Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Conclusion of the Peace Week Celebration at KIPS







12th K. C Mathew annual lecture inauguration by Dr. Abraham Karickam

 Sri. V. K. Ibrahimkutty delivering presidential address during 12th K. C. Mathew Memorial lecture
 Sri. Y. Thomas, former teacher and Scout Master being honoured at ICSD, Valakom during 12th K.C. Mathew memorial lecture

P.K. Ramachandran giving 12th K. C. Mathew memorial lecture at ICSD, Valakom


Tuesday, July 5, 2016

CC Profile of JYOTHIRGAMAYA INTERFAITH CC

CC NAME:  JYOTHIRGAMAYA INTERFAITH CC
FAITHS AND TRADITIONS REPRESENTED IN CC: HINDU, CHRISTIAN, MUSLIMS AND DALITS
LOCATION OF CC:  PUNALUR
KEY AREAS OF FOCUS:   INTER RELIGIOUS HARMONY AMONG YOUTH

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION: 

RAJU P                                                                                  ANTONY JOSEPH
ESI DISPENSARY QUARTERS NO:2                             ST.GEORGE NAGAR
PUNALUR                                                                            KANJIRAMALA
KOLLAM                                                                               PUNALUR                                                                           
KERALA                                                                                                KOLLAM ,KERALA


Ph:9388276644                                                                                           Ph: 9447047197





 Summary

Punalur is a city situated near the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border in the Kollam District, in the Southern State of Kerala, India. It is situated on the banks of the Kallada River, receiving its name from two Tamil words; punal, meaning “water” and ooru, meaning “town”, therefore “town of water”. It is about 45 km north-east of Kollam and 75 km north of Thiruvananthapuram. It is also known as the "Lap of the Western Ghats”. Jyothirgamaya CC is located in this city. This CC mainly aims to spread the message of peace to younger generation. They also promote empowerment of women and children. Interreligious dialogues, celebrating festivals of all religious, self help units are some among their important activities.
QUESTIONS:
1.    What is the current religious/cultural/social context in the area where your CC is working?
Punalur is a city which is close to Tamil Nadu and people of various communities like Hindus, Christians, Muslims and Dalits live in this city. There is a large group of Tamilians (people from Tamil Nadu) also in this area. It is a historic city where we have the famous hanging bridge built by the Britishers. Lot of tourists visits this area every day to see the hanging bridge, which is more than two centuries old. It was renovated recently and attracts large number of visitors, including foreigners.
  


Punalur Suspension Bridge or Hanging Bridge, the ONLY ONE in Kerala and possibly first in the World was built by Albert Henry, a Scottish Engineer,  across the Kallada River in the year 1877.

The proximity to Palaruvi waterfalls and Thenmala Ecotourism project makes this all the more important a city in Kerala. There are a large number of schools and colleges in this city. It is also famous for the first Paper Mill established in Kerala State. Generally people live in a state of peace but occasionally there are conflicts among different political parties and communities.



                             Thenmala Dam

2.    Why is interfaith/intercultural bridge building needed in the area where your CC works?
There is occasional friction among the communities especially due to the presence of large number of Sri Lankans in the forest area. So many refugees from Sri Lanka settled here during LTTE struggle. There is also conflict between people of Kerala and Tamil Nadu based on the water issue in Mullaperiyar Dam. This is a century old issue in the name of water. The water of the dam is to be given to Tamil Nadu as per original contract signed by both states, but there is a lot of apprehension about the security of the dam, which was built a century ago using a mix of mud and lime. So interfaith bridge building is very essential in this area. We have to be vigilant always to avoid a conflict at any point of time.

3.    Please briefly describe the main activities or programs your CC is carrying out this year?
·       District level elocution competition conducted in connection with the International Day of Peace for the students from classes 7-12 at PSS Hall, Punalur. The program was inaugurated by Rev. Dr. Christy Joseph, Parish priest , St. Mary’s Cathedral, Punalur and prizes distributed by Prof. John Kurakar, URI Global Trustee,T.G. Stephen and Dr Samuel Nellikadu.
·       BAKRID CELEBRATION: CC visited various religious centers in Trivandrum in connection with bakrid day celebration.
 









