The Lions International Peace Poster Contest 2025 – 2026 on the theme, “Together As One”, organized by the Lions Club of Kohima, was successfully held on October 10, at the Conference Hall of the Red Cross, Kohima.
The peace poster contest is being conducted by various Lions clubs globally under the aegis of Lions Clubs International with the aim to encourage children aged between 1-3, to express their visions of peace and inspire the world through art and creativity while promoting healthy competition, informed a press release.
11 schools in Kohima namely – Dainty Buds, Ministers’ Hill Baptist Higher Secondary School, Little Flower Higher Secondary School, Fernwood, Government High School New Market, Government Middle School Officer’s Hill, Mezhür Higher Secondary School, Model Higher Secondary School, Mezhür High Thizama, Bumblebee Inclusive School and St. Mary’s Cathedral Higher Secondary School – participated in the contest conducted by Lions Club of Kohima.
Two students from each of the 11 schools participated in the artwork competition, with one male and one female representing each school, except for Little Flower Higher Secondary School (an all-girl school), which sent two female students.
During the contest, Hrüyia Irene of Little Flower Higher Secondary School, clinched the first position while Monote-o Ritse of Ministers’ Hill Baptist Higher Secondary School and Vikusier Kuotsu from St. Mary’s Cathedral Higher Secondary School baggged the second and third positions respectively.
Nicky Kire, veteran artist and member of the East Asian Artist Forum, was the judge for the event.
Two special invitee schools – Jo Foundation Inclusive School and Cherry Blossoms Inclusive School also participated in the non-competitive category, with one participant each, to encourage students with diverse abilities.
In this category, Ezewe Chirhah from Cherry Blossom School and Vikhopi Sakhrie from Jo Foundation Inclusive School, both from Kohima also presented impressive artworks under the same theme.
Attending the event as the chief guest,
Col. Manoj Sankhyan, Commandant of 13 Assam Rifles, emphasized the importance of unity and collective responsibility in promoting peace and harmony while gracing the occasion.
Sankhyan said, “Today, we are not just participating in an art competition; we are celebrating hope – hope painted with the colors of peace, compassion, and collaboration,” while highlighting the relevance of the theme “Together As One” in today’s world, where challenges like misunderstanding, conflict, and uncertainty test our resolve for peace.
The Commandant praised the role of students in promoting peace and unity through their creative expressions, adding : “Your posters are not merely drawings; they are messages of creativity, hope, and your aspiration for a better world.”
He commended the Lions Club of Kohima for organizing the event, which nurtures responsible global citizens and promotes artistic expression while encouraging them to continue promoting similar initiatives in the future.
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“Every stroke of a brush can inspire conversation; that every piece of art can sow a seed of understanding and respect,” Sankhyan said and lauded the teachers, mentors and parents for their support and encouragement.
“True peace begins in our hearts and finds expression in our actions, big or small. Let us continue to champion the message of ‘Together As One,’ not just today, but every day,” Sankhyan reminded while giving a clarion call to action, encouraging participants to carry forward the spirit of unity and peace in their communities.
Oken Jeet Sandham, President of the Lions Club of Kohima, expressed gratitude to all schools for their enthusiastic participation, noting that many have already shown interest in joining future contests. He added, “This year’s participation was limited to 13 schools in and around Kohima, but in the next edition, we plan to invite more schools on a rotational basis.”
Along with the Commandant, the guest of honor, Hmingthansanga, Program Executive of Doordarshan Kendra, Nagaland, gave away prizes to the winners.
Max Marius Menuose-o, Contest Chairperson, explained the background and rules of the contest. He stated that it was a historic day for them because students were selected to represent their schools in joining thousands of students worldwide in this prestigious event, with the aim of reaching over 600,000 children sharing their visions of peace through the contest.
It was informed that the top three winning posters from the Kohima competition would be forwarded to the regional and National rounds, and if selected, would further proceed to the International Headquarters for the final international round, informed the press release.
Mimi Yhoshu, recipient of the National Teachers’ Award 2022 and Kopele V Tepa, recipient of the 14th NCPEDP-Mphasis Universal Design Awards in 2023 among others attended the peace poster contest in Kohima.
