21st annual lecture of Dr. Alexander Mar Thoma Centre for Dialogue, Kottarakkara on 26th September at Mar Thoma Jubilee Mandiram. Former DGP Sri. Jacob Punnoose lectures on "Religion, Conflict and Conflict Transformation".

11nth K.C Mathew Memorial Lecture at ICSD De - addiction Centre, Valakom

11nth K.C Mathew Memorial Lecture at ICSD De - addiction Centre, Valakom

ZERO LIMITS CC Profile

CC NAME: ZERO LIMITS, KOLLAM, KERALA, SOUTH INDIA REGION

FAITHS AND TRADITIONS REPRESENTED IN CC: HINDUS, MUSLIMS, CHRISTIANS AND DALITS.

LOCATION OF CC: KOLLAM,  KOLLAM DISTRICT, KERALA STATE.

KEY AREAS OF FOCUS: Youth Development, Women Empowerment, Value added Education, Community Development, Counseling, Health Awareness for Ladies, Celebration of UN related EVENTS  for the awareness of public.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION: 

MOHAN LAL. K                                                                  DEVI RAJ. S

LADDE EDU SOLUTIONS                                                POURNAMI

72 – VIDYA NAGAR                                                           HOUSE NO.72/B

CHEMMAMMUKKU                                                          SURABHI NAGAR

KOLLAM                                                                              APSARA  JN.

                                                                                                 PATTATHANAM POST, KOLLAM

Ph: 9446478726                                                                      Ph: 9446010728

0474-6066166

Email: laade.edu@gmail.com                                                                                                                                                                                                                      thevillageschool.in@gmail.com

Inauguration of Zero Limits CC by Dr. Abraham Karickam, URI Asia Executive Director

QUESTIONS:

1.    What is the current religious/cultural/social context in the area where your CC is working?

As Kollam is the District Head Quarters, there are people from other states of India and people from Maldives and other foreign countries are residing here. That is why we can see people with diverse religions. Here the main communities are Christians, Hindus, Muslims and Dalits, having equal importance in the society. Most of the people are government employees and businessmen having good educational background. Famous colleges like Fathima Matha National College, Sree Narayana College, S. N College for Women, Jerome College of Management Studies etc are seen in our vicinity.

URI Regional Team having discussions with the CC Leaders at Kollam.

 2. Why is interfaith/intercultural bridge building needed in the area      where your CC works?

   Since there are different religions and people from different countries, there are chances for communal issues. As it is the district head quarters and the people coming from other states are considered as the initiators of anti- social activities, and the Muslim community is considered as the supporters of anti- social activities, it is inevitable to build up harmony among them. So, as youth, we consider it as our duty to make people trust the ‘other’, and make the people understand the reality of religious harmony. We do effective campaigning for the same.

3. Please briefly describe the main activities or programs your CC is carrying out this year?

(i). Career Counseling classes are conducted for Plus Two students in association with Malayalam Manorama Daily (The largest Indian Language News Paper).

(ii). Stress free exam counseling sessions

 (iii). Good touch and Bad touch for girls and boys.

(iv). Campaign against bullying in association with Amnesty International.

(v). Human Rights Education among school students.

 (vi). Free medical camp for women.

(vii). Project Triple -5: - Planting 555 trees in different parts of Kollam district.

(viii). Vocational training for ladies from financially challenged family. 

(ix). Special summer camp for differently abled Kids

(x). Campus Initiatives  for college students to make them good professionals.

(xi). Health Educational and Interpersonal Skills Enhancement program with Southern Railway.

(xii). Special training for teachers.

(xiii). Bike Rally – A Campaign for Save Water.

(xiv). Campaign against human trafficking.

(xv). Cancer awareness – Pediatric Cancer.

(xvi). Blood donation camp.

(xvii). Awareness workshop for unemployed youth to equip as a good entrepreneurs.

(xviii). Awareness camp on modern life style diseases.

(xix). Celebration of days of National and International relevance.

