Institutions in Chümoukedima and Kohima observe International Day of Peace with calls for youth involvement.
DIMAPUR — St. Joseph University, the North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research, and the State College of Teacher Education, Kohima, observed International Day of Peace on Monday on the theme "Invest in peace: For everyone, everywhere, every day".
St. Joseph University: The Department of Political Science at St. Joseph University in Chümoukedima observed the day at the university auditorium to raise awareness about the importance of peace, dialogue, tolerance, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.
Theme speaker Dr. Somingam Mawon, Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science, addressed the multifaceted nature of peace, framing it not merely as the absence of war, but as an active, universal, and continuous public responsibility.
Drawing upon Norwegian sociologist Johan Galtung's concepts of negative peace and positive peace, Dr. Mawon pointed out that much of Northeast India remains trapped in a struggle for negative peace, with few areas enjoying true positive peace.
Dr. Mawon criticised selective human rights advocacy, noting that ideological groups often champion specific causes while ignoring crises such as the persecution of Uyghur Muslims in China, Christian populations in parts of Africa including Sudan and Nigeria, and local displacements involving Rohingya, Chakma, and Hajong communities. He stated that peace advocacy must remain consistent and objective across all regions.
He called for prioritising investment in youth and institutionalising dialogue channels before violent incidents occur to build trust and reconciliation.
A painting competition was also organised on the theme. Moasenla from the Department of Political Science secured first place, while Diethovi from the Department of Sociology took second place.
NEISSR: The North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR), Chümoukedima, and Peace Channel called for greater investment in peace education, noting that sustainable peace must be nurtured through education, dialogue, human dignity, and responsible citizenship.
Addressing the occasion, Principal of NEISSR and Director of Peace Channel Dr. Fr. CP Anto stated that education must equip individuals to understand differences, manage disagreements constructively, respect diversity and human dignity, and contribute to peaceful families, institutions, and communities.
Highlighting continuing challenges arising from conflict in the region, including Manipur, Dr. Anto noted that communities need professionally trained peacebuilders who can work at the grassroots level and help transform conflict into opportunities for dialogue.
He stated that NEISSR and Peace Channel propose to approach the Government of Nagaland to explore the systematic introduction of peace education at the school level. He added that Nagaland could aspire to become a model state in India for integrating peace education across the educational continuum.
To translate peace education into concrete community transformation, NEISSR and Peace Channel are promoting a "3+3+3" peace intervention model, where every student at NEISSR is requested to help three students, three families, and three communities live in peace.
SCTE Kohima: The State College of Teacher Education (SCTE), Kohima, observed the day with faculty and student-teachers gathering to reflect on collective harmony.
Assistant Professor Megosielie Khate led the formal programme, and Principal Dr. T Alemla Longkumer delivered the welcome address. Third-semester student-teacher Ruovinuo Usou spoke on "My understanding of peace".
Former Director of Peace and Development at the Manipur Baptist Convention, Rev. T Karang Maram, served as the resource person. In his keynote address, Rev. Maram underlined that peace is an ongoing process demanding continuous effort, mutual respect, and active commitment.
He urged the gathering to make positive peace, rooted in justice, equity, social harmony, and the proactive resolution of underlying grievances, their true target rather than settling for negative peace.
Earlier on September 18, SCTE Kohima organised a mental health awareness programme focused on psychological wellness, stress management, and community support.
The session featured retired Senior Medical Officer at the State Mental Health Institute, Dr. Viketoulie Pienyu, as the resource person.
Dr. Pienyu outlined the mechanisms of stress and detailed the detrimental effects of prolonged psychological pressure. He pointed out the necessity of identifying the root causes of stress and depression rather than solely addressing overt symptoms, while sharing strategies for stress reduction.
He noted that safeguarding mental well-being is a shared communal responsibility. Dr. Rokuonuo Usou proposed the vote of thanks.