NE Brief
Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil receives World Peace Award 2023
Current Updates | NE Brief | NECARF Rep | 15-Dec-2023
Archbishop Menamparampil receiving the award
Archbishop Emeritus Thomas Menamparampil of Guwahati, whose name is synonymous to crusader of ‘Peace and Reconciliation’, has been awarded the prestigious Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam World Peace Award 2023 on the occasion of the United Nations International Human Rights Day. He received the award on December 10 at the Indian Islamic Cultural Centre, New Delhi, in a function organized by the All India Council of Human Rights, Liberties, and Social Justice. The 84-year-old Salesian clergy, who spent all his priestly life in the trouble-torn region of north-east India, had worked tirelessly towards peace in the region. After he retired as the Archbishop of Guwahati, Archbishop Emeritus Menamparampil started the Center for Peace and reached out to people in conflict. Whenever there were ethnic clashes, he braved every corner, at times even risking his life from stray bullets.
After he received the award, Archbishop Emeritus said, “I do not know if I deserve this recognition. In this age and time when there is a steady spread of divisive agendas, hatred, polarization, religious discrimination, violence, and war, the place of peace has lost its relevance. If this award helps stop this trend, so be it” and thanked his team in the northeast. Deservedly, 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.” Earlier, Archbishop Menamparampil was awarded the Maschio Award, Careno Award, and Ambassador for Peace Award for his contribution to peace initiatives. He is closely associated with the North East Catholic Research Forum.
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