Art, Peace, and the Spirit of Lionism

Oken Jeet Sandham
President, Lions Club of Kohima

I became a Green Lion in 2004, before my formal induction into Lionism in 2007. That early step marked the beginning of a lifelong journey of service, compassion, and learning. Over the years, being part of the Lions International Organization has taught me that leadership is not about power, but about helping others and building stronger communities.

Lions across the world live by the motto “We Serve.” From visiting homes and institutions, responding to natural or man-made calamities, organizing tree plantations, and spreading awareness about climate change, to running free medical camps globally, Lions have shown that service can truly change lives. These free health initiatives are vital for communities that lack access to essential care and exemplify Lions’ commitment to humanitarian service.

Under my leadership, the Lions Club of Kohima recently organized the Lions International Peace Poster Contest on 10 October 2025, under the global theme “Together As One.” Students from 13 schools—11 competing under the contest category and 2 under the non-competitive category—in and around Kohima enthusiastically participated. The creativity and depth of their artwork were truly inspiring.

After careful evaluation, the top three winners were declared:

1st Position: Hruyia Irene – Little Flower Higher Secondary School, Kohima

2nd Position: Monoteo Ritse – Ministers’ Hill Baptist Higher Secondary School, Kohima

3rd Position: Vikusier Kuotsu – St. Mary’s Cathedral Higher Secondary School, Kohima

Watching the students express their thoughts on peace through art was deeply moving. Each painting told a story, carried a message, and reflected a child’s understanding of harmony. During the prize distribution, I shared that if I had to choose the winners myself, I would have been equally challenged, as every artwork was meaningful and impressive.

The experience reminded me of Raj Phairembam from Manipur, who, in 2011 at the age of 11, participated in the Lions International Peace Poster Contest. His artwork, depicting a “Kingdom of Peace” under the theme “Vision of Peace,” won the Grand Prize at the international level. Selected from an estimated 350,000 entries worldwide, his poster was celebrated for originality, artistic merit, and emotional depth. Raj’s message conveyed universal peace, love, and freedom from fear, showing children of diverse backgrounds playing together. His work is a powerful reminder of how children, even from conflict-affected areas, can express hope and inspire the world.

This is the essence of the Peace Poster Contest: children’s art communicates what words cannot. Children growing up amid conflict often understand the value of peace more deeply than anyone else. I have often said that if children in Gaza could participate, their creations would move hearts globally. Art, after all, transcends barriers — whether on streets, walls, billboards, or paper — and speaks directly to our shared humanity.

According to UNICEF, over 400 million children worldwide are affected by violence and conflict. Lions International’s focus on children aged 11 to 13 ensures that young voices are heard, creativity is nurtured, and messages of peace are shared globally.

Reflecting on this experience, I realize that the Lions movement has given me more than leadership — it has given me perspective. Being part of a global family of over 48,000 clubs has taught me the value of compassion, community, and service. Initiatives like the Peace Poster Contest show that when creativity and compassion come together, they can sow seeds of harmony and inspire positive change.

The contest reaffirmed my belief that art is a powerful instrument for peace. It reminds us that even a child’s imagination can envision a better world, and when nurtured through service and guidance, these visions can inspire generations.