(xx). Kids Carnivals – Confidence building program for kids.

(xxi). Marriage preparation course – Pre marital and post marital counseling including life styles, skills like cooking etc.

(xxii). International Day of peace celebration.

(xxiii). Participation URI Zonal and National activities.

(xxiv). We celebrated UN Interfaith Harmony Week from 1^st February to 7^th February with different schools.

4. Between which specific religions or cultures are bridges being built?

Mainly among the four communities like Hindus, Muslims, Christians and Dalits.

5.   Please explain the method or strategy that your CC uses to bring together people of different cultures and faiths that would otherwise not interact or cooperate with each other.

Our main strategy is to bring together the people of different cultures or Faiths through campaigns awareness classes, workshops and association with socially committed National and International organization.

 6.  Given the current context you described, what does your CC hope to achieve (goals)?

Our main hope is to create powerful youth without having any racial or religious discrimination and have the aspiration to mould a new society of youngsters free of violence, terror and fear.

7.   How do you see your CC’s work improving cooperation among people of different traditions?

    We have a large network of youngsters who are working for the smooth        running of our campaign. This is the confidence behind the starting of 10      new CCs, which we plan for this coming year.

 8.    How is the work of your CC helping to prevent religiously inspired violence or transforming conflict? (NOTE: This question is relevant only in areas with violence/open conflict.)

As we are focusing on youth and as we are helping them to be  successful persons in their career, these educated generation can easily understand our vision to create an interfaith society. As they are going to the success point of their life with external support from us, they believe that there are some value added matters in society than religious fundamentalism. As youngsters, once they are convinced they will be the spokespersons for URI in future.

9.    What are some observations or signs you see that relations are improving between people of different faiths/cultures in the area where your CC works?

     People are supporting us in our activities even though they know it is       meant for interfaith harmony. Many persons come forward to join in our     CC. Many organizations come forward to host our programs on interfaith harmony, justice and peace. Many of them express their willingness to join the URI Movement.

10.    Please share specific short story about your CC’s work that might teach a lesson about interfaith or inspire other CCs.

Last month we went to Cosmic Community Centre, Karickam for a Zonal Program in which Dr. Victor Kazanjian was the Chief Guest. In that function we went there with two of our friends from Muslim community. They were so impressed of this beautiful get together. The message from URI Executive Director touched them deeply and they were excited to know more about the work done by URI around the world. After attending that program they told us that they will spread the vision of interfaith harmony in their area through a series of family meetings. This incident helped us to understand the importance of hospitality also, which is a core principle of URI. We would like to host similar meetings in our CC in the near future, so as to spread the message of unity , hospitality and love.

11.     How is your CC’s work helping to achieve the mission of URI?

Our CC always will be a supportive medium for URI to bridge the gap among different religious communities. We work among the youth in various schools and colleges and we use this platform for spreading URI principles.

12.    Within your CC, you have members from several different faiths and cultural traditions. How would you describe cooperation among your CC’s members? What are the challenges?

    Our CC members joined in it after our explanation about URI Charter       and      they understand the necessity of Interfaith Harmony. They are so happy to accept it as a true mission. We work with one spirit and our bondage has become very strong because of URI. We began serious study of our neighbor’s Faith after joining the URI Movement.

13.          How is being part of URI helping your CC to achieve its goals?

As our name suggests (Zero Limit), we work for a great goal of living without borders, which means to surpass all boundaries of suspicion and fear. Unity is strength. “United we stand, divided we fall”. We uphold this teaching. As URI members, we learn to stand united.

14.          Aside from funding, what are some specific ways URI can better support your CC in reaching its goals?

We expect to participate in important training programs organized by URI at different levels. We also hope to benefit by youth exchange program, youth empowerment training program and Peace Building Workshops by URI. We would like to have tie-up with other CCs working on similar goals, especially with those who work among youth in other continents. We are also very much impressed by the YLP programs in several schools and hope to spread the message of URI in all the schools that we visit.

