The Department of Political Science, Fazl Ali College, in collaboration with the Clark Center for Peace Research and Action (CCPRA), organized a talk to commemorate the International Day of Peace on 22nd September under the theme ”Act Now for a Peaceful World.”
The program began with a welcome address by Dr Benrithung, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, followed by a talk delivered by Dr Toshitemjen, Associate Professor, Clark Theological College. Emphasizing the urgency of peace, he stated that peace is not a luxury or a dream but a reality that must be built now. Without peace, development stalls, human dignity is violated, and future generations are endangered. He highlighted the interconnection of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) and stressed the need to cultivate a culture of peace. Peace, he said, will not arrive by itself or by waiting for others: each individual must contribute “bit by bit” at home, in personal life, and within the community to produce a ripple effect.
Dr Toshitemjen called for a shift in how peace is understood, moving from a negative definition (mere absence of war) to a positive conception grounded in inclusivity, equality, and development.
He pointed out that peace in today’s world is undermined by multiple threats, including ongoing armed conflicts causing displacement, widening economic inequality between the “haves” and the “have-nots,” climate change as a threat-amplifier driving scarcity and competition over resources, the spread of digital misinformation that polarizes societies and erodes trust, and the misuse of religion to justify exclusion or violence.
Explaining why Naga society is not experiencing peace, he highlighted tribalism, corruption, unemployment, poverty, individualistic desires, and the erosion of communitarian values.
Appreciating the role of ACAUT and Naga mothers in the peace process, he reminded students of their responsibility to nurture peace in thought, words, action, and faith. He urged students to think critically, act courageously, and live ethically, reminding them that the future they want depends on the choices they make today.
The event concluded with a Q&A session and a photo session and saw the participation of students and faculty from four institutions: Fazl Ali College, People’s College, Jubilee Memorial College, and Clark Theological College.
