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DIMAPUR — Rev. Yanger Walling, the co-founder of Deaf Biblical Ministry, was conferred the prestigious A Kevichusa Citizenship Award (KCA) on Thursday at Hotel Acacia, Dimapur.
The recipient of this year's A. Kevichusa Citizenship Award was born in 1957, the youngest of the seven children of Imangdangba and Zarchala of Khar village in Mokokchung district. After his school education, he decided to pursue theological studies in Bangalore from where he completed his B.Th and B.D degrees.
The seed for his primary ministry, the Deaf Ministry, was first sown when he and his wife Amongla, an equally committed woman, were working as special educators at the School for the Deaf in Bangalore. He also served as an Associate Pastor in the Deaf church there. Having received Special Training in Deaf Psychology and Education under Bruce Swchalbe (USA), they realised the need for a centre for the deaf in Nagaland.
Along with his wife, he founded the Deaf Biblical Ministry (DBM), School for the Deaf, Dimapur, in 1987. This is the first, and continues to be the only one of its kind in Nagaland.
He was ordained by ABAM through Khar Baptist Church in 1997.
Walling shared that the Deaf Biblical Ministry was established with merely six students. Presently, the ministry has seen a remarkable growth, with more than 70 enrolled students. Graduates of the ministry have achieved significant milestones, including officiating the first deaf wedding in the state and actively participating in various ministries. Notably, the students, both past and present, have earned over 50 national awards, he said.
He expressed the view that being part of the ministry is both a privilege and a responsibility. Throughout this endeavour, countless supporters have played an integral role, aligning with his vision and commitment to bring positive change in the society, he added.
During the event, Anato K Chishi was declared the winner of ‘Chalie Kevichusa Essay Award 2023’ in youth category and Imtitangit Pongener was received the award in senior category.
A total of 64 entries on the topic ‘Leadership in Nagaland’ were registered for the essay award in both the categories.
Addressing the gathering as special guest, Navojyoti Datta, a retired teacher of Pranab Vidyapith Higher Secondary School and a friend of Chalie Kevichusa said that though he had a very brief interaction with late Kevichusa, he was mesmerised by his visionary outlook and dynamic personality.
Datta said that the physical body of Chalie died on that day but his spirit is deathless and it is still working and inspiring them to stand erect in the face of all hardships. Datta also shared an article that he wrote in 1993 about Kevichusa titled ‘Can’t 23rd September, 1992 be erased from the Calendar.’
Furthermore, Datta stated that in this age of decadence and degeneration, the most dominant crisis, which is threatening their very existence, is the crisis of values, crisis of leadership. A visionary leader like Kevichusa is the dire necessity of this land, he maintained.
Earlier, Datta also handed over the awards for both youth and senior category for the essay competition.
During the award event, chief guest Rev Bonny Resu delved into the ancient Greek thinkers Plato and Aristotle's perspectives on citizenship. He elucidated that these philosophers viewed citizenship as active participation in public life—an essential component for the complete development of human personality and the promotion of social peace.
Resu highlighted the differing views of Plato and Aristotle on the allocation of citizenship. Plato, he explained, advocated conferring citizenship upon a select group of guardians within society. In contrast, Aristotle argued for a broader distribution of citizenship, extending it to a larger segment of the populace.
He further noted the societal divisions prevalent in those times, emphasising that citizenship was not extended to slaves, women, and foreigners. The criteria for citizenship were defined based on function, with only individuals demonstrating high moral and intellectual excellence qualifying for citizenship. These philosophers expected citizens to possess qualities that enabled them to both rule and be ruled.
Furthermore, Resu shared that Aristotle’s idea of a citizen was economically independent and not their idea of democracy. He added that there are 49 countries that demand compulsory military service.
Quoting Marcus Tullius Cicero's statement, "Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law," he encouraged the audience to embrace such principles as citizens and demand the same from their leaders, while expressing aspiration for leaders who put citizens first.
Resu went on to express that they have heroes within their community, citing individuals like A. Kevicusa and Chalie Kevichusa. He described their lives as radiant lights that God blessed and used to dispel darkness in their times, with their impact continuing to shine even today.