Executive Committees

Dr. C.P. Anto was born on May 15, 1971, in the town of Mattoor, Kerala, India, into a devout Catholic family. Raised by his parents, Mr. Paulo and Mrs. Rose, alongside three sisters and three brothers, Dr. Anto's upbringing was steeped in strong values of faith and community service. His early education in Kerala fostered a deep sense of spirituality and social commitment, laying the foundation for a lifelong dedication to peace and social work. In 1988, Dr. C.P. Anto joined the Diocese of Kohima, Nagaland, as a missionary priest.

His calling to serve others led him to take on the role of Director of the Youth Office in the diocese, where he was responsible for creating programs that promoted faith, leadership, and life skills among the youth. His work in youth development was collaborative, working closely with priests, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to address the region's unique social and spiritual needs. Growing up in a multi-religious environment that nurtured respect for religious diversity, Dr. Anto became a key advocate for interfaith dialogue in Nagaland. He has organized numerous ecumenical and inter-religious meetings that promote understanding and unity among different religious communities in the region. Understanding the pressing need for peace in a region affected by insurgency and social unrest, Dr. Anto founded the Peace Channel, a pioneering youth peace movement. This initiative has garnered over 150,000 young members, committed to fostering peace and harmony in the culturally and religiously diverse landscape of Nagaland. In 2014, Dr. Anto took his vision of social work and peacebuilding a step further by establishing the North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR), Nagaland's first social work institute. As the founder and principal of NEISSR, he not only pioneered the institution but also introduced the Peace and Conflict Transformation Studies specialization in the MSW program, the first of its kind in India. This groundbreaking program has prepared countless social workers to become agents of peace and conflict resolution, especially in areas marked by violence and social discord. Alongside his work as an academic and administrator, Dr. Anto is a recognized peace educator and trainer. He has conducted numerous workshops and training sessions across the country, focusing on conflict resolution, peacebuilding strategies, and social transformation. Moreover, Dr. C.P. Anto is an accomplished writer, having authored numerous articles and books on social work, youth development, and peacebuilding. His writings reflect his deep commitment to promoting peace and empowering communities. Dr. C.P. Anto’s journey, from his humble beginnings in Kerala to becoming a transformative figure in Nagaland’s social and educational landscape, is a testament to his lifelong dedication to peace, social work, and education. As a founder, Principal, peace educator, and trainer, his work has left a profound impact on the region, fostering hope, unity, and empowerment.