Student Christian Movement of India

The workshop was conducted by Mrs. Christy and Mr. Robinson, dedicated staff from Henry Martin Institute, Hyderabad and Mr. Manohar from SICHREM. Their sessions introduced and opened the perspectives of students on themes such as Reconcilaition for Justice and Peace, Case study of various Conflicts in India, closer look at Israel-Palistine Conflict, and many more. During this time students were divided into groups where they enjoyed themselves by interacting, by doing group exercises, chart work presentation, which helped them to work keenly in their own understandings, experience and reflection. As young ambassadors, students learnt so much about social justice, global issues and Peace and Justice program. They expressed that the workshop opened their eyes to issues which they would have never known otherwise. Earlier, Mr. David Das, General Secretary of SCMI Bangladesh, graced the occasion and inaugurated the programme by lighting a traditional lamp and gave the keynote address. Going alongside the workshop sessions were the Bible studies led by Rev. Raj Bharath Patta, General Secretary SCMI and Rev. Christopher Rajkumar, NCCI where both stressed on to make the word of God relevant to the context of turmoil today, highlighting the meaning of Justice and Peace from a Biblical Perspective. The students also visited Visthar, Bangalore and were greatly enriched with the sharing about Justice Program of Visthar from the Director Dr. David Selvaraj. The workshop ended with a statement from the students voicing out against any things or forces that destroy human relationships and committed themselves to be ambassadors of Justice and Peace.

SCMI-Jharkhand-Bihar Region, All Church’s Committee Youth Wing, Prayas Hamara and Gossner Theological College Ranchi

The program started with the Bible Reading Psalm 92 by Mr. Paulus Topno (Program Secretary). The Inaugural prayer was led by Rev.M.M.Ekka (Principal Gossner Theological College Ranchi. Special Guest Mrs.Rama Xalxo (Mayor Ranchi Municipality) and Mr.Gladson Dungdung (Human right’s activist, member of national human right’s commission) lit the inaugural lamp, followed by the representatives of different church’s. The program was graced by several social workers, priest from different Church human Rights activists and cultural activist.

The program was based on the five adivasi languages viz., Kurukh, Munda, Santhali, Ho and Kharia. Melodious songs were presented by the 20 groups from the different places of Jharkhand with several instruments and cultural dressup.The program was facilitated  by the speech of Mr.Gladson Dundung and Mrs.Rama Xalxo.They said that adivasi is introduced by their song and culture,Adivasi song always emphasize the Land,River,jungle and nature. The adivasi always depend upon the nature for their livelihood, therefore they always want to save nature. The present situation is completely changed-adivasis are displaced, migrated and nature is disturbed due to the globalization and privatization of the resources in whole Jharkhand.All Adivasis of world are struggling to survive and maintain the dignity. Mayor gave assurance to help in this project in the future. They encouraged the youth and different social groups to always try to maintain the adivasi prosperity and dignity in their working.

The organizing committee was introduced by Mr.Sajit Toppo (Prayas Hamara), Mr.Paulus Topno (SCM),Rev. M. M.Ekka(GTC) and ACCR (Fr.Jos Decayper).After the song competition the documentary “Gaon Chorab Nahi”was screend which is based on the displacement and migration. The first prize (Rs.5000 and Mander) was won by Hira Barwe Chatrsangh, Second Prize (Rs.3000 and Mander)-RC Church Machmandro and Third Prize (Rs.2000 and Mander)-Lepo munda Group Burhmu.

The program was ended with the closing prayer by Rev.H. K. Baba (Faculty GTC).

“The work of the students in the Church is a sign that the Church is not finish” expressed Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit, WCC General Secretary in his speech during a visit to SCM House, Bangalore on 26^th April 2012 afternoon. The WCC General Secretary along with Asia Regional Relations Secretary, WCC Rev. Dr. Dong-Sung KIM paid an ecumenical goodwill visit to SCM of India while they were in the city for the 27^th Quadrennial Assembly of the National Council of Churches in India. A fellowship lunch was arranged with SCM friends where they were heartitly welcomed with a note about SCMI by the General Secretary Rev. Raj Bharath Patta. Dr. Anandan, Treasurer SCMI, felicitated the dignataries. This was followed by a speech by both the global leaders wherein they shared on the significant role of students in the church which motivates and keeps the church strong and active and they encouraged SCMI to keep the flame burning and contribute towards the worldwide fellowship. They also expressed happiness over SCMI’s contribution in hosting and preparing the liturgy for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2013.

