Peace building and how to be happy

[caption id="attachment_276047" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Participants at the programme about peace building that was conducted at the Don Bosco Higher Secondary School in Kohima.[/caption] Dimapur, Oct. 9 (EMN): Members of the Peace Club of Don Bosco higher secondary school in Kohima are said to have been “capacitated on non-violence,” at a Peace Channel programme which featured prayers, and discourses on ice-breaking and meditation besides motivational sessions. A press release from Peace Channel to the media on Wednesday stated that Fr. Innocent, the vice principal of Don Bosco Hr. Sec. School, gave a motivational speech during which he spoke about how the ‘most popular classes and research’ at Harvard University were about how to live a happy and fulfilling life. Likewise, Innocent highlighted positive psychology research where gratitude has strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. “He said that the being grateful will help the members feel positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships,” the updates stated. The principal gave two tips about how one can ‘elevate happiness as the happiest person is the most peaceful person.’ The first tip to leading a happy life is to be grateful to God. Secondly, the updates stated, one may maintain a ‘gratitude journal’ and make it a habit to write down or share with loved one thoughts about the gifts one receives each day. It may include even the smallest things, he told the gathering. Alino S Chishi of Peace Channel talked to the members about nonviolence, the updates informed further. She said ‘If we are to accomplish the 2030 vision which is to make Nagaland a peaceful state in the country, the members as peace builders in their schools, family and communities must follow the principles of non-violence.’ Chishi explained that non-violence consists of a set of values that set the path for a nonviolent life. ‘Courage, compassion, truth, trust, fearlessness, forgiveness, service/selflessness, and self-restraint are all values of a nonviolent life. She also explained on Gandhiji’s ideology of ‘Ahimsa’ and the six principles of nonviolence of Martin Luther King, Jr.’ Further, she quoted Mahatma Gandhi’s views about non violence: “There is need for a perfect weapon to combat violence and this is nonviolence.” She explained that ‘Ahimsa’ implies more than just avoidance of physical violence but total nonviolence, no physical violence, and no passive violence as according to Gandhi ‘Ahimsa’ means love. She highlighted some ways to practice non violence which includes being courageous, humble, acceptance, empathy, smiling, and caring, among others. The programme concluded with a session for evaluation and feedback, among other events, the updates stated.