Caritas India Northern Region Celebrates Golden Jubilee

Fr. Deepak D’Souza
Bellevision Media Network

Allahabad, 22 Febraury 2012:The year 2012 witnesses the completion of Caritas India’s 50 years of commitment and service to the nation. Caritas India Northern Region celebrated this joy of service with its UP & Rajasthan partners on 10th and 11th February, 2012 at Sadhana Sadan, 1 Tashkent Road, Civil Line, Allahabad. Diocesan Development & Welfare Society, Allahabad was the ‘Host’ of the programme. Altogether 80 people came from 12 different dioceses of U.P and Rajasthan took part in the Golden Jubilee Celebration of CARITAS India. On this grand occasion Caritas India also organized a work-shop on the theme “Ensuring the Entitlements of the Economically Marginalized”.

First day Programme

First day programme started at 02:00 p.m. with the prayer dance being beautifully presented by the children of Snehashraya. Thereafter Sr. Sheeba Jose welcomed all the participants came from different districts of U.P. and Rajasthan. Followed by the introduction of Caritas India by Fr. Fredrick D’Souza Director designate of Caritas India.

After which the theme of the workshop was discussed and key note address was given by Prof. Jean Dreze. He also explained the proceedings of the workshop and our plans for the day were discussed.
Eminent speakers like  Mr. Sandeep Pandey Dr. Indira Srivastava – R.T.I., Dr. Kamal Kumar – P.R.I, , Dr. Vijay Patel – R.T.E, Ashish Gupta – MNREGA, Ms. Kamayani Keki – MNREGA, and Mr. Shiv Narayan – MNREGA shared their inputs. Representatives of various network organizations also share their experiences related to the issue during the workshop. Prof. Jean Dreze beautifully explained the theme and the sub themes of the workshop to all the participants. This workshop was based on four sub topics pertaining to the entitlements and lives of the rural population. 

 

Considering the four sub topics four groups were formed in the beginning of the workshop. Each group was given one topic. Resource Person provided the information related to their respective fields. Accordingly participants dispersed to allotted places along with the resource persons of concerned topic for group discussions.
The workshop provided a platform for the actors who are working with the economically marginalized communities to come together and share their experiences with regard to the implementation of the programmes focused on delivering the entitlements of the marginalized. It further sharpened the understanding on the rights and entitlements of the poor and ways to advocate for its proper implementation. A common understanding on the prevailing gaps, challenges and a workable roadmap emerged at the end of the regional consultation.

Thus the ground reality of the issue of entitlements of the poor was kept in mind for bringing out a action plan to be presented on the occasion of Golden Jubilee celebrations on the following day. This workshop helped 12 Diocesan Social Service Societies of Northern region to take up the issues with a new vigor and in the right direction in the villages under their jurisdiction. 

Second Day Programme

A grand public function was organized to mark the Golden Jubilee of Caritas India in Northern Region (UKSVK). It was celebrated in premises of St. Joseph’s Regional Seminary, Allahabad under the auspices of Diocesan Development and Welfare Society, Allahabad on Saturday, 11 February 2012. Honourable Mr. Justice Amar Saran was the chief guest on the occasion while Rt. Rev. Francis Kalist, Bishop of Meerut was the guest of honour.

The program began with a candle light procession by 50 people consisting of representatives of 12 dioceses who have gained the immense importance and were looking so elegant on this auspicious day, who were blessed by Bishop Kalist and Rev. Fr. Frederick D’Souza, the Assistant Director of Caritas India. Thereafter, the inmates of Snehashray, Allahabad welcomed the guests with a colourful dance after which the eminent personalities were accorded a floral welcome. Rev. Fr. Cyril Sequeira, the Forum Director formally welcomed everyone present in the auditorium. Rev. Fr. Frederick D’Souza, the Assistant Director of Caritas India addressing the gathering said that Caritas India is joyously serving the humanity for the last 50 years in India to change the face of India. He invited all to join hands with Caritas India to contribute positively for the growth of our nation. The documentary on Caritas India showed how it was quick to respond to the needs of the people when various parts of our nation were hit by natural calamities such as flood, earthquake and cyclones.

 

Rt. Rev. Francis Kalist applauded the achievements of Caritas India in reaching out people in need. He said that justice in giving what is due and Caritas India is giving more than what is due. A short play “Black and White” by the Brothers of St. Joseph’s Seminary forced every one to think how they contribute to the growth of the society. They gave the loud message that we need to do our best however small we may be. During the thematic deliberations of the workshop Dr. Indira Srivastava highlighted the points of the workshop conducted in Sadhana Sadan on 10th February, 2012. Dwelling on the theme “Ensuring Entitlement of the Economically Marginalised” the house had discussed various aspects of RTI, RTE, PRI and MNREGA. A brief action plan with practical suggestions to aim at full fledged speedy development based on the rights and entitlements was presented.

The chief guest, Honorable Mr. Justice Amar Saran, High Court Allahabad, praised the humanitarian work done by Christians, especially by the Catholic Institutions. He said that there is a vast disparity between the various Acts such as RTI, RTE, PRI and MNREGA and the reality. He therefore invited the Caritas India to work in hands with other NGOs, Religious organizations and the government. Rev. Fr. Deepak D’souza, the director DDWS proposed the vote of thanks. The celebration ended with a sumptuous lunch for all.