said:
Rozelle Mero
Practical act of Peace- One act of peace that each one of us can practice is to be tolerant of those around us, so that we avoid being judgmental which more often then not leads to discord.
Longri Kichu- ’’When my heart is at peace, the world is at peace’’- chinese proverb. It sounds a bit idealistic but i think it starts from the individual.
Saani San- “Peace, simply, would be no negativeness in all aspects of Life...socially, emotionally, et all”. I believe it starts with the individual,yes!!! If i am torn, how can ‘my world’ know peace?! When i work at my own peace, i see my friends,family,and almost all in my universe eventually appreciation n chip in too. Practical act of Peace- We should up our level of Tolerance
Professor Akok Walling
Practical act of Peace- Tolerance is one thing and giving due recognition to others is another.
KD Suraj- “Definition of peace exist no more... In this world there is nothing called peace...”
Kevi Viswentso Angami- “Who said peace doesn’t exist? Peace is the very thing that is keeping you and me alive! Peacetime is not only the absence of war or conflict, but also the presence of cultural and economic understanding and unity. Shalom (meaning peace in Hebrew), cognate with the Arabic “salaam”, has multiple meanings: safety, welfare, prosperity, security, fortune, friendliness-Wikipedia”
Akala Lkr- “Peace...calm...serenity....Means no extortion, kidnapping, killing, etc...every citizen in peace, with no fear.
Lawrence Sbclm- When u do some thing good you feel happy, when u do something well, you feel happy... now that is PEACE!!!
Aheli Moitra- Peace is to be able to live without fear.
Pipi Newmei- Peace for me is the time when we are so idle that we start painting ....
Angu Nagi- As long as you understand and respect each other, there is peace. Dats how i understand peace.
Chenithung Achie Humtsoe- Here’s what my favorite artist has to say about Peace - “The obvious answer is ‘not fighting anymore’. But it’s kind of an unrealistic notion to not bump into each other or step on each other’s toes. So I think when it comes down to peace, its more of a singular state of mind that one can achieve and then influence others if they choose to live that way or they find a way to live in peace and in oneness with themselves. So I think peace can become contagious when people live by example or maybe become peaceful in their own mind, heart and spirit. And then people witness that and see how beautiful it could be”. Am all for it.
Today, as the World observes the call for peace through a range of activities including ceasefires, proclamations, and pledges for humanitarian aids, educational and community service program, human rights, environment, humanitarian relief, poverty, health care, disarmament or international cooperation, have you made your voice heard? Citing the sentiments of several Naga youths “As we mark International Day of Peace this year, we are reminded that we can never truly contribute in the pursuit of peace for our state, country and the world, unless there is peace within us”.
The culture of Peace Day was established by a United Nations resolution in 1981 to coincide with the opening of the General Assembly. The first Peace Day was celebrated in September 1982. In 2002 the General Assembly officially declared September 21 as the permanent date for the International Day of Peace. By creating the International Day of Peace, the UN devoted itself to worldwide peace and encouraged all of mankind to work in cooperation for this goal. The theme for this year’s International Day of Peace 2011 is ‘Make Your Voice Heard’. The International Day of Peace (Peace Day) also provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations and nations to create practical acts of peace on a shared date.
Professor Akok Walling Lecturer at Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung stated that peace is a term which has got two elements- interpersonal and intrapersonal. He says that interpersonal peace is when the peace is there in the person himself, a life without worry, with at least reduced problems in life. Intrapersonal peace, he says is when peace means no or less conflicts among groups. He also believes that peace in our society can be achieved if due recognition is given to one another. However, he also says that one should not keep quiet for the sake of maintaining peace. The utopian concept of peace cannot be there, he said.
