DIMAPUR: The Peace Award 2026 was conferred on Rev. Thomas Menamparampil, SDB, Archbishop Emeritus of Guwahati, in recognition of his contributions to peacebuilding, conflict transformation, reconciliation and interreligious harmony in Northeast India at the 19th Peace Knit Fest held at Bishop Abraham Memorial (BAM) Hall, Peace Centre, 7th Mile, Chümoukedima, on October 30.
The event also marked the 20th Foundation Day of Peace Channel and brought together around 521 participants from 25 institutions, including members of the People’s Forum for Peace, religious leaders, government officials, academicians, NGOs, community leaders and students.
Organised by Peace Channel, a youth peace movement initiated by the Diocese of Kohima, in collaboration with the North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR) and the Xavier Board of Higher Education in India (XBHEI), the programme was held under the theme, “Invest in Peace – Everyone, Everywhere, Everyday.”
Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Kevekha Kevin Zehol, NCS (Retd.), chairman of the Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB), underscored the crucial role of youth in peacebuilding. Referring to the United Nations youth age group of 15-24 years, he highlighted the energy and potential young people bring to society.
Zehol stressed that peace was closely linked to social justice and could be strengthened through grassroots initiatives, cultural understanding and cooperation among communities. Recalling his experiences while serving in remote areas of Nagaland, he emphasised the importance of understanding different linguistic and cultural communities and commended the Catholic Church’s contribution to education and Peace Channel’s efforts in promoting peace.
Receiving the award, Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil expressed gratitude to Peace Channel and its director, Dr. Fr. C.P. Anto. In his address, he highlighted the need to understand the experiences of others, particularly vulnerable and marginalised communities.
A book titled “Whispering Mission: Dialogue, Ecumenism, Peace Initiatives – Essays in Honour of Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil, SDB,” edited by Fr. Dr. K. Jose, SVD and Fr. Dr. Babu Karakombil, SVD, was released during the programme by Most Rev. Jose Mukala, Bishop Emeritus of Kohima.
In his address, Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, reflected on the importance of cultivating peace within oneself and urged participants to become channels of peace in their families, communities and society. Using the symbolism of knitting, he encouraged everyone to weave society together with the thread of peace.
Delivering the welcome address, Dr. Fr. C.P. Anto traced the journey of Peace Channel over the past two decades and highlighted the significance of the 19th Peace Knit Fest. He stressed that peace requires commitment and collective effort and encouraged young people to stand against hatred and division.