Later the guest along with SCMI staff visited International Services Association (INSA) India, a Community Health and Development HIV & AIDS Prevention Education and Child Protection Program Centre. The guests were welcomed by the staff of INSA under Florence Davis, the Program Director-Administrator. Thereon there were glimpse of INSA India and experience sharing by four HIV positive friends followed by interaction among the groups. The visiting guest also shared about the response of the church towards HIV & AIDS subject particularly accepting that the Church still has to open up on this issue. The visit concluded with appreciation, best wishes and prayer by the WCC General Secretary Rev. Dr. Olav Fyske Tveit.

Aosenla, Study Secretary

Communication Desk

A workshop on “Religious Pluralism and Mission” was jointly organized by Student Christian Movement of India (SCMI) and Henry Martyn Institute (HMI)  from 23^rd – 25^th March, 2012 at HMI – Aman Shanthi Nilayam, Hyderabad. 

The programme began with a welcome and devotion lead by HMI students.   Fr. Dr. Varghese Manimala, Director of HMI inaugurated the programme by lighting a traditional lamp and gave the keynote speech.  The HMI Video presentation was done by the CT, CD and Academics department of HMI.  Later the session on Islamic Spirituality was taken by Maulana Abdul Kareem. He also gave the orientation on Mosque visit, later the participants visited to Bagh-e Awaam Public Garden Mosque under his esteem guidance.  Following this we visited Gurudhwara and had meaningful plenary with Dr. Bupernder Kaur and also very good exposure in Gurudhwara.

The second day’s programme began with a short devotion followed by the Bible Study by Rev. Raj Bharat Patta, General Secretary of SCMI. He focused on the revelation of God in various forms and means, for which we should be more open to understand it in order to build kingdom of God on this earth.   The talk on “Women in Qu’ran” was led by Ms. Asma Nuzhath, Urdu Faculty of HMI. She focused on how the women play a great role in Qu’ran and also about the gender equality stressed in Qu’ran.  Mr. Ramesh Prakashvelu, Acting Associate Director, Praxis Team of HMI too presented discussions on “HMI’s Interfaith Initiatives.” He introduced some of the case studies through few audio songs on people’s struggle and HMI’s initiatives.  Following this Dr. Santanu K. Patro, Head of Religion Department from Chennai gave a lecture on “Religious Pluralism and Responsibilities” which was followed by group discussions. He focused on the ways to bring religious harmony in India.  Later we had Screening and Documentary on a film “Par Zania” which was the essence of the whole programme.

The third day’s programme began with the Eucharistic Service followed by a session on “Religious Pluralism and Mission” by Dr. Varghese Manimala, Director of HMI.  Dr. Sanatanu K. Patro continued his talk on “Religious Pluralism and our Responsibilities.”  The final talk on “Hindu Rituals” was led by Ms. Bala, Communications department of HMI.

The programme came to an end with concluding words from Mr. Inbaraj, SCMI Fellowship Secretary and Ms. Christy Femila, Programme Secretary of HMI – Acamedics; and the prayer and blessings of Dr. Varghese Manimala, Director of HMI. All the participants thoroughly enjoyed the workshop as it is the first time that they got the exposure to learn about other religious practices and engage in meaningful religious dialogue. All of them felt that this kind of exercise is helpful to build just and peaceful relationship with people of other faith and urged the churched and religious institutions to be inclusive and involve in building real humanism.

We thank the SCMI staffs, HMI staffs and participants for the help rendered in making this program successful.

Bharat Kumar. B,

Programme Secretary,

 SCMI – Andhra Region

Student Christian Movement of India –Jharkhand & Bihar  region and Hindi department  of Gossner College jointly observed the International Women’s Day and organized an Essay writing competition on the theme Women’s Empowerment: Past and  Present at Gossner College Hall on 22^nd March 2012.The  brief introduction of programme was given by Prof.SC Canton(Honorary sr.secretary scm) and  essay writing competition was conducted through the leadership of Prof.Asha (Political Science).About 50 students( bachelor of arts ) participated the programme.They  worked hard and effectively scribed the present situation of women in Jharkhand and  state.They  focused most on the security  and respect of women.They strongl;y appeal the government to provide complete security and education to the women,there should be the equality in men and women.