SURYA THEJAS CC Profile

CC NAME: SURYA THEJAS, Kerala, South India

FAITHS AND TRADITIONS REPRESENTED IN CC: Hindus, Christians, Muslims and Dalits

LOCATION  OF CC:  B.M.M.II CENTRAL SCHOOL, SOORANAD, Kerala, South India

KEY AREAS OF FOCUS:  Peace Building, Education, Palliative care, De-addiction Programs, Environmental Protection,

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION:

PRIMARY CONTACT:  Sr Dr EMILIA                         Ph:  9447362730   Email: sremilia@rediffmail.com

SECONDARY CONTACT: S. GANGADHARA KURUP         Ph: 9847452278   Email: bmm2cscbse@yahoo.com

 Photo Session after the Inauguration of Surya Thejus CC

QUESTIONS:

1. What is the current religious/cultural/social context in the area where your CC is working?

Ans. Sooranad North Panchayat is a rural area in the northern side of Kollam District in Kerala State.  The inhabitant s of this Panchayat belong to Hindu, Christian and Islam religions. Many are Dalits, too. Most of them are farmers and agricultural labourers.  There are some government servants and businessmen also.  The highest educational institution in this Panchayat is a Government Higher Secondary School.  Even then most of the young ones are having basic education and are living in harmony and co-operation without any segregation.

URI Regional Team having discussions with the CC Leaders at Sooranad School

2. Why is interfaith/intercultural bridge building needed in the area where your CC works?

Ans. Recently there arose a crisis between two families-- one Hindu and other Muslim. It was related to the misuse of drinking water from the common water tap.   This silly incident began to develop as a serious communal issue with  the supporters of two parties.  The matter was brought up to our notice by a member of our CC.  We interfered and solved peacefully. The sad state is that any simple violence can flare up into big communal issues at any time, due to political manipulation. We have to be vigilant always.

3.  Please briefly describe the main activities or programmes your CC is carrying out this year?

The name of our CC means the “The Halo of the Sun”. Like the sun, we want to spread our warmth to the communities around. Our main activities include:

a.     Relief programme for palliative care patients in the Panchayat

b.     Anti- tobacco movement – a programme for eradication of tobacco use among Youth and Adults

Notice of  programme for eradication of tobacco use among Youth and Adults

c. Special campaign for traffic rules awareness

d. Counseling for parents

e. Medical camp for detection of cancer and blood donation

f. Peace Building

4. Between which specific religions or cultures are bridges being built?

Ans.  Our work is mainly among Hindus and Muslims. But we work for the promotion of wider ecumenism and also to preserve peace between fighting Christian factions.

5. Please explain the method of strategy that your CC uses to bring together people of different cultures and faiths that would otherwise not interact or cooperate with each other?

Ans. We concentrate in bringing the people of different traditions and cultures under the shade of harmony by providing them with ample opportunities to mingle and work together.  Family festivals, Residence associations  and voluntary social organizations will serve the purpose. 

6. Given the current context you described, what does your CC hope to achieve (goals)?

Ans. We hope we will succeed in making them understand the right and wrong aspects of the issues and the necessity for solving the problems and the hidden dangers due to the involvement of the antisocial elements in the society.

7. How do you see your CC’s work improving cooperation among people of different traditions?

Ans. We understand our CC’s work is going in the right path from the support we gained by the local organizations like political parties, youth clubs, other social voluntary agencies  etc.

8. How is the work of your CC helping to prevent religiously inspired violence or transforming conflict? 

(Note: This question is relevant only in areas with violence/open conflict)

Ans. Our effort to bring the religious leaders and social workers and the members of the two fighting  families around a table for discussion for finding a solution, succeeded. We are now emboldened in the fact that as URI,  we have a key-role to play in keeping the social fabric intact. As we are deeply rooted in our PPP, we have the confidence of ensuring support of all.

