Dimapur, January 27 (MExN): Peace Channel concluded the four-day training of trainers held from January 22 to 25 on the theme ‘The role of peace builders’ at Peace Channel Seminar hall, Dimapur.
‘Mental health and wholeness’
On January 24, Dr Ellen Konyak, Associate Professor at OTS, spoke on ‘mental health and wholeness’ where psychological well being is key to achieving peace in one’s life and spreading peace within the society. When a person is mentally healthy one can have fulfilling relationships with individual and oneself.
Dr Ellen trained the participants how to detect signs of depression and anxiety and stressed, how everyone can be a victim of depression at one point or the other and how we should be able to seek help and not be ashamed of stigmas that exist in the society.
‘Reconciliation a small point in conflict transformation’
In the second session, Dr Aküm Longchari, former Editor of The Morung Express spoke on ‘reconciliation a small point in conflict transformation’ which plays of the most important role. He began with an exercise where he allowed the participants to reflect on where the Peace Channel stands today and also after 5 years. Opening to a reflection Longchari, urged the participants to identify their core values that will drive them as vehicle to meet the organizational mission in making Nagaland a peaceful state in the country.
He enlightened the participants with the concepts of reconciliation in peace building and which applies to different contexts ranging from individuals and society to establish trust, to dialogue between groups, such as truth and reconciliation commissions. “One of the most frightening consequences of the conflict in Nagaland has been the psychological trauma, an internalization of fear that has occurred in our society,” Longchari satted.
Writing efficient reports
Kallol Dey, journalist and writer, trained the participants on how to write efficient reports. He mentioned one should never be bias and have clarity of mind while submitting press releases and reports. “One should keep in mind keep the importance of keeping the theme of the program while documenting reports, which would help in keeping the reports short and efficient.”
He also gave guidelines in promoting communities ownership in any workshops for fruitful outcome of the mission.
Vitono Haralu, Quality Manager and Project Coordinator emphasised on the seven Principles of Peace Channel on spirituality, acceptance, dialogue, respect, equality, empathy and non-violence as a way of culture and lifestyle as peace builders. “As peace builders it is importance for every individual to experience personal change stories to give hope and sustain positive change through spiritual awakening in changed behaviours and healing,” she added.
Dr Fr C P Anto, Director Peace Channel spoke on ‘fundamental of peace building’ where asserted on the difference between peace education and education for peace and how education builds character, increases strength of mind, expands intellect and equips a person to stand on his own feet.