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

Our main emphasis is fostering peace and harmony among Hindus, Christians, Muslims, Dalits and Tribals. There is a large concentration of tribals also in this area due to the proximity of the forest. There is big exploitation of the poor tribals because of illiteracy. We want to undertake programs for empowering the tribals through literacy programs.

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.
We conduct various interreligious programs, camps, seminars etc. People of all religions are invited and they take part in these with enthusiasm.
6.    Given the current context you described, what does your CC hope to achieve (goals)?
We hope to achieve harmony and peace among all religions in our locality and to spread the message of interreligious harmony to the coming generation. Dalit, Tribal and Women empowerment also include among our major goals.

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

Inter religious dialogues help to promote compassion and equality among CC members and we conduct various competitions for students to develop and orient them. We help different School CCs also to promote YLP Programs.

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.)
------------
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?
We celebrate Bakrid, Holi and Christmas. People of all religions join these celebrations, which is a visible sign of harmony.
10.          Please share a specific short story about your CC’s work that might teach a lesson about interfaith or inspire other CCs.
We had a friend named Bhasi, who was very active in all activities of our group. Once we found him very gloomy and came to know that he had cancer. This incident was very shocking for us. We gave all support to him. Our CC gave Rs.5000 towards his treatment. We cannot help him more because he is no longer alive. This prompted us to think of this important disease, which is spreading fast. We have to undertake cancer detection camps and support them, as early detection is crucial.
11.          How is your CC’s work helping to achieve the mission of URI?
Our programs are specially focused on youth to cultivate peace and justice in the society. URI PPP is at the core of our basic philosophy.
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?
We celebrate religious festivals by visiting various religious cultural centers. This way we build a bridge among diverse religions. The cooperation is excellent and we have no specific challenges to deal with as we have members who have deep interfaith commitment.
13.          How is being part of URI helping your CC to achieve its goals?
URI act as a common platform for the people who belong to different religions to share their various religious customs and traditions. Our CC is a visible expression of solidarity and amity.

14.          Aside from funding, what are some specific ways URI can better support your CC in reaching its goals?
URI can provide us:
1.    Training in peace building
2.    Materials like CC toolkit and other study books.
3.    Empowerment of various weaker sections through regular seminars.
4.    Seed grant for Tribal Empowerment and sustainable development.

                                                 Prepared by

                                        Leya Varghese and Team
























CC Profile of Interfaith Students’ Movement of India (IFSMI) AKMVHS



CC NAME: Interfaith Students’ Movement of India (IFSMI) AKMVHS (Asia, South India-Sri Lanka Region)


FAITHS AND TRADITIONS REPRESENTED IN CC: Hindus, Christians and Muslims
LOCATION OF CC:  KOLLAM DIST, KERALA.
KEY AREAS OF FOCUS: Youth Empowerment
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION: 
PRIMARY CONTACT                                                                                        SECONDARY CONTACT
Mr. M Abraham                                                                                                Sreenadh B Santhosh
Thulayil Renjana                                                                                               Sruthilayam
Ayur P.O,  Kollam.                                                                                            Karukone P.O, Puthayam
Ph: 9446107990                                                                                                 Ph: 9562407687

Key Languages: Malayalam
Preferred Communication Channels: Face to face

Interview: 20/04/2016


Summary

Inter Faith Students’ Movement of India (IFSMI) is a school CC which functions in AKMV Higher Secondary School in Kollam District. We have a YLP project in the school. This CC is very active which promotes different social welfare activities such as Medical Lab for the public.








