YOUTH AND CULTURAL IDENTITY IN GRASSROOTS PEACEBUILDING: REFLECTIONS FROM NAGA COMMUNITY CONTEXTS

Abstract

In culturally diverse and conflict-affected societies, sustainable peace extends beyond formal political settlements and depends on community-driven efforts that rebuild trust and strengthen social cohesion. Naga communities, with a long history of distinct socio-cultural traditions, indigenous institutions, and village-based governance systems, offer an important context for examining grassroots approaches to peacebuilding. Historical processes of identity formation, collective memory, and socio-political transformation continue to shape contemporary community relationships.

Within this context, youth occupy a central position in shaping narratives of belonging, cultural continuity, and reconciliation. This conceptual and policy-oriented paper explores the relationship between youth engagement, cultural identity, and grassroots peacebuilding in Naga community contexts. It argues that youth participation in cultural practices, customary institutions, and community dialogue initiatives can contribute meaningfully to reconciliation processes at the local level. Drawing from Empowerment Theory and Community Development perspectives, the paper positions youth not merely as beneficiaries of peace initiatives but as active agents capable of strengthening inclusive and resilient community spaces.

The paper further highlights the role of indigenous institutions and community actors in sustaining peace and proposes culturally grounded, youth-centered policy directions that support local peace initiatives and participatory community development. By situating cultural identity within grassroots peacebuilding, this study contributes to broader discussions on sustainable peace in indigenous and conflict-affected societies.