Niketu- A missionary of peace

The passing of Niketu Iralu marks the end of a remarkable life devoted to the difficult, patient work of peace. At 91, he leaves behind not merely memories or honours, but a moral legacy that will continue to guide Naga society: that reconciliation begins with truth, peace begins with the individual, and divided people can find their way back to one another through courage, listening and forgiveness. Born on July 12, 1935, to Dr. Sevilie Iralu and Vituno Iralu, Niketu grew up as the third of thirteen children in a family deeply connected with the history of the Naga people. Yet his own path was not defined by inherited prominence. It was shaped by a lifelong choice to serve humanity quietly and faithfully. After his education in Shillong and at Madras Christian College, he encountered the Moral Re-Armament(MRA)movement, now known as Initiatives of Change. That meeting became a turning point, directing his life towards peace-building, trust-building, reconciliation and personal transformation. For nearly sixty-five years, he carried that commitment across India and the wider world. As director of Asia Plateau, the Initiatives of Change centre at Panchgani, Maharashtra, and later through his international work, he engaged people across communities, cultures and countries. His experience strengthened a conviction he expressed through both word and example: political settlements alone cannot create lasting peace. The roots of peace must be planted within human hearts, families and communities. This conviction made him an indispensable voice in the Naga reconciliation process. In 2004, he was appointed chairman of the seven-member Naga National Reconciliation Commission by the Naga Hoho and the Nagaland Christian Forum. Later, through the Forum for Naga Reconciliation, he continued to encourage dialogue among divided Naga political groups. When mistrust seemed stronger than hope, Niketu persisted. He reminded his people that reconciliation was not surrender or weakness, but an act of moral strength and the foundation of a peaceful future. His peace-making was never abstract. He spoke of non-violence, truth-telling, integrity and the demanding discipline of self-examination. He understood that no society can heal unless individuals are prepared to acknowledge their own wounds, failures and responsibilities. In this, he became known as a Gandhian figure-not because he sought authority, but because he believed that transformation, restraint and moral courage could overcome fear and violence. The honours bestowed upon him reflected the breadth of his service, including the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi Award for National Integration, the Soldier of Humanity Award, the Rotary Peace Award, the Bhupen Hazarika Integration Award and, in 2025, the Lifetime Achievement Award from Initiatives of Change International. Yet perhaps his most enduring achievement was Kerünyü Ki-“House of Listening”-the home he and his wife, Christine, opened at Sechü-Zubza. There, people found a place for reflection, fellowship, honest conversation and renewed purpose. Niketu Iralu’s life teaches us that peace is not a grand declaration but a daily discipline. He showed that a servant of peace does not dominate others; he helps them rediscover their common humanity. As the Naga Gandhian’s voice falls silent, his message remains clear: listen deeply, speak truthfully, forgive courageously and keep working for reconciliation. His example will continue to inspire generations to choose peace over pride. His life was a quiet yet powerful witness-and its light will continue to shine.