Nosazol Charles Chaya, Nagaland state information commissioner and Catholic Association of Nagaland advisor, received the Peace Award 2025 at the Peace Knit Fest in Chümoukedima.
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DIMAPUR — The 18th Peace Knit Fest, organised by Peace Channel and the North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR) in collaboration with the North Eastern Diocesan Social Service Society (NEDSSS), concluded at the Peace Centre, 7th Mile, Chümoukedima, on Sunday.
The event was held in observance of the International Day of Peace and was attended by Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, bishop of Kohima, as the chief guest, stated a press release. Other dignitaries present included Videlalie Zashumo, inspector general of police (Admin); Kekongchim Yimkhiung, state information commissioner; and more.
On the occasion, Nosazol Charles Chaya, state information commissioner, Nagaland Information Commission and advisor, Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN), was conferred the Peace Award 2025.
In his address, Rev. Dr. Thoppil emphasised that peacemaking is not an option but a divine mission, affirming that peace is upheld by every religion and must be pursued as a universal responsibility.
He highlighted that peacebuilding is a gradual and continuous process that begins with small steps, much like nurturing a tree that requires care and patience to bear fruit. Stressing that peace must involve collective participation of churches, communities, leaders, and individuals, he reminded all that with God’s grace and sincere effort, peace is possible.
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He urged everyone to be everyday agents of peace, building character and habits rooted in harmony.
Peace Award recipient Chaya reflected on the honour as a learning step, noting that even the smallest gesture of kindness creates ripples of positive change. He emphasised honesty, forgiveness, and reconciliation over conflict and urged the youth to be torchbearers of peace and justice.
Appreciating the leadership of Dr. Fr. CP Anto and the Peace Channel team, he acknowledged their tireless efforts in transforming Peace Channel into a living movement of peace.
A testimony was shared by Aloka Yeptho, a Peace Club member, who recounted how the platform provided him opportunities for workshops, dialogue, and mediation, shaping his leadership skills and perspective on empathy and compassion.
On the occasion, Dr. Fr. Anto, director of Peace Channel and principal of NEISSR, urged the Government of Nagaland to establish a Commission for Peace and Justice to build sustainable communities rooted in dialogue and harmony. Acknowledging the invaluable support of religious leaders since Peace Channel’s inception, he reaffirmed that religion should unite people in peace, not divide them.
The event also saw the launching of the Peace Channel App and a Peace Certificate Course. The fest witnessed a variety of peace-centred activities, including interfaith dialogue, peace celebrations, peer mediation sessions, mental health awareness programmes, cultural presentations, and competitions.
The titles of the evening, Miss Peace Knit and Mr. Peace Knit, were awarded to Mughashi Achumi of St. Mary Hr. Sec. School, Padumpukhuri, and Bokivi Yeptho of St. Joseph University, Chümoukedima, respectively.