The Lions Club of Kohima organized the Lions International Peace Poster Contest 2026-27 on October 3 on the theme, ‘Harmony in Humanity’ at Rüzhükhrie Government Higher Secondary School, Kohima.
Bejava Thonglü of Class – 6 from LFS emerged as the winner of the peace poster contest and bagged an award of Rs.10,000 and citation.
Sarah Lhoungu of Class – 8 from G Rio School clinched the second position title consisting an award of Rs. 5000 and Sophia Gurung of Class VI from Northfield School bagged the third position title containing an award of Rs. 2000 and citations.
MLA Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhutso, who attended the occasion as chief guest, said that peace is not only absence of war and that it is needed in daily life, in schools, in the city and in homes.
“Peace is when you feel good and safe to be in the midst of different people,” he observed while appreciating the students from different tribes and schools had become friends through the competition.
Giving a special message to the boys, he urged them to become responsible men and ensure that their sisters and women are safe in society. He called upon the students to be an “engine of peace” and to be a bridge, not a wall.
“When two of your friends are not in good terms, don’t side with either, but build that bridge so that your friends are talking to each other again,” Rhutso said.
Appreciating the artworks, the legislator said, “Art and painting are like books. In books, we read from cover to cover. In paintings and art, just in one page, it explains everything. That is talent.”
He urged the students to spread the message of peace so that every community whether Christian, Hindu or Muslim – live in harmony, as peace is the foundation of every religion.
Addressing the gathering, Er Tsalitemsu Jamir, President, Lions Club of Kohima, said the Peace Poster Contest is a deeply cherished annual tradition of Lions International.
He said he was confident that every student had poured their heart and soul into depicting true harmony in humanity. He described the entries as a beautiful prayer in art form and a collective cry for peace at a time when the world is yearning for it more than ever.
He expressed hope that the messages captured in the artwork will reach the global stage.
Jamir informed that only one poster will be selected as the winner to advance to the next level and compete with winners from around the globe.
However, he told the remaining contestants that they are no less victorious and lauded their immense talent.
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Artist Ruokuoselhou Miachieo, who was the judge on the occasion, said ahead of the contest that the posters has been judged on the basis of its application, composition and connection to the topic while speaking on the judging criteria.
He said application will reflect how students work with materials and how their skill level shows through their progress rather than just the final result.
On composition, he said it was about the basic structure of art and how visual elements are arranged in a balanced manner, which is more important than a drawing without clear direction.
The judge added that connection to the topic is crucial and even a beautiful painting would not earn points if it fail to relate to the given theme.
Miachieo reminded the young artists that art was for everyone and is about personal experience and what art means to them, while appreciating all participants for their beautiful work.
More than 40 students aged 11, 12 and 13 years (as on Nov 15, 2026) participated, accompanied by their teachers, parents and guardians.
Rüzhükhrie Government Higher Secondary School, Assam Rifles Public School, Mezhür Higher Secondary School, Ministers’ Hill Baptist Higher Secondary School, Fernwood School, Dainty Buds School, Loyola Higher Secondary School Jakhama, Kigwema Government Higher Secondary School, G. Rio School, St. Paul School Phesama, Grace Higher Secondary School, Vinyüzo Higher Secondary School, Model Higher Secondary School, Northfield Higher Secondary School, Chandmari Higher Secondary School, Rev. Dr. Neiliezhü Üsou Memorial School, JO Foundation Inclusive School, Little Flower Higher Secondary School, PM SHRI Government High School New Market, Government High School Phezoucha and Mt. Hermon Higher Secondary School, participated in the contest.
The winning poster would now advance to State level and onwards to International level where Grand Prize is US$5,000 with a ceremony in the USA.
Lion Max Menuse-O Marius, secretary of the club, served as the contest chairperson during the competition while Lion Akhrienuo Kire, 2nd vice president of the club delivered the vote of thanks during the closing ceremony.
