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

Email:  abrahammathewtr@gmail.com

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 11^th and 12^th 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