“We are living in a society where peace seems like a distant dream” says journalist, Merina Chishi relating the term to the Naga context. In her opinion, the term Peace can mean differently to people as it can either be individual or collective, personal or social. On the context of Naga society she feels that when a thousand and more youths are frustrated, obviously the society will not be at peace. “It’s a dominoes effect,” she said, “Unless we are at peace with ourselves, we cannot be at peace with the other.”
“Peace to me is contentment and harmony with myself and my neighbors. It is the practice of tolerance and acceptance”, said Rozelle Mero, Director of Peace Channel Nagaland. Associate Youth Director of DABA, Jongshi Manen says that peace is the feelings of comfort and Hope even at times of struggles. “Free from any kinds of guilt even when the world is falling around you”.
“Peace for me is a state of productive and blissful homeostasis with one’s environment, be it material, physical, mental, emotional or spiritual. A Utopian state free from worries as basic as the next meal to... situations both within or outside one’s home environment says Doctor Lanu.
He however believes that ‘Absolute Peace’ can never be a reality. “Having said that, I would like to mention that reconciliation will be a major step forward towards maybe brokering some amount of peace, but the sooner people realize that the freedom train has long since left, leaving behind a carcass that constantly demands to be fed, and unless we get rid of this cancer in the society, no amount of brokering will lead to long term peace”.
The Morung Express asked people to comment on what peace means to them and also suggest one practical act of Peace. Here’s what they said:
Rozelle Mero
Practical act of Peace- One act of peace that each one of us can practice is to be tolerant of those around us, so that we avoid being judgmental which more often then not leads to discord.
Longri Kichu- ’’When my heart is at peace, the world is at peace’’- chinese proverb. It sounds a bit idealistic but i think it starts from the individual.
Saani San- “Peace, simply, would be no negativeness in all aspects of Life...socially, emotionally, et all”. I believe it starts with the individual,yes!!! If i am torn, how can ‘my world’ know peace?! When i work at my own peace, i see my friends,family,and almost all in my universe eventually appreciation n chip in too. Practical act of Peace- We should up our level of Tolerance
Professor Akok Walling
Practical act of Peace- Tolerance is one thing and giving due recognition to others is another.
KD Suraj- “Definition of peace exist no more... In this world there is nothing called peace...”
Kevi Viswentso Angami- “Who said peace doesn’t exist? Peace is the very thing that is keeping you and me alive! Peacetime is not only the absence of war or conflict, but also the presence of cultural and economic understanding and unity. Shalom (meaning peace in Hebrew), cognate with the Arabic “salaam”, has multiple meanings: safety, welfare, prosperity, security, fortune, friendliness-Wikipedia”
Akala Lkr- “Peace...calm...serenity....Means no extortion, kidnapping, killing, etc...every citizen in peace, with no fear.
Lawrence Sbclm- When u do some thing good you feel happy, when u do something well, you feel happy... now that is PEACE!!!
Aheli Moitra- Peace is to be able to live without fear.
Pipi Newmei- Peace for me is the time when we are so idle that we start painting ....
Angu Nagi- As long as you understand and respect each other, there is peace. Dats how i understand peace.
Chenithung Achie Humtsoe- Here’s what my favorite artist has to say about Peace - “The obvious answer is ‘not fighting anymore’. But it’s kind of an unrealistic notion to not bump into each other or step on each other’s toes. So I think when it comes down to peace, its more of a singular state of mind that one can achieve and then influence others if they choose to live that way or they find a way to live in peace and in oneness with themselves. So I think peace can become contagious when people live by example or maybe become peaceful in their own mind, heart and spirit. And then people witness that and see how beautiful it could be”. Am all for it.
Today, as the World observes the call for peace through a range of activities including ceasefires, proclamations, and pledges for humanitarian aids, educational and community service program, human rights, environment, humanitarian relief, poverty, health care, disarmament or international cooperation, have you made your voice heard? Citing the sentiments of several Naga youths “As we mark International Day of Peace this year, we are reminded that we can never truly contribute in the pursuit of peace for our state, country and the world, unless there is peace within us”.