9. What are some observations or signs you see that relations are improving between people of different faiths/cultures in the area where your CC works?

Ans. We observed the presence of a long queue of the youth, without any discrimination of caste and religion,  in the hospital to donate blood for the patients who were affected by a bus accident which occurred there. The impact of URI is so high in such situations.

The YLP Project under our CC has had miraculous impact in the society. We conducted a big Anti – Drug march and so many people from the village joined hands with us. Our hope is to develop an alcohol free, drug free village. The whole student community has accepted this as their pet project and message is reaching hundreds of families, through our students.

10. Please share a specific short story about your CC’s work that might teach a lesson about interfaith or inspire other  CCs.

Ans. After a few months we, the members of Surya Thejas were invited to the Annual Day celebration of an arts and sports club in a nearby area. The local MLA (Member of the State Legislative Assembly) was the chief guest.  The Secretary of the club introduced us as their saviors in that Water TAP incident (Family Feud in the name of the Water Tap)  and mentioned about the World Organization “URI”.  All were impressed in the activities of URI and they offered their full support in spreading interfaith harmony in their region, too.

11.  How is your CC’s work helping to achieve the mission of URI?

Ans. We work among the youth in Schools and Colleges to spread URI’s principles. Our CC works in Baselios Mar Thoma II Central School where we have around 500 students. The message of our programs reach in 500 families and through them we spread the message to a large section of the society.

12. Within in your CC, you have members from several different faiths and cultural traditions .  How would you describe cooperation among your CC’s members?  What are the challenges?

Ans.  Our members joined the organization after getting a clear understanding about URI.  So they are happy to accept it as a true mission.  The main challenge we have to face is from  some religious leaders who never accept the truth that all other religions also stand for the welfare of human beings.

13.  How is being part of URI helping your CC to achieve its goals?

Ans. “Unity is Strength”, we uphold this teaching.  As URI members, we learned to stand united. We have the moral support of our regional hub for all our multifarious activities. We learn a lot from the experiences of other CCs also.

14. Aside from funding, what are some specific ways URI can better support your CC in reaching its goals?

Ans. We expect valuable instructions and proper guidance for CC and opportunities for exchanging our faith and traditions with youths in other parts of the world.  

A Prayer for Hiroshima Day

A Prayer for Hiroshima Day

Prayer

By William G Sinkford

Like most traumatic scars, the ones that are found in Hiroshima and Nagasaki are permanent: reminders of the terrible damage human beings can inflict.

Similar scars can be found in the hearts and souls of people around the world who understand this terror: scars of grief, sadness, fear and even shame.

None of these scars promise an end to war and devastation. Instead, they serve as a reminder of healing and renewal - of a return to life.

Gracious God, Spirit of Life and Love, help us to see our scars: those we have created, those we are called to witness, and those we can soothe and heal.

We are deeply grateful for the buds and blossoms that even the most scarred offer as a revelation to the world.

And, especially on this 70th* anniversary of Hiroshima Day, we renew our commitment to peace individually, collectively and globally:

To "peace within" which calms our anxieties and fears,

To "peace between" which overcomes differences, animosities and conflict,

And, to "the great peace", beyond even our understanding, that is Your gift and which we attempt to be stewards of for the world.

Amen.

(*2015 = 70th anniversary)

Hiroshima’s fate, 70 years ago this week, must not be forgotten

Hiroshima’s fate, 70 years ago this week, must not be forgotten

Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

In August 1945, during the final stage of the Second World War, the United States dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities ofHiroshima andNagasaki. The two bombings, which killed at least 129,000 people, remain the only use of nuclear weapons for warfare in history.

As the war entered its sixth and final year, the Allies had begun to prepare for what was anticipated to be a very costly invasion of the Japanese mainland. This was preceded by an immensely destructive firebombing campaign that obliterated many Japanese cities. The war in Europe had concluded when Nazi Germany signed its instrument of surrender on May 8, 1945, but with the Japanese refusal to accept the Allies' demands for unconditional surrender, the Pacific War dragged on. Together with the United Kingdom and China, the United States called for the unconditional surrender of the Japanese armed forces in the Potsdam Declaration on July 26, 1945; this was buttressed with the threat of "prompt and utter destruction".

