Young Artists Promote Peace Through Art at Kohima Contest

The Lions Club of Kohima organised the Lions International Peace Poster Contest 2026-27 on October 3 at Rüzhükhrie Government Higher Secondary School, Kohima, under the theme “Harmony in Humanity”, bringing together more than 40 students to express their ideas of peace through art. Bejava Thonglü, a Class 6 student of Little Flower School, won the contest and received a cash prize of Rs. 10,000 and a citation. Sarah Lhoungu of G. Rio School, a Class 8 student, secured second position with Rs. 5,000, while Sophia Gurung of Northfield School, also in Class 6, finished third and received Rs. 2,000 and citations. Chief guest Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso, MLA, said peace should not be understood merely as the absence of war but as a necessity in everyday life, including at schools, in communities and at home. He said peace means feeling safe and comfortable among people of different backgrounds and appreciated the friendships formed among students from diverse tribes and schools through the contest. Rhutso urged the students to become “engines of peace” and bridges between people rather than walls that divide them. He also called on boys to grow into responsible men and contribute to creating a society where women feel safe. Encouraging students to help resolve disagreements among friends, he stressed the importance of bringing people together instead of taking sides. Rhutso also praised the participants’ artwork, describing paintings as a form of communication capable of conveying a message at a glance. He encouraged the students to spread the message of peace and promote harmony among people of all faiths and communities. Lions Club of Kohima president Er. Tsalitemsu Jamir described the contest as a valued annual tradition of Lions International. He said the entries represented a prayer in art and a collective expression of the world’s desire for peace. Jamir said the winning poster would proceed to the next level and compete internationally, where the Grand Prize Winner will receive US$5,000 and attend an award ceremony in the United States. He encouraged all participants, regardless of their rankings, and praised their creativity and talent. Contest judge Ruokuoselhou Miachieo said the posters were evaluated on application, composition and their connection with the theme. He emphasised that technical skill and balanced composition were important, but a visually appealing artwork would not receive full marks if it failed to communicate the central theme. He also reminded participants that art is accessible to everyone and can reflect individual experiences and perspectives. Students aged 11 to 13 years participated in the contest, accompanied by teachers, parents and guardians. Participants represented schools across Kohima and surrounding areas, including government, private, mission and inclusive schools. The event provided young artists with a platform to explore the meaning of peace, celebrate diversity and communicate their aspirations through creativity. Through the annual contest, the Lions Club of Kohima continues to encourage students to engage with social values and use art as a medium for promoting understanding, friendship and harmony. The initiative also gives young participants an opportunity to recognise diversity as a strength and inspire others through meaningful artistic expression.