SHILLONG, Oct 25: Meghalaya chief minister, Conrad K Sangma released a book called ‘Values Must Come Alive’ authored by Archbishop Emeritus of Guwahati, Thomas Menamparampil, SDB, in a function held at Bianchi Hall, Mary Help of Christians Cathedral, Shillong.
The Archbishop of Shillong, Victor Lyngdoh, Dr David Syiemlieh, former chairman, UPSC and Rev W C Khongwir, former Moderator, PCI were also present during the launch.
Speaking to the gathering during the launch, Conrad K Sangma said that the values of life are not being instilled in youngsters in the way it should and having the book launched in contemporary times is something very significant.
“It is the values that are the basis and the foundation that will define our actions in our family, life, society, organisation or government,” he said.
He added that the book focuses on values that are really important in today’s times.
“If you don’t have the right values, everything we do to move forward will be meaningless,” he said.
He also added that the book will be of great possession not only to different individuals but to members of different organisations and will be of great value to the society at large.
The book ‘Values Must Come Alive’ guides one through the labyrinth of worrying questions that have arisen in modern times related to the issues of moral principles, ethical norms, social codes and value systems amidst bewildering cultural differences and infinitely varied contexts.
Thomas Menamparampil, is the retired archbishop of Guwahati. He served as the bishop of Dibrugarh for 11 years and the Archbishop of Guwahati for 20 years before his retirement. He was awarded the ‘Ambassador of Peace’ Award in 2019 by the International Human Rights Council. He believes in social activism and is a firm believer of peace building and social harmony.
He is a key figure in the peace process in India particularly among the ethnic groups in Assam becoming mediators between various positions and cultures and promoters of sincere dialogue between parties through mutual respect and sympathy.
He has travelled all over the world addressing and animating various religious groups, congregations, universities etc and is well-known for inter-religious dialogue. His analysis of socio-cultural and political issues have triggered numerous debates and concrete peace initiatives for which he was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011. (NNN)