Archbishop Emeritus Thomas Menamparampil receives the Peace Award 2026 at Peace Knit Fest in Chümoukedima
DIMAPUR — Archbishop Emeritus of Guwahati Thomas Menamparampil was conferred with the Peace Award 2026 during the 19th Peace Knit Fest held at Bishop Abraham Memorial (BAM) Hall, Peace Centre, Chümoukedima, on October 30.
According to an update, the award was presented in recognition of his contributions to peacebuilding, conflict transformation, reconciliation, and interreligious harmony in Northeast India.
The event also marked the 20th Foundation Day of Peace Channel, drawing approximately 521 participants representing 25 institutions, including members of the People’s Forum for Peace, religious leaders, government representatives, academicians, non-governmental organisations, community leaders, and students.
Organised by Peace Channel, a youth peace movement initiated by the Diocese of Kohima, in collaboration with the North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR) and Xavier Board of Higher Education in India (XBHEI), the event was held on the theme, “Invest in Peace - Everyone, Everywhere, Everyday”.
Kevekha Kevin Zehol, Chairman of the Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB), attended the programme as the chief guest. He highlighted the importance of youth participation in peacebuilding, referencing the United Nations youth bracket of 15 to 24 years.
Zehol noted that peace is linked to social justice and must be strengthened through grassroots initiatives, cultural understanding, and inter-community cooperation. Drawing on his administrative experience in remote parts of Nagaland, he pointed out the value of understanding diverse linguistic and cultural communities and acknowledged the contributions of the Catholic Church and Peace Channel.
Archbishop Menamparampil expressed gratitude to Peace Channel and its Director, Dr. Fr. CP Anto. In his address, he stressed the need to understand the realities of marginalised communities. Drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi, he cited perseverance, selfless service, compassion, and collaboration as essential to peacebuilding, urging listeners to recognise human interdependence in addressing violence.
During the event, a book titled ‘Whispering Mission: Dialogue, Ecumenism, Peace Initiatives – Essays in Honour of Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil, SDB’, edited by Fr. Dr. K Jose and Fr. Dr. Babu Karakombil, was released by Bishop Emeritus of Kohima Jose Mukala.
Bishop of Kohima Dr. James Thoppil addressed the gathering, urging participants to cultivate inner peace and turn anxieties into positive actions across society. Dr. Fr. CP Anto recounted the 20-year journey of Peace Channel and urged young people to champion peace.
A panel dialogue featuring representatives of six faiths was held prior to the main ceremony, moderated by Rev. Fr. Chacko Karinthayil. The panel featured Alok Pareek (Hinduism), Md Ahidur Rahman (Islam), Rabindarjit Singh Panesar (Sikhism), Bijayata Baruah (Buddhism), Ajay Sethi (Jainism), and Fr. Lawrence Khing (Christianity).