Peace Knit Fest begins with call for honesty, ethics

CHÜMOUKEDIMA, SEPTEMBER 20 (MExN): The 18th Peace Knit Fest 2025, organised by Peace Channel and the North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR) in collaboration with the North Eastern Diocesan Social Service Society (NEDSSS), got underway at the Peace Centre, 7th Mile, Chümoukedima, on Saturday under the theme “Act Now for a Better World.”

Social critic and anti-corruption campaigner Kahuto Chishi, who attended as the chief guest, said Nagaland was a land of “unending struggles.” Reflecting on changes in society over the past century, he said many values had been lost, leading to cultural shocks.

He urged people to combine new skills with ethics, stressing that peace comes through contentment. Cautioning against envy and selfishness, he called for families, clans, and communities to rise above artificial divisions, reminding that honesty should be the standard by which people are judged. “When one is honest, one is true and faithful to God,” he said.

Special guest Most Rev Jose Mukala, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Kohima, said the world was moving towards instability and stressed the urgent need to invest in peace. He urged people to stand with victims, grassroots activists, and civil society, and to nurture peace at community and neighbourhood levels.

Mukala emphasised that peace requires dialogue, mutual respect and concrete action. “Peace is possible not when conflicts are ignored, but when they are understood,” he said, calling on institutions to inculcate the culture of peace.

The inaugural programme featured cultural and creative performances, including a presentation by students of St. Savio Higher Secondary School, a multimedia showcase on Peace Channel’s initiatives, and a Zeliangrong folk dance by NEISSR trainees.

The two-day fest will conclude on September 21, the International Day of Peace, with the presentation of the Peace Award 2025 and a series of competitions and peace-focused activities.