NMA conferred Rotary’s peace prize for ‘relentless work for peace’

KOHIMA, AUGUST 1 : The Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) has been conferred the Rotary Peace Award 2015-16 in recognition of the organization’s “relentless work for peace.” The award was handed over to NMA officials by Parliamentary Secretary Khriehu Liezietsu on July 30 during the 13th installation function of the Rotary Club of Kohima (RCK). In his address, Liezietsu congratulated the recipients of the Rotary Peace Award for their contribution towards peace building within the state and ‘beyond in other parts of the country.’ The politician expressed hope that their ‘work for peace’ would inspire and encourage the younger generation in the days to come. The NMA, which was formed in 1984, was given recognition for their work towards social change, peace and women’s rights. The organization, in its work for peace during 2015-16, had met Naga underground leaders, the Home Ministers of India, the armed forces on an end to killings and violence and ushering peace for the people, a press release from the club stated on Monday. “We witnessed their long journey into the Burmese borders for a peace dialogue with the NSCN (K) in the middle of monsoon and unmotorable (sic) roads. They have been a strong pressure group on the peace negotiators to listen to the voice of the people and bring a sustainable peaceful solution and Equitable Justice and a democratic society. The NMA has spearheaded the legal fight for the Rights of women, acknowledging that peace without empowering women is impossible.” The first Rotary Peace Award for 2015-2016 consisting of a donation and a citation. The club also informed that the award was sponsored by the family of late Philip Suosahie Dzuvichu, in “memory of a true Christian leader and a man of peace, with the hope that peace will continue” in the Naga land through “remarkable people and organizations felicitated through the Rotary Peace Award.” Parliamentary Secretary Khriehu Liezietsu has lauded the Rotary Club of Kohima for its contributions to social service, “making the people benefited through the club’s projects that it undertakes in collaboration with other international and national clubs of Rotary.” The politician said it was a “great encouragement to learn of the 6 years sponsorship that was given to Kohima Orphanage and the children through the initiative of RCK in partnership with the American clubs in California.” He also acknowledged that a hearse was donated by the club to the Naga Hospital. It is “rendering tremendous help to families, particularly from far flung areas who can carry their dead with honour and respect back to their villages and homes.” Further, the politician said that ‘Rotary Free Heart Surgery’ was being undertaken out by the club in collaboration with the Rotary Club of New Delhi. The facility has saved the lives of many children and the underprivileged who otherwise could not have afforded expensive heart surgeries. Likewise, water projects in villages with the help of American clubs and public toilets in Rüsoma village through a Hawaiin Rotary Club were commendable service projects, he said. Also, Liezietsu hoped that a new team of Rotary Club Board of Directors will continue to give their best and continue to contribute and serve the underprivileged in the true spirit of Rotary motto “Service above Self”. Stating that the Naga youth and the younger generation need a lot of support and concern from “professional clubs” such as the Rotary Club , he put across the possibility of a collaboration with the club for activities to help and encourage the youth and promote their talents and skills. A new team for the club has been instated. Interesting, the team is headed by an advisor of the Naga Mothers’ Association. The newly instated team of the Rotary Club of Kohima is lead by Rosemary Dzuvichu as president, and Arepla Sancho as vice president. The others are Dr. Neisatuo Mero as secretary, Temsumenla as joint secretary, and Thiala Chang as treasurer. Factfile: The Rotary Club The Rotary Club is the basic unit of Rotary activity, and each club determines its own membership. Clubs originally were limited to a single club per city, municipality, or town, but Rotary International has encouraged the formation of one or more additional clubs in the largest cities when practical. Most clubs meet weekly, usually at a mealtime on a weekday in a regular location, when Rotarians can discuss club business and hear from guest speakers. Each club also conducts various service projects within its local community, and participates in special projects involving other clubs in the local district, and occasionally a special project in a “sister club” in another nation. Most clubs also hold social events at least quarterly and in some cases more often. Each club elects its own president and officers among its active members for a one-year term. The clubs enjoy considerable autonomy within the framework of the standard constitution and the constitution and bylaws of Rotary International. The governing body of the club is the Club Board, consisting of the club president (who serves as the Board chairman), a president-elect, club secretary, club treasurer, and several Club Board directors, including the immediate past president and the President Elect. The president usually appoints the directors to serve as chairs of the major club committees, including those responsible for club service, vocational service, community service, youth service, and international service. Rotarians may attend any Rotary club around the world at one of their weekly meetings. (Inputs: Wikipedia)