A tribute to Jimmy Carter

Today, the world bids farewell to one of the most inspiring leaders of our time. Jimmy Carter, who rose from humble farming roots to the presidency of the United States, stands as a rare figure among world leaders, distinguished by his commitment to diplomacy, service, and charity for the greater good.
A recipient of over a hundred awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize, the United Nations Human Rights Award, the Baptist World Alliance Peace Award, and the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development, Carter exemplified the essence of servant-leadership, dedicated to advancing human rights, peace, and reconciliation worldwide.
Guided by his deep faith in God and a profound desire to serve others, Carter’s advocacy extended to people far beyond his own borders. Among those he championed were the Naga people.
In a letter dated May 11, 2008, addressed to Naga leaders engaged in the Naga reconciliation process, Jimmy Carter acknowledged, “it is easy to recount the wrong done by one side or other,” and “that finding the path to peace and reconciliation is difficult.” This, he wrote, “is a challenge to leadership” and encouraged Naga leaders by saying, “Perhaps this is your moment to rise to the challenge of leadership for your people and end the division that has brought so much sorry over the years.”
This letter strengthened the Reconciliation process, inspiring the Naga political leaders to sign the Covenant of Reconciliation on June 13, 2008.
In the same letter, Carter offered prayers “for peace for the Naga people and a mutually agreed peaceful settlement of the conflict between the Nagas and the Government of India.” While, he said that it was not for him as an outsider to say what the solutions should be, he wrote, “a peaceful negotiated process is the only way forward.”
Today, as we remember Carter’s remarkable legacy as a world leader, we are reminded of his words of encouragement to the Naga people. Let us honor his life by continuing to find our way towards authentic reconciliation and a lasting peace for all Naga people.
Issued by the
Forum for Naga Reconciliation