Prize winners:

First prize:Mr.Rishabh Gaurav(BA.2,Political Science)

Second Prize:Mr.Blacious Pnna(Tribal language)

Third Prize:Ms.Priska Ekka(BA 2,Hindi )

Consolation Prizes:

Mr.Styam Pathak(BA1,Economics)

Mr.Sharad Guria(BA 1,Hindi)

Ms.Manju Minj(BA 2,Hindi)

The chief guest of programme was Mr.Sidharth Tirkey (Principal Gossner College). There were present  several professors of the college.The programme was ended with leadership of Mr.Paulus Topno (Programme Secretary).

Paulus Topno

Programme Secretary

J/B Region

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE

REPORT OF THE TWO DAY WORKSHOP ON ‘PEACE & JUSTICE: PARADIGMS FOR A NEW HUMANITY’

 The SCM unit of the Union Christian College, Aluva of Kerala Region, hosted a two day workshop on ‘Peace and Justice : Paradigms for a new humanity’, in association with the Kerala SCM, as a part of the UBCHEA (United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia) project in the college on the 8^th and 9^th of March 2012. The workshop commenced with a live theatre, ‘Oororo Kaalathilum’ presented by the Aarangottukara Kalapadashaala . The Kerala Sahitya Academy award winning drama was a best fit for the International Women’s Day celebrations (March 8), that it portrayed the life of Kuriyedathu Thatri who was bold enough to pronounce the names of those who slept with her and was later out-casted. The play showed parallely the repetitions of atrocities against women and how justice is being denied to them.

The movie ‘Brother Sun and Sister Moon’ was also screened in the camp. The movie spoke for itself and it exhorted the students to live a life with God, with simple joys, small beginnings that could lead to greater ends. The movie pictured the life of Francesco, who had the grace to approach God through the beloved creatures around. The power corrupts the man, but the ‘love power’ never…Our simple joy may make others happy, even the sun, moon, air, flame were the friends of Francesco.  The world is not that violent as we perceive. If everyone could live as a lark, singing and thanking the Lord who created our original innocence would glow. There lays the peace and justice.

The second day of the workshop had three distinguished speakers viz; Sri Shoukat who talked on ‘Vision of Nithya Chaitanya Yathi’, Dr. K Aravindakshan who talked on ‘Violence in Buddhism’ and Dr. D Vinayachandran, the poet who talked on ‘Eco-justice’. The speakers emphasized on the need to be careful about small things like a flower, a weed, the air we breathe in etc. A close perusal of such things will ultimately help in visualizing the whole universe. Loving oneself is the beginning of spirituality and doing one’s duties with discipline is all what religion demands. Loving the free gift of nature is the basis of life and one and one need to take time to observe the rhythms of nature, even in these busy schedules of modern life.

The SCM students unit of Union Christian College presented a street play on ‘Women & Earth’. The play was on the ‘use and throw culture’ shown towards both Mother Earth and women. We are following this culture that fell into modernity which encroach and exploit Earth and Women.

The workshop came to an end with the valedictory session presided by Dr. T Thomas Philip, principal of the college. Rt. Rev.Dr. Geevarghese Mar Coorillos was the chief guest of the session and Mr. Babu Kodanvelil, the hand behind much of the SCM songs, was the special guest of honour. The messages by them enriched the workshop by touching everyone’s heart. It marked the right ending for the camp focusing on practical wisdom, to work more for a true life with Christ.

Prof. Liji Lorence,

Staff Advisor of Union Christian College, SCM unit

Aluva, Kerala.

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE

 Lecture delivered by Rev. Philip Vinod Peacock

The Carey Society of United Theological College and the Student Christian Movement of India together celebrated the 31^st anniversary of Professor Arvind P (1936-1995).  Nirmal’s Carey Society Valedictory Address 1981 on 17^th March 2012, at United Theological College in the midst of a host of Nirmal’s avid students and present students of systematic theology. Prof. AP Nirmal, fondly remembered by his contemporaries and students, is an influential figure in bringing a shift in the way people perceive theology and introduced the depth of doing Theology from the Dalit perspective which eventually heralded the way for Indian contextual Theologies.

The public lecture was chaired by Rev. Dr. John Samuel Raj, Principal of United Theological College and began with a prayer by Rev. Dr. Joseph George, Prof. in Christian Counseling department. Rev. Dr. Joseph Prabhakar, Associate Prof. Theology department welcomed the gathering and Rev. Dr. Manohar Chandra Prasad, leading Dalits Christian activist, reminiscenced the moments he had spent as a student with the great professor, how the professor had questioned the Christian of Christians of his time. His sharing session brought back memories of the professor and the many challenges he, as a pastor and social activist, could face in the church all because of his association and influence of the renowned Prof. AP Nirmal.  Soon after the sharing Rev. Dr. Allan, Lecturer in Ethics department read a speech sent on the occasion by Rev. Dr. J. Jayakiran Sebastian, Dean, Lutheran School of theology Philadelphia. 