QUESTIONS:

1.    What is the current religious/cultural/social context in the area where your CC is working?
Our CC is situated in Thadicadu where 75% of the population belongs to Muslim community. It is close to the famous Malamel Rock Temple which dates back to 1000 BC. There are many colonies of scheduled castes and tribes also in the area. There are various educational institutions that belong to various communities.
2.    Why is interfaith/intercultural bridge building needed in the area where your CC works?
Thadikkadu is a vulnerable place because of the concentration of large Muslim community. Many political clashes occur between the Muslim league and the Hindu political parties. Sometimes there are clashes between the Muslims and the Marxist party. Life of the common people is affected on several occasions because of the conflicts. So interfaith peace building is very much essential in this area.
3.    Please briefly describe the main activities or programs your CC is carrying out this year?

1.     Seed distribution to poor Dalit families.
2.     We conduct many classes to make aware the students the need of co-operation of different cultures.
We setup a health service lab for the daily checkup like blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure and other routine tests.
1.     We conducted a medical camp with three doctors in a village named Podiyattuvila. Around 300 people participated. Free medicines were provided. 
Students of our school collected soil from different places and tested its quality.

1.     Students and villagers were given practice to climb coconut trees using machines.
2.     We provide support to make agriculture garden in Anakkulam School, Channpetta.

1.    Between which specific religions or cultures are bridges being built?
We build relationships mainly among Hindus, Christians, Muslims and Tribals.
2.    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.
We provide services like soil testing, health checkup, vegetable seed distribution etc to bring together people from various communities. Awareness camps are also part of our regular community extension program. Our medical lab in the school caters to the public irrespective of religious and caste differences.
3.    Given the current context you described, what does your CC hope to achieve (goals)?
“We practice healing and reconciliation to resolve conflict without resorting to violence”. It is our hope to realize the above said principle of URI charter. We envisage several new programs for the coming year such as making the campus and the surroundings drug free and alcohol free. We intend to promote anti -tobacco campaigns also.
4.    How do you see your CC’s work improving cooperation among people of different traditions?
We find improved relationship among communities because of our community development projects. The school has become a nucleus for a peace building and conflict resolution. The whole community looks forward to us for leadership during turmoil.
5.    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.)
Our school managed by the Muslim community extends excellent leadership in resolving problems when ever conflicts arise in the neighborhood.
6.    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?
 As we have students from all communities, it is easy for us to relate to the parents.
7.    Please share a specific short story about your CC’s work that might teach a lesson about interfaith or inspire other CCs.
 Story of Ajmal
Ajmal was a student in class XI, coming from a poor family. His mother was in bed due to blood cancer. There was no hope to recover. Ajmal helped her in carrying out her daily routines. Ajmal was not regular in the class due to his mother’s illness. Our students used to go to his house to help him. One day his mother died. It was astonishing that our members irrespective of castes gathered at his residence to console him and help him in the funeral function. Our student members met the expenses by collecting money from among them and teachers. The occasion was very touching. Some of them stayed with him that day to support him.
8.     How is your CC’s work helping to achieve the mission of URI?
”We act from sound ecological practices to protect and preserve the Earth for both present and future generations”. All our community outreach programs are in accordance with the principles of URI. We relentlessly work for the realization of the above said principles. We show our strength as a very dynamic grass root level organization which promotes interreligious harmony and peace.

9.    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 are mostly from 11th and 12th grades. They come together often and discuss various aspects of interfaith relationship. They become best examples of improved interreligious relationship. They give leadership for community outreach programs in nearby villages. The biggest challenge is to take Muslim girls away from their homes for social work but we have come a long way due to our trust building.
10.          How is being part of URI helping your CC to achieve its goals?
We derive much inspiration from the URI philosophy.YLP program has given us great strength in designing and implementing social projects. We are grateful to URI for the seed grant.

11.          Aside from funding, what are some specific ways URI can better support your CC in reaching its goals?
Our members participate in maximum programs of URI like Youth camp, zonal assembly etc. We are really inspired by listening to the reports from different CCS. The patronage of URI sub region is extremely important for us and the very banner of URI helps us in promoting excellent understanding among various communities. We learn much from all programs and campaigns of URI in different parts of the world. Regional leaders can give us much support for workshops and seminars in future.

                                                                                          Prepared by

                                                                                       Leya Varghese and team