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Speakers and participants of the NE Dialogue at Siloam near Shillong.[/caption]
Dimapur, Jan. 3: The second NE dialogue on ‘The future we want’ was held from November 11 to 14 at Siloam around Umiam lake near Shillong, Meghalaya. The dialogue brought together participants from Nagaland, Meghalaya, Manipur, Maharashtra, and Kerala who were eager to find ways in which they could build a brighter tomorrow.
The dialogue began with an address by Christine Iralu from Sechu Zubza, Nagaland, who asserted that there is always something each one can do under various situations. Niketu Iralu spoke of the tumultuous times we live in and that the role of dialogue is to seek ways on how humanity responds to the problems of the world together.
Wati Mollier also from Nagaland shared his experience of the first dialogue. He was inspired by the stories he heard and particularly touched by the quote: ‘Hurts not transformed are transferred.’ He is now interested in helping unite the people of Nagaland, identifying first as a Naga rather than as a member of his tribe.
Fr. George caught the imagination of everyone by asking if violence could be demonetised just as the government had demonetised money. He asked if people would queue at ‘love and compassion counters’ as they are line up endlessly at ATM machines.
Speaking on forgiveness he said we cannot forgive until we learn how to love ourselves adding it is very hard to love and be productive if we’re bitter. He said the real need of forgiveness is at home, with people who really matter. He concluded by saying ‘Forgiveness is our best gift to ourselves.’
Malthus Sangma, Deputy Passport Officer, Shillong, shared that we live in two worlds - the inner and outer world. According to him when we start to compromise on small things, we are more likely to compromise our honesty in bigger matters. He also spoke of being a good example of teaching our brothers and sisters to walk on a straight line and the idea that many problems can be solved if one sorted oneself out first.
Barkos Warjri, retired Chief Secretary of Meghalaya, touched on honesty and responsibility. He also spoke about the importance of having strong families as they are the foundation on which society rests.
Sunil Kaul and Jenny Liang talked about their work with ANT (Action North East Trust). They said that the future belongs to those who do something for it today.
Both of them shared about their lives in the North East and how ‘living one day at a time’ was the best thing to do since their work involved risks and threats. Speaking on the importance of truth, Sunil mentioned that one does not necessarily have to shout when telling the truth.
There was interaction with Niketu and Christine Iralu as well as with Om and Pushpa Bagaria, business folk of Tezpur. Answering a question on what has kept them going through all these years, Om Bagaria said it has been the fellowship and daily renewal with inner listening. He said transformation alone makes the world beautiful. Christine Iralu stated, ‘People who had faith in me, never gave up on me. I was searching for meaning in life. The idea of living and working for others is what I found. Not running after the pursuit of happiness or money.’
Niketu Iralu explained, ‘I was very sceptical of the future when I was young. I went to college saying there is no hope. And then I met people who wanted to remake the world, starting with oneself, people who were deeply real and honest about themselves. They gave me hope that I too can be honest. Listening to the still small voice and obeying, it can change lives.’
During the workshop on ‘Empathy,’ Anand Aithal facilitated the participants visualise the future they wanted for themselves. He expanded the discussion by asking what the world would need to be in order for each one to live the life they envision. The discussion extended into speaking about the legacy each one wants to leave behind as well as one’s greatest fear.
Julie Tan, senior IofC worker from Malaysia, facilitated the workshop on ‘Learning to love yourself.’ He helped the participants to look at how their past had affected who they were today and how to love themselves unconditionally so they could move on in their lives.
The next dialogue is scheduled in June 2017.
