The book Peace and Nation Building: Challenges and Perspectives is a significant milestone for CCPRA in its commitment to justice and peace. As the world celebrate the 25th year of the International Day of Peace, this collection of articles addresses the theme of cultivating a culture of peace, especially in this part of the world where Nation Building initiatives faces challenges like corruption, conflict, injustice, intolerance, subjugation, and alienation.
Prof. Rev. Dr. A. Temjen Jamir is a member of the Changtongya Town Baptist Church under Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM). He is the Professor of Communication and the Principal of Clark Theological College. He has authored, edited and co-edited several books. Some of his publications include: Popularization of Folk Music in Christian Worship, 2018 (Revised Edition); Folk Dance as Ecumenical Communication: A Theological Vision and Mission, 2020; Creative Communication: The Potential of New Media in Theological Education, 2014 (Co-edited); Racism, the Thorn in the Humanity's Peaceful Coexistence, with special reference to Theological, Tribal, Gendered, and Communication Media Perspectives, 2017 (Edited); Ethnic Politics in North East India: An Academic Approach, 2018 (Co-edited); Holistic Engagement: Quest for Peaceful Coexistence, 2024 (Edited). He has also written and published several articles in academic journals. His wife Mrs. L. Atula Lkr, CTC alumna, teaches at THSS, Mokokchung, and they are blessed with two sons, Imkongnuksung and Medemkaba.
Since the inception of the Clark Centre for Peace Research and Action (CCPRA), organizing and conducting the International and National seminar, and publications of the articles being presented during the seminar has been a regular feature and program of the CCPRA. This volume is the product of the seminars conducted and organized by the CCPRA on the theme: Peace and National Building from 26th-28th October, 2023 at Clark Theological College, Aolijen, Mokokchung. The articles have been written by the scholars from different perspectives of biblical, ethical and theological, historical, religious, indigenous and Christian ministry as well. In fact, all the citizens in the country have every right to enjoy their rights and privileges in the society, and contribute their best towards peace and nation building irrespective of religion, caste, tribe, gender, color, without any domination and control from those in authority and power. These will protect and ensure the secular and democratic rights of the citizens as per the constitution of the country.
In the first chapter, Dr. Imsu Longchar discusses on a narrative reading of the brothers' fear in Genesis 33, towards a paradigm to peace and nation building in the context of regional conflicts. The story of Jacob and Esau offers valuable insights and perceptions into the nature of reconciliation and peace building. The absence of threat and violence, emphasizes the important elements of moving beyond past grievances for genuine reconciliation and Jacob's excessive fear, emphasizing that reconciliation is a gradual process requiring time and efforts to build trust and confidence. The act of renouncing greed and sharing, symbolizes a shift from individual power to cooperation, which is essential in nation-building. In addition, the ongoing conflict in Manipur highlights the challenges of demilitarization and the need for trust-building measures to ensure a fair and transparent process.
In chapter two, John Stellon Ch. Marak brings an analysis of religious nationalism and its impact on nation-building from a tribal Christian perspective. In this connection, he analyses the effects of religious nationalism with hindutva ideology in the process of nation-building in India, and consequently, the problems faced by the tribal Christians in the north-eastern region of India in terms of preserving their identity and participation towards nation building. Chapter three deals with Religious Conflicts in India, and their impact on peace and national building. In this connection, Aorenla Longchar enlightens the causes of religious conflict in relation to economic, social, political, religious, and ethnic-cultural factors that contribute to these clashes and disharmony among the religious community on the Indian context. In this regard, she proposes on the rich resources of peace in different religious traditions, and the need for inter-religious dialogue to counteract the destructive potential of religious conflicts that may contribute towards nation building in the society.
In Chapter four, Maongtoshi Walling focuses on peace and nation building, and the Christian contributions towards social transformation in India from a historical perspective. In this connection, he discusses on the history of Christian contribution towards social transformation in the area of education, social issues and health care citing two contextual issues that is emancipation of woman, and unity among different Christian denominations in Nagaland which is significant for peace and nation building.
As I write this foreword, the Manipur conflict rages on, Myanmar faces uncertainty, and the Russia-Ukraine war hits 975 days, with mixed responses to Zelenskyy's peace plan, the war in Gaza continues unabated. Meanwhile, families of 13 civilians killed in the Oting incident still seek justice. India's rich tapestry of languages, cultures, religions, castes, and creeds creates a miniature world. This diversity, while a blessing, can also fuel hatred and enmity, often exploited for political, economic, and social control. Such challenges manifest in various forms, posing a complex threat to peace and unity. The ongoing cycle of religious conflict contrasts sharply with the ideals of karamyogin and satyagraha, championed by our Father of the Nation.
Culture is our everyday way of life, and unfortunately corruption, injustice and hatred have become our humanity's everyday way of life. Helplessness and hopelessness resonate among our citizens. In such a time as this, for true nation-building, we need an atmosphere of genuine peace, which can only flourish when people's rights, lives, and dignity valued are safeguarded. Peace goes beyond the absence of conflict; it requires active dialogue and cooperation rooted in the spirit of mutual respect. Achieving this vision will lead to inclusive-wholistic development, 'unto this last' will be envisioned and actualized.
September 21"" each year is celebrated as the International Day of Peace, and this year the day marked the 25th Anniversary of the UN General Assembly's Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace, adopted in 1999. This year's theme, ""Cultivating a Culture of Peace,"" emphasizes essential values such as respect for life, human rights, non-violence through education and dialogue, and commitment to peaceful conflict resolution. It highlights the importance of freedom, justice, democracy, tolerance, solidarity, cooperation, pluralism, and cultural diversity in fostering understanding among communities and nations.
The book Peace and Nation Building: Challenges and Perspectives is a significant milestone for CCPRA in its commitment to justice and peace. As the world celebrate the 25th year of the International Day of Peace, this collection of articles addresses the theme of cultivating a culture of peace, especially in this part of the world where Nation Building initiatives faces challenges like corruption, conflict, injustice, intolerance, subjugation, and alienation. May Peace and Nation Building: Challenges and Perspectives edited by Prof A. Temjen Jamir be a Reason for Hope.
"
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist