The Lions Club of Kohima organised the Lions International Peace Poster Contest 2026-27 on the theme “Harmony in Humanity” at Rüzhükhrie Government Higher Secondary School, Kohima, on 3 October, with more than 40 students from 21 schools participating.
Bejava Thonglü of Class 6, Little Flower Higher Secondary School, emerged as the winner and received Rs 10,000 and a citation. Sarah Lhoungu of Class 8, G. Rio School, secured second position with Rs 5,000, while Sophia Gurung of Class 6, Northfield School, won third position with Rs 2,000 and a citation.
Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhutso, MLA, who attended the event as chief guest, said peace was not merely the absence of war but something needed in daily life, schools, homes and society. He encouraged the students to become “engines of peace” and bridges between people rather than walls.
“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,” he said.
Rhutso also encouraged the students to spread the message of peace across communities and said peace was a foundation shared by different religions. Addressing the boys in particular, he urged them to become responsible men and contribute towards ensuring the safety of women and girls in society.
Speaking on the occasion, Lions Club of Kohima president Er. Tsalitemsu Jamir described the Peace Poster Contest as a cherished annual tradition of Lions International. He said the participants had expressed their understanding of harmony through art and hoped their messages would reach the global stage.
Artist Ruokuoselhou Miachieo, who judged the contest, said the posters were evaluated on the basis of application, composition and connection to the theme. He explained that application reflected how participants handled materials and demonstrated their skills, while composition concerned the arrangement and balance of visual elements. He emphasised that connection to the theme was crucial, regardless of the quality of the artwork.
Miachieo encouraged the young artists to view art as a form of personal expression and appreciated all the participants for their work.
The winning poster will advance to the district level and subsequently to the international level, where the Grand Prize carries US$5,000 and will be presented at a ceremony in the USA.
Lion Max Menuse-O Marius, secretary of the Lions Club of Kohima, served as the contest chairperson, while Lion Akhrienuo Kire, 2nd vice president of the club, delivered the vote of thanks at the closing ceremony.