By August 1945, the Allied Manhattan Project had successfully detonated an atomic device in the New Mexico desert and subsequently produced atomic weapons based on two alternate designs. The 509th Composite Group of the U.S. Army Air Forces was equipped with the specialized Silverplate version of the Boeing B-29 Superfortress, that could deliver them fromTinian in the Mariana Islands.

A uranium gun-type atomic bomb (Little Boy) was dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, followed by a plutonium implosion-type bomb (Fat Man) on the city of Nagasaki on August 9.Little Boy exploded 2,000 feet above Hiroshima in a blast equal to 12-15,000 tons of TNT, destroying five square miles of the city. Within the first two to four months of the bombings, the acute effects of the atomic bombings killed 90,000–166,000 people in Hiroshima and 39,000–80,000 in Nagasaki; roughly half of the deaths in each city occurred on the first day. During the following months, large numbers died from the effect of burns, radiation sickness, and other injuries, compounded by illness and malnutrition. In both cities, most of the dead were civilians, although Hiroshima had a sizable military garrison.

On August 15, just days after the bombing of Nagasaki and the Soviet Union's declaration of war, Japan announced its surrender to the Allies. On September 2, it signed the instrument of surrender, effectively ending World War II. The bombings' role in Japan's surrender and their ethical justification are still debated.

The mushroom cloud formed by the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on 6 August 1945. Photograph: SuperStock/Corbis

St.Mary’s Public School - CC Profile

CC NAME: St.Mary’s Public School CC, South India

FAITHS AND TRADITIONS REPRESENTED IN CC: Hindus, Muslims and Christians

LOCATION OF CC: Mulakuzha, Alapuzha District, Kerala

KEY AREAS OF FOCUS: Interfaith Processions, Inter religious harmony meetings, Visiting rehabilitation centres, Orphanages and Old age homes. Gives financial aid and counseling classes. Interfaith Library in the School is a major Project.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION: 

John  Palanilkunnathil Scaria                  Presannakumari

Palanilkunnathil                              Keecheril Jhekkedil

Mulakuzha. P.O                                        Cheriyanad .P.O

Chengannur                                              Chengannur

Ph:9495439595                                       Ph: 9846210724

 Email: presannajayan@gmail.com

E-mail: stmarysedutrust1985@yahoo.co.in

URI Regional Team at St. Mary's School, Mulakkuzha for Interview 

QUESTIONS:

1.    What is the current religious/cultural/social context in the area where your CC is working?

Our CC is situated in Mulakuzha Panchayat, a rural area with Christians, Hindus and Muslims. We have a lot of people who are traditionally agricultural labourers. The famous Maramon Christian Convention takes place in our vicinity. Over 100,000 people attend each session of this convention (three meetings a day) for one week. It is convened by the Mar Thoma Church. Aranmula Hindu Temple is one of the most famous temples in Kerala and it is   also in this area. For the famous boat race in Aranmula, thousands of people assemble during onam holidays. We can say we are in the heart of Kerala State. There are several schools and one engineering college in our area. A multi specialty hospital is located in this place.(Century Hospital.)

2.    Why is interfaith/intercultural bridge building needed in the area where your CC works?

We can reply this question with the description of a recent incident. As usual, people laid the poles for a huge pandal (to seat more than 100, 000 people) for the Maramon Convention. It is the largest Christian convention in Asia. Next day the poles disappeared. Immediate reaction was that the enemies did this. A conflict was brewing in the embryo. It could have erupted into a big communal clash. Fortunately, the enlightened leaders could understand the motive behind this action. They started working again, as though nothing had happened. The problem was resolved within one night.

