Kohima, May 5 (MExN): Peace activist Susan Kulnu and student volunteers Lulu Awomi and Ayekali Aye of Don Bosco College Kohima capacitated the students of St. Andrew’s School, Jotsoma and Little Flower Hr. Sec School, Kohima on May 3 and 4 respectively on the seven principles of peace.
A press release from Peace Channel desk informed that Susan spoke about peace and the seven principles which are universally accepted as principles for peace promotion.
Spirituality: She explained that spirituality is based on the interactive relationship and the mutual co-existence among all things; it highlights the centrality of inner peace. It is also one of the means to attain peace that explicitly drives every individual to the unforeseen force, i.e., the Supreme Being, God.
Reconciliation: Susan stated “we” are called to life through reconciliation, not revenge. Maintaining that it is important to move away from an ‘I’ mentality to ‘we’ mentality while promoting reconciliation between groups, she said it encourages the group to stand united as ‘we’ as one single entity who speak in one voice rather than many separate ‘I’s with conflicting views and ideas.
Sacrifice: Pointing out that peace propagates and promotes the spirit of sacrifice, the resource person said sacrifice calls for honouring the inherent dignity and worth of every human being by strengthening our resolve to be compassionate in our thoughts, words, and actions.
Voluntarism: “All of us are created for the purpose of caring for one another. Therefore, it is necessary to strive to empower youth and provide information and professional services to the needy through peaceful means/ ways,” Susan added.
Self Realization: The speaker noted it is important to focus on the development of humanity and development that transforms all aspects of life – physical, mental, emotional, social, economic and spiritual. The readiness to accept individuals and communities as they are is an important aspect of peaceful living which will reduce conflict arising out of rejection on the basis of community, tribe and religion, she said.
Hospitality: Being able to accept the other into one’s fold accelerates the peace-building process, Susan maintained, adding peace can be achieved only when there is hospitality towards strangers and genuine care for everyone.
Non-Violence: Student volunteer Lulu meanwhile enlightened that non violence is considered as the most powerful tool in the interpersonal, inter family, and inter community and international relations. “It is important that we build on this principle for achieving our goal of universal peace and harmony,” she stated.
The participants were encouraged to take initiatives in bringing peace wherever they are. They vowed to promote peace, keeping in mind the seven principles of peace.
