Little Flower Higher Secondary School wins the Lions International Peace Poster Contest in Kohima.
DIMAPUR — Bejava Thonglü, a Class 6 student of Little Flower Higher Secondary School, won the Lions International Peace Poster Contest 2026-27 on the theme 'Harmony in Humanity', bagging a cash prize of INR 10,000 on October 3 at Rüzhükhrie Government Higher Secondary School in Kohima.
With this win, Little Flower Higher Secondary School retained the title by winning the contest organised by the Lions Club of Kohima for the second consecutive year.
Sarah Lhoungu of Class 8, G Rio School, secured the second position with INR 5,000, while Sophia Gurung of Class 6, Northfield School, secured the third position with INR 2,000, stated a press release.
Over 40 students aged 11, 12, and 13 years as on November 15, accompanied by teachers, parents, and guardians from 21 schools, participated in the competition.
Member of Legislative Assembly Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhütso, who attended the occasion as chief guest, said that peace is not only the absence of war but also that it is needed in daily life, in schools, in the city, and in homes.
"Peace is when you feel good and safe to be in the midst of different people," he observed, while appreciating that students from different tribes and schools had become friends through the competition.
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Giving a special message to the boys, he urged them to become responsible men and ensure that their sisters and women are safe in society. He called upon the students to be an "engine of peace" and to be a bridge, not a wall.
"When two of your friends are not in good terms, don't side with either, but build that bridge so that your friends are talking to each other again," Rhütso said.
Appreciating the artworks, the legislator said, "Art and painting are like books. In books, we read from cover to cover. In paintings and art, just in one page, it explains everything. That is talent."
He urged the students to spread the message of peace so that every community, whether Christian, Hindu, or Muslim, lives in harmony, as peace is the foundation of every religion.
Addressing the gathering, President of Lions Club of Kohima Tsalitemsu Jamir said the Peace Poster Contest is a deeply cherished annual tradition of Lions International.
He said he was confident that every student had poured their heart and soul into depicting true harmony in humanity. He described the entries as a prayer in art form and a collective cry for peace at a time when the world is yearning for it more than ever.
He expressed hope that the messages captured in the artwork will reach the global stage. Jamir informed that only one poster will be selected as the winner to advance to the next level and compete with winners from around the globe. He told the remaining contestants that they are no less victorious and lauded their talent.
Artist Ruokuoselhou Miachieo, who judged the contest, said the posters were judged on the basis of application, composition, and connection to the topic.
He explained that applications reflect how students work with materials and how their skill level shows through their progress rather than just the final result. On composition, he noted it was about the basic structure of art and how visual elements are arranged in a balanced manner.
He added that connection to the topic is crucial, as even a beautiful painting would not earn points if it failed to relate to the given theme. Miachieo reminded the young artists that art is for everyone and is about personal experience.
The winning poster will now advance to the district level and may further progress to the international level, where the grand prize includes USD 5,000 and an award ceremony in the United States.