Rev. Raj Bharath Patta, General Secretary, SCMI introduced the speaker Rev. Philip Vinod Peacock, Associate professor of theology and Social Analysis, Bishop’s College, Kolkata to the house. The speaker framed the lecture on “Now we will have the Dalit Perspective: Dissecting the Politics of Identity.” Rev. Philip as an introduction gave the background of the then Theology in India which was vehemently locked in the discourse of nationalism. He then brought to the fore the work of Prof. Nirmal who undertook the task to take Theology out of the Nationalistic stream and worked for a theology that start from below, a Dalit Theology particularly made evident by his book “Towards a Shudra Theology” or also known as “Towards a Dalit Theology”. Problematizing the Dalit Identity and the Dalit perspective, Dalit as a fluid identity, Dalit as a destabilizing identity, Dalit as an identity which allows for the assemblages of affinities among the afflicted, The Trinity as a Destabilizing Deity were the many thought provoking ingredients of the paper which visibly communicated the way Prof. Nirmal conceptualized Theology and wherein lay the emergence of an innovative Dalit theology.

The lecture was followed by the vote of thanks by the secretary of Carey Society, UTC Mr. Samuel Livingstone and the program closed with a prayer and benediction by Rev. Dexter Maben, New Testament Department. The Nirmal’s family was also present on this occasion and, it was a befitting way of celebrating the life and theology of Prof. A.P. Nirmal.

Ms. Aosenla Jamir,

Study Secretary, Communication Desk, SCMI

SCMI North Tamil Nadu region organized Two-Day regional camp on Eco-Justice, “WE SPEAK 2012”, from 9^th March to 11^th March 2012 at COME Compassion Retreat Centre, Thiruporur.

Around 20 students from different units in and around Chennai actively participated in the workshop. Morning Walk, Bible Studies, screening of documentaries, creative presentations, group discussions, cultural night, debate, Ice-breakers, games and a concluding worship were the items on the agenda that filled the workshop.  Mr. AJ Mithra (Researcher and Zoo-musicologist) was the Chief-resource person of the day. He elaborated on the varied rich natural resources, drawing particular references to those areas yet unexplored and the magnified working of the entire life-network on the entire universe. His presentation also included how humankind ended up whipping out mother earth, depleting her rich resources, thus eventually human beings designing their own pathetic fates. His documentary works complemented his lecture and had a great impact on the students. He creatively engaged the students in an open discussion where radical and critical questions which disturbed the young minds came up. To highlight, Mr. Mithra led the student group in morning walk where followed by a refreshing walk around 6.30 AM, he led us in a short devotion and sing song session which took place beside a river bed. The students appreciated this spiritual exercise as a new experience which they cherish. 

 Rev. Spurgeon, Senior Friend and the Chaplain of Madras Christian College led the Bible Study on 10^th March, 2012. He explicated on Luke 4: 1-13 from an ecological perspective. He provided a contextual framework to the text where he kept the temptations par in line with the consumerist attitude of our technological era and encouraged the students about the need to resist these forces, like Jesus did. ‘Drumming for Liberation’ is a budding folklore team of the Diocese of Madras who enlightened the workshop by their presence on 10^th March, evening. It was indeed a fruitful time for the students to both relish the culture of the land and also to join in the struggle of the indigenous people who are the worst victims of ecological crisis. Rev. Shakespeare, Presbyter-in-charge of the Diocese of Madras shared his insights on the Christian Understanding of Eco-Justice and the role of the students towards the same. It was followed by a Debate on the theme, ‘Rural Vs Urban: Challenges for a just life-style in the 21^st century’.   

The Workshop concluded with worship on 11^th March, 2012. Ms. Angel Merlin, the Program Secretary led the Devotion and Mr. Paari, the coordinator of COME Compassion, Thiruporur concluded the workshop with a word of prayer. A short recap session took place towards the end of the event where the students were asked to write down their commitment towards Eco-Justice and their concluding remarks.  

In this programme, around 150 SCM members gathered together in the presence of 20 senior friends and many other campus families. Altogether more than 200 people come together to join hands in prayer. After the service tea fellowship was organized at ATC Dining Hall.