Peace Centre inaugurated in Chümoukedima

North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR) and Peace Channel inaugurated a “Peace Centre”, at St Joseph campus, 7th mile, here on Friday.
In his speech, Nagaland Baptist Council of Churches (NBCC) general secretary, Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho pointed out that Catholics have made tremendous impact in the lives of Naga people and the society in general.
Speaking on peace, he lamented that it was no longer understood as the absence of war.
He said Nagas took pride in being hospitable, simple, honest and peace loving, but they have not become “good hosts to peace” and that they have become complicated, sticky and slippery with peace.
In the context of war and conflict, peace-making, peace keeping and conflict resolutions are systematically followed which rarely deals with the inner conflict to promote peaceful coexistence, the reverend stated.
He asserted that it was important to identity negative energy in the society trying to tear down the fabric of peaceful living.
Rev. Dr. Zelhou said the younger generation who were “main actors in the society” must create “a new album of love and peace”.
in his address as guest of honour, Nagaland University (NU), vice chancellor, professor Pardeshi Lal said that the Peace Centre will be significant in the context of bringing peace and harmony.
He expressed hope that the centre would build personalities that will mind the society to move forward.
Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN) president, NSDMA joint CEO, home department, Nagaland Johnny Ruangmei said in order to make the future, people talk about peace, however, he said, peace cannot be something that awaits to happen.
He said the need of the hour for Naga society was leaders who would be able to articulate the inner happenings of the society into reality.
“If we look at Nagas, we want to live into pieces and not in peace, there are so many social organisations, churches and civil societies not in peace but into pieces”, he lamented.
He further stated that it was time to articulate the real meaning of peace into the society.
Earlier, Dean of school of public health and human development OP Jindal university, Haryana professor Stephen P Marks declared that the university will be signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Peace Centre.
Short speeches were delivered by Diocesan fraternity president, reverend Fr Benny Varghase, St Joseph university, Dimapur professor VC professor D Gnanadurai.
A civil service training, Delhi based by Vedic academy, Bangalore was also launched at the programme.
Earlier, blessing for Peace Centre was offered by Most reverend Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima Nagaland, invocation by Shalom Rehabilitation Centre, director reverend Fr Chacko Karithayal, welcome address by principal NEISSR and director Peace Centre Dr Fr CP Anto.
Later, vote of thanks was proposed by NEISSR VP and administrator Rev. Fr. Kokto Kurain and benediction by Diocese of Kohima, financial administrator, Dr Fr George Punnolil.