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!
Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, because they will be called sons of God” (Matt. 5:9).
Peacemakers are those who do the hard work of stepping into areas of strife and bring strife-torn people into a place of peace through effective dialogue. The four core qualities of a peacemaker are:
1. Peacemakers lean into hard things: Entering into a space in unrest is not for the faint of heart. The act of making peace is one of deliberate effort, not passivity. French-American writer Ève Curie said, “Peace at any price is no peace at all.” The peace that comes through appeasement or inaction does not create genuine peace. True peace comes through hard work and leaning into hard and uncomfortable spaces. Peacemakers play a vital role in creating safe environments for people. Peacemakers understand the local culture very well and establish spaces where everyone is given a seat at the table.
2. Peacemakers are gentle: Gentleness is often described as “strength under control.” It is not just about being calm and kind, but rather a quality that requires great strength. The ability to avoid giving in to anger requires immense self-control. The gentle person knows when and how to speak to others, especially when tensions are high. Archbishop Menamparampil has this quality.
3. Peacemakers honour all people who sit on dialogue table: It is impossible to strive for justice without valuing human life. To truly honour people, we must acknowledge their inherent worth regardless of race, colour or creed. Choosing an attitude of honour also helps peacemakers respond with kindness when faced with anger or hostility towards opposing viewpoints.
4. Peacemakers meet the affected people: Peacemaking starts with seeing people and their needs, even in difficult situations. Peacemakers are willing to face these situations head-on. They understand the importance of being aware and caring (empathy) about what is happening in their communities.
Archbishop Menamparampil ventured into his peacemaking initiative without depending on government machinations. Throughout his 40-year-long dedication to peace initiatives, Archbishop Menamparampil has addressed ethnic flashpoints in northeastern India, including Kokrajhar, Churachandpur, Haflong, Diphu, Udalguri, Mendipathar, and Sarupathar. On a solo peace mission he visited the state of Manipur several times since ethnic violence erupted on May 3, 2023.
Explaining his peace mission operating style, the 87-year-old prelate said, “I have approached leaders on both sides (Kuki and Meitei) pleading for peace. Largely I have concentrated on meeting senior persons in society, retired officers, ministers, and intellectuals of moral authority over their community. I met religious leaders on both sides.”
Wonderful…Congratulations to beloved Archbishop…He deserves this honour even more
Archbishop Menamparampil, I understand that you deserve all the adulations showered upon you. I have read a few articles written by you. They are all thought provoking and give a strange light 🕯️ amid the darkness of hatred and divisiveness. Even though at present your efforts are not noted in this part of the country, I am sure, the whole country will soon recognise you as a champion of peace. Wish you all the best !!
A well deserved recognition to our Archbishop. Hearty congratulations your grace. Keep going that all the efforts you have initiated to bring peace in Manipur may come true without delay💐
The Archbishop deserves the Award. Congratulations!
Well deserved. He has been in the forefront of several peace initiatives, most recently in Manipur
He really deserved it. A great leader in peace building and human rights!