Archbishop Emeritus Most Rev. Thomas Menamparampil receiving the Peace Award 2026 from dignitaries during the 19th Peace Knit Fest at Peace Centre, Chümoukedima, on October 30.
Chümoukedima, October 30 (MExN): Archbishop Emeritus of Guwahati Most Rev. Thomas Menamparampil, SDB, was conferred the Peace Award 2026 in recognition of his contributions to peacebuilding, conflict transformation, reconciliation and interreligious harmony in Northeast India. The award was presented during 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.
The celebration, 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 Xavier Board of Higher Education in India (XBHEI), was held under the theme, “Invest in Peace - Everyone, Everywhere, Everyday.”
Approximately 521 participants representing 25 institutions attended the programme, including members of the People’s Forum for Peace, religious leaders, government representatives, academicians, NGOs, community leaders and students.
Chairman of the Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB), Kevekha Kevin Zehol, NCS (Retd.), attended as the chief guest. Addressing the gathering, Zehol highlighted the importance of youth participation in peacebuilding, referring to the United Nations' definition of the youth age group as 15–24 years and the potential of young people to contribute to society.
He said peace was closely linked to social justice and required sustained efforts through grassroots initiatives, cultural understanding and cooperation among communities. Drawing from his experience serving in remote areas of Nagaland, Zehol spoke about the importance of understanding the linguistic and cultural diversity of communities. He also acknowledged the Catholic Church's contribution to education and appreciated Peace Channel's work in promoting peace.
Receiving the award, Archbishop Menamparampil expressed gratitude to Peace Channel and its Director, Dr. Fr. C. P. Anto, for the recognition. In his address, he stressed the need to understand the experiences of others, particularly those belonging to vulnerable and marginalised communities.
Drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi, the Archbishop spoke about perseverance, selfless service, compassion and collaboration as essential qualities for peacebuilding. He urged participants to listen to people at the grassroots and recognise human interdependence and collective responsibility in addressing violence and destruction.
Bishop of Kohima Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil also addressed the gathering, focusing on the importance of cultivating peace within oneself. He encouraged participants to transform their anxieties and concerns into positive action and become channels of peace in their families, communities, state, country and the world. Using the imagery of knitting, he called for society to be brought together through the thread of peace.
Earlier, Dr. Fr. C. P. Anto, Director of Peace Channel, recalled the movement's 20-year journey and the significance of the 19th Peace Knit Fest. He said peace required dedication and collective effort, urging young people and communities to stand for peace wherever hatred and division existed. He also acknowledged the support of the Bishop of Kohima and other stakeholders in sustaining the movement.
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. Bishop Emeritus of Kohima Most Rev. Jose Mukala released the book.
As part of the award presentation, Ng Christina Elizabeth Shaingamla read the profile and life’s work of the awardee, while Dr. Fr. Mathew Thuniamparampil read the award citation. The citation recognised Archbishop Menamparampil's longstanding contributions to peacebuilding, interreligious harmony, conflict transformation and reconciliation, including his involvement in mediating community conflicts in parts of Assam and Manipur.
A multimedia presentation titled “What is Peace?” showcased the journey, activities and initiatives of Peace Channel, highlighting its efforts to promote peace among children, youth and communities. The programme also featured cultural performances, including a song by Pinika Yepthomi and Vilhourenuo Sekhose, and a special presentation by Peace Club members of St. Clare Higher Secondary School.
A dialogue involving religious representatives from six faith traditions was also held before the main ceremony. The representatives included Alok Pareek (Hinduism), Md. Ahidur Rahman (Islam), Rabindarjit Singh Panesar (Sikhism), Bijayata Baruah (Buddhism), Ajay Sethi (Jainism) and Fr. Lawrence Khing (Christianity). The dialogue was moderated by Rev. Fr. Chacko Karinthayil and provided a platform for interreligious reflection on peace.
The programme was hosted by Bokatoli Kinimi Z, Assistant Professor, NEISSR, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Barnic Gangmei, Convenor of Peace Knit Fest 2026.
