Dimapur, Sep. 24 (EMN): Peace Channel has conferred ‘Peace Award’ 2019 to Yanbemo Lotha, associate pastor of Lotha Baptist Church, Dimapur. The award was given in commemoration of the International Day of Peace-cum-15th Peace Channel Foundation Day on September 21 held at Don Bosco Youth Centre, Wokha.
On the occasion, a peace rally was flagged-off by Mhondamo Ovung, president of Lotha Hoho, Wokha, in the presence of Zuchopeni Ezung, president of Lotha Eloe Hoho at Don Bosco Youth Centre, Wokha. Rev. Khonbemo P Kikon, pastor of Wokha Town Baptist Church, said the invocation during the valedictory function.
In his welcome speech, Dr. Fr. CP Anto, director of Peace Channel, stressed on the need to build peace in the region. Peace award has been initiated by the Peace Channel every year since 2008 to individuals for their contribution and selfless services toward peace building among various communities in the state. The award was initiated in recognition of those who have set an example in acknowledging that peace is possible in tested times and have proven to live a lifestyle for peace to prevail.
The chief guest and Principal Accountant General, E Mhonbemo Patton, in his valedictory address, stated that he was a key supporter of peace and its initiatives. He stated that the theme of the programme “Transformed to transform” could only be achieved by adhering to the seven key actions of peace namely ‘dream, think, speak, share, pray, work and live for peace. He has also attributed the prevailing social disharmony for unemployment problem in the state.
Patton further stressed that achievement of inner peace could help overcome and control human greed.
Yanbemo Lotha, recipient of the Peace Award 2019, stated that winning the award has made him feel more burdened and responsible towards the cause and work for the people. He thanked his family for their unconditional support towards the mission. He also elucidated about Peace Channel’s vision of making Nagaland a peaceful state by 2030 and encouraged the people of Wokha to be united and work collectively towards making the district and the state peaceful.
Marking the International Day of Peace on the theme “Climate action for peace,” Yanbemo Lotha and family pledged to dedicate nine hectares of forest belonging to them towards promoting peace through nature.
Lithan E Tungoe and Yokoni Jewel O-Kinghen were crowned Mr and Miss Peace Channel 2019. Thungchobeni bagged the 1st position for the motivational talk competition and Rhondeno secured second position.
The peace award ceremony ended with the Peace Anthem. This was stated in a press release issued by Garrol Lotha, media cell.
