Kohima: About 1,500 women packed the Kohima Village Council Multipurpose Building on October 31 for the first Mary Jones Mega Seminar-2026. The Bible Society of India, Kohima Branch, organized the event to push for wider scripture access and female participation in their mission. It was a massive turnout. The program drew lessons from the 1800 journey of Mary Jones, a 15-year-old Welsh girl who walked 26 miles barefoot to secure a Bible in her native language.
Kaisa Rio, wife of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, spoke to the crowd about the practical application of faith. She noted that digital tools offer easy access to holy texts, but that does not guarantee genuine engagement. "The value of the Bible lay not merely in owning it but in allowing its message to shape one's character, strengthen faith and guide actions," Rio said. She urged local leaders to push children toward consistent Bible reading.
Two primary sessions anchored the day. Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi of Bangalore spoke on the modern significance of the Mary Jones story. Rev. Dr. Zhodi Angami from Shillong detailed the complexities of translation and language politics across North East India. Earlier, Rev. Dr. Rachulie Vihienuo provided the invocation, while Those Kraho, Rev. S. Noksa Chiu, and Rev. Dr. N. Paphino offered opening remarks and auxiliary updates.
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