KANGPOKPI: A two-day workshop on Interfaith Cooperation for Empowerment and Life Transformation began on Wednesday at Oasis College, Kangpokpi, bringing together faith leaders from Christian, Muslim and other communities, educators and civil society representatives to promote peace, social harmony and inclusive development.
The workshop is being organised by the India Peace Centre, Nagpur, in collaboration with Oasis College, and will conclude on January 23.
The programme opened with an invocation prayer led by Rev. Satkai Chongloi, followed by a welcome address by Thathang Vaiphei, Chairman of Oasis College. Addressing the gathering, Vaiphei outlined a three-year vision to hold the workshop twice a year with around 30 participants per session.
He said the initiative aims to nurture church and community leaders as messengers of interfaith cooperation while also encouraging sustainable livelihood initiatives at the grassroots level. The inaugural session was compered by Miss Natty Kipgen, Assistant Professor at Oasis College, and the proceedings were recorded by Onkholun Haokip, a board member.
Delivering the keynote address, Angelious Michael of the India Peace Centre highlighted the importance of confidence-building and interfaith collaboration, drawing from his experience in peacebuilding in post-conflict regions of Northeast India. He noted that lasting peace is possible only through respect for diversity, humility in leadership and collective action across religious boundaries.
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The technical sessions featured presentations by Rev. T. Karang Maram, former Director (Peace and Development), Manipur Baptist Convention, and Abdul Halim, President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Manipur, among others. Discussions focused on faith-based community development, economic empowerment, peacebuilding and inclusive citizenship.
Speakers emphasised the need for local capacity-building, sustainable livelihood models, ethical leadership and the role of religious leaders as peace-makers and community workers.
In one session, Rev. Karang Maram stressed the importance of moving communities from dependency to active participation through self-help groups, micro-businesses, agriculture and skill development.
Another session, moderated by Sem Haokip, focused on promoting social harmony through interfaith action, with Abdul Halim underscoring that diversity is a reality and harmony a necessity.
The day concluded with a vote of thanks by Helun Hangshing, Secretary of Oasis College. Participants expressed commitment to continued interfaith dialogue, joint action and long-term collaboration to strengthen peace and empowerment across communities.