By Felix Anthony
New Delhi, Dec 11, 2023: Archbishop Emeritus Thomas Menamparampil of Guwahati has received Dr APJ Abdul Kalam World Peace Award-2023 on the occasion of the United Nations International Human Rights Day.
The award was given December 10 by All India Council of Human Rights, Liberties and Social Justice at a function held in the Indian Islamic Cultural Centre, New Delhi.
Responding to the award, the 87-year-old Salesian archbishop said, “I do not know if I deserve this recognition. In this age and time when there is a steady spread of divisive agenda, hatred, polarisation, religious discrimination, violence and war, the place of peace has lost its relevance. If this award helps stop this trend, so be it.”
He also thanked his peace team and his co-workers in northeastern India for their shared effort for common good and invited all sections of people to join hands together in the cause of common good and for the strengthening of human values.
The award document reads: “After perusing your credentials, it remains our considered opinion that you have worked tirelessly and selflessly to promote Human Rights, Peace with kindness and compassion into action through multifarious humanitarian services, and above all, you believe in justice for all, peacefulness, meekness and innocence as the natural way of life, and your worthy example does inspire others especially the young generation towards certain remarkable achievements.”
And it concludes: “Your inspiring and visionary leadership is greatly appreciated.”
Archbishop John Moolachira of Guwahati and the president of the North East India Regional Bishops’ Council, congratulated Archbishop Menamparampil on this recognition. “The award is a well-deserved recognition for all his peace initiatives. He is a die-hard peace activist, civil rights champion and a great writer who always appeals for peace in the community. We need more such leaders in the Church,” he added.
Archbishop Menamparampil’s peace initiative began in 1996 when a major clash in the Kokrajhar district of Assam put the lives of hundreds of people in danger and threw thousands of refugees into relief camps. His peace team managed to assist, at the first stage in relief work, and later in the dialogue between the two communities in conflict.
The peace team also managed to help several other communities in the region in tense relationships during the past three decades.
Congratulating Archbishop Menamparampil on the peace award, Salesian Sister Elizabeth, who has been part of the peace team since 1996, said, “I have worked closely with him. He takes all effort possible to bring about peace, even at times putting his life into risk. For his contribution to the cause of peace, he is truly deserving of this recognition.”
Youth leaders from northeastern India too congratulated the archbishop. “It is a proud moment for the people of the North East Region and he is truly an inspiration to all of us, especially to the youth,” said Becare Me O Nongtdu from Shillong, who works as an adviser to the Indian Catholic Youth Movement.
Archbishop Menamparampil has, in the recent past, written many thought-provoking articles for some leading national and international publications, all appealing for peace and religious harmony, in the context of the ongoing ethnic and religious conflict in Manipur.
The archbishop described the situation in Manipur as “extremely difficult” but saw reason to believe that the communities concerned will take the cause of peace forward.
They include six hospitals, dozens of schools, boarding houses, colleges, institutions for the differently abled and development centers. He insists more on the collaborative relationship between communities and equal concern for all sections of people, tribes, and cultures.
He is credited with showing special interest in the cultural uniqueness of the region communities. He says he believes that the value-systems prevailing among the region’s various ethnic groups have something to contribute to the national character of India and even to world heritage.
Archbishop Menamparampil had earlier won the Maschio Award, Careno Award, and Ambassador for Peace Award for his huge contribution to the cause of peace.
It is a fitting recognition for a constant commitment to peace that characterized the life of Archbishop Menamparampil. The world needs more people like him, both in Europe and in the Middle East!