Peace Channel organized an expert talk on peacebuilders at the Bishop Abraham Memorial Hall, Peace Centre on December 4.
DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 5 (MExN): Peace Channel organized an expert talk on “Peace Builders Need to Prepare a Universal Attitude and Perspective” at the Bishop Abraham Memorial Hall, Peace Centre on December 4. The session was attended by Peace Channel staff, including district coordinators, volunteers, and interns, to explore ways of fostering a positive attitude and perspective toward others in the pursuit of peacebuilding.
In his welcome address, Dr Fr CP Anto, Principal of NEISSR and Director of Peace Channel, emphasized that effective peacebuilders must surpass others’ expectations. He urged the attendees to cultivate a peacebuilder mindset and spread a positive attitude wherever they go, highlighting the importance of leading by example.
The keynote address was delivered by Fr. Walter, Director of the North East Social Research Centre (NESRC) in Guwahati. He spoke on the significance of developing not just analytical and writing skills through research, but also of examining one’s attitude toward others. Fr. Walter encouraged self-reflection as a tool for improving personal perspectives, particularly when analyzing research topics related to peacebuilding.
“While researching any topic, it is essential to look within and reflect on our own internal perspectives,” he remarked. He also stressed the importance of openness and inclusivity for anyone wishing to become a peace activist, urging the audience to reflect on where they are now and where they want to go.
Fr. Walter further suggested that Peace Channel staff select a conflict theme specific to Nagaland for further study. He proposed that this would help in both developing writing and analytical skills, while also encouraging peacebuilders to focus on their attitudes throughout the process.
Addressing the challenges of peacebuilding, Fr. Walter acknowledged that in a world dominated by conflict and division, the task of peacebuilding can seem overwhelming. “It is easy to become disheartened by the challenges we face, especially when the same issues persist year after year. But the success of peacebuilding is not just about the scale of the problems we confront; it’s about the attitude with which we approach them,” he emphasized.
Fr. Walter highlighted that as peacebuilders, it is essential to recognize how our inner attitudes shape the way we engage with the world. By approaching others with cheerfulness, empathy, and a collaborative mindset, peacebuilders can create an environment where dialogue thrives, understanding grows, and relationships heal.
Fr. Walter suggested that peacebuilders focus on the psychological aspects of individuals involved in conflicts, stressing the need to understand the emotional and mental impacts of disputes. The Peace Channel team shared initial ideas on how to conduct studies in this area, and a collaborative approach was agreed upon to take the project forward.
