Dr Toshitemjen, Associate Professor, Clark Theological College.
International Day of Peace commemorated at Fazl Ali College
Mokokchung, September 22 (MEXN): Department of Political Science, Fazl Ali College, in collaboration with the Clark Center for Peace Research and Action (CCPRA), organised a talk to commemorate the International Day of Peace under the theme “Act Now for a Peaceful World” on September 22.
The programme began with welcome address by Dr Benrithung, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, followed by the talk delivered by Dr Toshitemjen, Associate Professor, Clark Theological College.
Emphasizing the urgency of peace, Dr Toshitemjen stated that peace is not a luxury or a dream but a reality that must be built now, as without peace development comes to a halt, human dignity is violated, and future generations are endangered.
He highlighted the interconnection of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) and stressed the need to cultivate a culture of peace. Peace, he said, will not arrive by itself or by waiting for others: each individual must contribute “bit by bit” at home, in personal life and within the community to produce a ripple effect.
Dr Toshitemjen called for a shift in how peace is understood , from a negative definition (mere absence of war) to a positive conception grounded in inclusivity, equality and development.
The speaker pointed out that peace in today’s world is undermined by multiple threats, including ongoing armed conflicts that cause displacement, widening economic inequality between the “haves” and the “have-nots,” climate change as a threat-amplifier driving scarcity and competition over resources, the spread of digital misinformation that polarizes societies and erodes trust, and the misuse of religion to justify exclusion or violence.
Explaining why Naga society is not experiencing peace, he pointed to tribalism, corruption, unemployment, poverty, individualistic desires, and the erosion of communitarian values. Appreciating the role of ACAUT and the Naga mothers in the peace process, he reminded students of their responsibility to nurture peace in thought by shaping positive narratives, in words by spreading understanding through conversations and social media, in action, and in faith and religion. In his concluding call to students, he urged them to think critically, act courageously, and live ethically, reminding them that the future they want depends on their choices today.
The event concluded with a Q&A session and a photo session, and saw the participation of students and faculty from four institutions, Fazl Ali College, People’s College, Jubilee Memorial College, and Clark Theological College.
