Peace Knit Fest 2025 ends with call for unity

The 18th Peace Knit Fest 2025, organized 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 on September 20 at the Peace Centre, 7th Mile, Chümoukedima, marking the International Day of Peace with renewed calls for unity, dialogue, and sustainable peacebuilding.
Gracing the occasion as chief guest, Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, emphasized that peacemaking is a divine mission and a shared responsibility across faiths. “Peace begins with small steps, nurtured like a tree,” he said, urging churches, communities, and individuals to become everyday agents of peace through character and habit formation.
The Peace Award 2025 was conferred upon Nosazol Charles Chaya, State Information Commissioner and advisor to the Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN), in recognition of his contributions to peace and justice. In his acceptance speech, Chaya highlighted the transformative power of kindness, honesty, and reconciliation, and encouraged youth to be torchbearers of peace. He also lauded the leadership of Dr. Fr. C. P. Anto and the Peace Channel team for their enduring commitment to peace advocacy.
Dr. Fr. C. P. Anto, director of Peace Channel and principal of NEISSR, reiterated the need for institutional support and urged the Government of Nagaland to establish a Commission for Peace and Justice. He stressed that religion must serve as a bridge for peace, not division.
The fest featured the launch of the Peace Channel App and a Peace Certificate Course, alongside interfaith dialogue, peer mediation, mental health awareness, cultural performances, and competitions. Mughashi Achumi of St. Mary Hr. Sec. School, Padumpukhuri, and Bokivi Yeptho of St. Joseph University, Chümoukedima, were crowned Miss Peace Knit and Mr. Peace Knit respectively.
The program was moderated by Tshekukhro-u Akami, with invocation by Fr. Chacko Karinthayil, cultural presentations by NEISSR’s Cultural Club, Yimkhiung Cultural Team, and Sumi folk group, and a testimony by Peace Club member Aloka Yeptho. The Peace Award ceremony was hosted by Assistant Professor Elizabeth Pojar, with vote of thanks delivered by Convenor James Phanungkiu.