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.