Lake View Colony in Dimapur celebrates 50th anniversary

DIMAPUR — Lake View Colony in Dimapur marked its 50th anniversary with a celebration themed ‘Peace and wellbeing’ at Assisi Higher Secondary School on Saturday.

The event was attended by Lok Sabha MP S Supongmeren Jamir as the chief guest, while Rev. Dr. Ellen Konyak Jamir, associate professor of counselling at the Oriental Theological Seminary, was the theme speaker.

Addressing the community, the Lok Sabha MP emphasising the importance of staying on the right path, advised parents to make conscious decisions to guide their wards towards a promising future, cautioning that straying from the right path could lead to difficulties.

‘Let us prioritise peace and prosperity to uplift our community. It is time for our youth to step up and shape the colony's future. As we celebrate this golden jubilee, let's focus on these core values. Parents, let's take charge of our children's growth and empower our youth to lead the way,’ he persuaded.

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He observed that the ward is a diverse community comprising individuals from various backgrounds and walks of life and called on all to work together to build a thriving and inclusive neighbourhood. He noted that their presence reflected their commitment to being part of this community and expressed hope that together, they could create a brighter future for all.

The MP called on residents to nurture bonds of love and harmony to drive the colony's progress. ‘Maintaining peace and prosperity is crucial for our collective growth. I count on your support and cooperation to make our ward a thriving community,’ he conveyed.

He called upon the ward councillor and authorities for their support in their endeavours and stated, ‘To develop our colony, we need to focus on improving basic amenities like electricity, water, and roads. In these challenging times, let's stand united, be empathetic towards one another and work together for a brighter future.’

Theme speaker Dr. Jamir reflected on ‘Peace and wellbeing’ through the lens of John 14:27, emphasising that true peace is not a human construct but a divine gift from Jesus. According to her, peace is rooted in a personal relationship with God.

She highlighted that peace encompasses not only interpersonal relationships but also our connection with the environment. Moreover, she stressed that peace is not superficial but a deep-seated sense of spiritual tranquillity.

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Dr. Ellen further noted that peace is the glue that holds communities together, even in the face of disagreements and conflicts. She encouraged the audience to practise forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace, highlighting that it is a skill that can be cultivated.

While celebrating unique identities and tribes, she urged the Nagas to prioritise unity and work towards the common good. She stressed that peace is essential for achieving wellbeing, which encompasses not only physical health but also spiritual wellbeing.

The theme speaker expressed concern that in Nagaland, there is a disproportionate focus on physical health, while mental and spiritual wellbeing are often overlooked. She emphasised the collective responsibility of all residents to foster peace and wellbeing, urging everyone to become stewards of this vital cause.

Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur Dr. Tinojongshi Chang acknowledged Lake View Colony for maintaining harmony, noting it is one of the few colonies without major issues during his tenure. He described Dimapur as a mini Nagaland, highlighting its diversity, and said that the colony's unity would set a positive example for other districts in the state.

Pointing out the issue of land exhaustion in Dimapur, the deputy commissioner urged residents and landowners to collaborate with the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) and the Urban Development department for effective town planning. He stressed the importance of allocating space for proper drainage systems to prevent future challenges.

In his message, Rev. Dr. Wati Aier reflected on the importance of envisioning the future, suggesting that the community should thoughtfully consider and prayerfully reflect on what they hope Lake View Colony will be like by its 100th jubilee celebration.

He called for unity and peace, underscoring the need for an inclusive society where everyone works together for collective betterment. He envisioned a community that not only coexists but also ensures the safety and security of minorities while being mindful of environmental concerns.