Such is the situation in our region. Conflicts can occur at any point within no time. We have to build peace when atmosphere is congenial. That is why our CC is striving to reach out into the masses through our interfaith programs.

3.    Please briefly describe the main activities or programs your CC is carrying out this year?

We have conducted a rally for religious harmony and a public meeting. In the religious harmony meeting so many Christians, Muslims and Hindu leaders and priests attended.

 

   Peace March to promote inter-religious harmony.

   Public Meeting to promote inter-religious amity.

 

Audience of the public meeting

Receiving YLP check from Prof. John Kurakar.

4.    Between which specific religions or cultures are bridges being built?

Our main work is to promote harmony among three main communities viz. Hindus, Christians and Muslims. 100% of the people belong to these three mainline communities.

5.    Please explain the method or strategy that your CC uses to bring together people of different cultures and faiths that would otherwise not interact or cooperate with each other.

Our strategy is to bring people together with different faith and cultures in a platform through various activities like peace rallies, seminars, leadership training, health awareness programs, medical camps etc.

6.     Given the current context you described, what does your CC hope to achieve (goals)?

We hope to create an impression and understanding among the youth, that all the religions must respect and help each other to eliminate racial or religious discrimination.

7.    How do you see your CC’s work improving cooperation among people of different traditions?

Our young leaders are acting as good ambassadors to spread the real aim of URI to bring religious peace and harmony among different religions. During the peace procession there was excellent participation from all people of the village, who belong to different communities. We get support for other activities also. They are enthusiastic about our vision for a better world.

8.    How is the work of your CC helping to prevent religiously inspired violence or transforming conflict? (NOTE: This question is relevant only in areas with violence/open conflict.)

                    N/A

9.    What are some observations or signs you see that relations are improving between people of different faiths/cultures in the area where your CC works?

People are eagerly watching our activities and whole heartedly supporting our programs on interfaith harmony justice and peace. So many parents express their interest in our interfaith programs.

10.          Please share a specific short story about your CC’s work that might teach a lesson about interfaith or inspire other CCs.

Our members attended the second Zonal assembly at Karickam International Pblic School on 13^th September 2014. After attending the assembly they were so impressed by the speeches by Mathew Youde and Miss.Krithika Hareesh. The visit of Dr. Abraham Karickam and Prof. John Kurakkar and their speeches also contributed a lot to inspire to conduct various activities in connection with URI. The inter-religious rally was really an inspiration to our members and the public at large.

Mr. P. S John participated in the Colombo Holy Books Conference and he testifies that it was a turning point in his life, as he was exposed to various religions and Inter-faith leaders. Visit to the Hanuman Temple was an exciting experience. It was an eye-opener to the fact that, if all people unite irrespective of cast and creed, the effect will be far reaching.

The visit to the St. Andrews palliative Care Centre was so crucial in our life. We got first hand information of how people can express real love to the suffering class and religion or cast is no bar here. It is here that they transcend the boundaries.

 

Visit to the St. Andrew’s Palliative Care home of differently abled people.

11.           How is your CC’s work helping to achieve the mission of URI?

Our CC will always act and support the mission of URI to bridge the gap among various religions. We can collaborate with other CCs to spread the principles of URI. All our activities are in tune with the URI principles.

12.          Within your CC, you have members from several different faiths and cultural traditions. How would you describe cooperation among your CC’s members? What are the challenges?

Our CCs members have started to study the neighbours’ faith and tradition after joining the URI. Challenge is the strong hold of caste system in the society.

13.          How is being part of URI helping your CC to achieve its goals?

We are influenced by the Peace Building Initiatives of URI. We get chances to attend different camps and conferences, including international seminars. YLP project is a real boon for our school and we hope that the new interfaith library will attract wide appreciation from all people. Parents are really happy about this pioneering move.

14.          Aside from funding, what are some specific ways URI can better support your CC in reaching its goals?

We would like to continue the YLP Project. Training for our students will be very much appreciated. A Peace Building Training Institute will be very useful to our students and staff.