Dimapur, Sep. 22 (EMN): The Nagaland State Bharat Scouts & Guides (NSBSG) observed the International Day of Peace 2017 at Mezhür Higher Secondary School, Kohima on Sep. 21, where state coordinator of State Resource Centre for Women, Gracy Ayee, talked on “youth speech for peace.”
Scouts and Guides and students of Mezhür Higher Secondary School along with the state headquarter and Kohima district officials attended the programme.
The gathering also prayed for individual, societal and world peace.
To mark the occasion, essay writing competition was organized by the Nagaland State Bharat Scouts and Guides on the theme “Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for all.”
A cash prize was awarded to the winners. Certificates were also given to all the participants.
Youth awareness programme on messengers of peace, free being me and surf smart were conducted by Rover Scout Leader Kekhrie Theünuo. Awareness on how to be an ambassador of peace within oneself and be an asset to the society, how to express oneself freely without any influence of other’s control, safe internet usage of social media like Facebook, Whatsapp, Instagram etc were also conducted.
A day long programme was concluded with prize distribution ceremony where State training Commissioner (Guide), I Amenla Soyah, gave away the prizes and certificates.
BS&G Wokha: The Wokha District Bharat Scouts & Guides Association observed International Day of Peace at Mt. Sinai School Wokha on Sep. 22, with principal of Mt. Tiyi College cum vice president BS&G Wokha, Abeni Kithan as chief gues.
Dr. Kithan in his address said, peace begins at home for which she asked the gathering to spread the message of peace to the nation and the world. She further encouraged the young scout & guides to play a vital role by volunteering and extending their helping hand of friendship to the refugees and migrants.
Pastor WTBC Rev. Sulumo Ezung, speaking on theme “Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for all” insisted the scout and guides to be an agent and messenger of peace. Quoting from the Bible, he said that Jesus is the prince of peace where one should follow and work to bring peace in our land.
Head Teacher GMS Sec ‘A’ cum Dist Commissioner (G) Wokha, Loreni Tsopoe chaired the programme while DOC (S) BS&G Wokha, H Orenpomo Ngullie led the scout & guides in spreading the message of peace through action.
Peace Channels: Peace Channel in collaboration with North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR) commemorated International Day of Peace and Peace Channel Foundation Day at NEISSR Conference hall. On the occasion, a panel discussion on different topics basing on their views/understanding and research was held.
The moderator and the speakers for the panel discussion were Master of Social Work (MSW) students of NEISSR from different specializations. The speakers stressed on topics such as “Is Insurgency a block to development?, youth and its responsibilities in peace building and a peaceful solution to Indo-Naga conflict.”
Asst. Prof. Liangamang Robert spoke on the evolution of International Day of Peace and its main motive. He also shared the inception of Peace Channel and its impact in the society. Activities and the initiative of Peace Channel in capacitating youths, community leaders, Self Help Groups as an agent of peace to transform the culture of conflict into culture of peace in the society were also highlighted.
Emphasing on theme of the day “Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for all,” Robert said the peace day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to peace, expunge differences and to contribute to building a culture of peace. He also said the theme honours the spirit of together, a global initiative that promotes respect, safety and dignity for all those who were forced to flee their homes in search of a better life. He further encouraged the students to work together rather than being an individualistic and be an effective peace builder and promoter in the society.
Meanwhile, Peace Channel, Dimapur in collaboration with Community Education Centre School (CECS) observed International Day of Peace cum 12th Peace Channel Foundation Day on Sep. 21, on theme “Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for all.”
Speaking on the occasion, Dimapur District Co-ordinator Garrol Lotha said since the inception Peace Channel have been relentlessly rendering its service to the people and effectively working to promote culture of peace in the society. She also expressed gratitude and congratulated all those who have been associated with Peace Channel. She also highlighted the significance of the day.
Comparing the theme with the the present scenario of Naga society, she asked everyone to retrospect oneself: “Do we really respect everyone equally? Are we safe in our society? Do we live a dignified life?”
“Peace can be initiated in the society only if we have concern for others rather than being individualistic, accept everyone and be united instead of discriminating one another, learn to appreciate inspite of the blame game, respect every individual despite of any status or tags and live a safe and dignified life,” Garrol added.
She also exhorted the students to make decision today that will propel them to the life they want and towards the healing the world is in need. Further, she encouraged the gathering to make a firm decision, take one step each forward to a journey towards peace and be the change that one wants to see in the world.
The participants also partook in group activity on the issues related to peace and conflict in the society initiated by NEISSR interns.
