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SEMINARS,
WORKSHOPS, YOUTH/STUDENTS CAMPS, INTERFAITH
DIALOGUE
etc.
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inter-collegiate workshop on
youth sensitisation and AWARENESS FOR
‘peace and communal harmony’
17th to 19th February 2012
The venue of the workshop was at Lonar
Village of Nagpur District, which is almost 12 km away
 from
Nagpur City. The participants and the resource persons
for the first day of the camp reached the venue on 09.30
am in the morning itself. Participants were MSW students
from various colleges around Nagpur.
The first two sessions were by Dr. Asghar Ali Engineer
on ‘Religion and Culture’ and ‘Cultural Diversity in
India’. Starting with question regarding religion,
culture, how they are differentiated Dr. Engineer
elaborated the topic with examples from cultural
practices in India. The objective of the session was to
sensitise the participants regarding the difference
between culture and religions, which is often mixed and
misused by communal politicians to create conflicts in
the society. The session was live with number of
questions from the participants.
Read
Full report>> |
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Youth Sensitizing
and Awareness Workshop
Center for Study of Society
and Secularism had organized a three day camp on ‘Youth
Sensitizing and Awareness’. 53 under graduates from DAV
College Bhandup
 had
participated in the camp at Sarvodaya, St Pius College
Campus, Goregoan (E), Mumbai on 13th to 15th September
2011.
The aim of the camp was to make
youth aware about their rights and duties towards civil
society. CSSS had invited renowned resource person from
different institutes to deliver their thoughts to
students on various topic. Mr. Riyas and Ms. Minal from
Research Dept coordinated entire youth camp.
Read full report |
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Mumbai Release of Dr. Asghar
Ali Engineer’s autobiography
at the hands of
Julio
Reibero, Speakers
were Teesta
Setalvad, Justice
Suresh, Satish Sahni
and Kumar Ketkar.
Ram Puniyani
Moderated the
discussion,
on 5th
September, 2011.
Workshop
on Police orientating on “The Role of Police in Civil
Society”
A one day workshop
was organized on 27-7-11 at Madina Education Centre,
Hyderabad on “The Role of Police in Civil Society”
in association with Hyderabad City Police.
 25
senior level police officers and a few members of civil
society organizations working on Communal Harmony, Peace
and Social Justice attended this workshop. Dr. Asghar
Ali Engineer, Chairman, Centre for Study of Social and
Secularism, Mumbai was the guest speaker.
Mr. Mohammed Turab,
Executive Secretary, COVA welcomed guest speakers,
Senior Police Officers and other invitees from civil
society organizations and requested Dr. Anand Raj Varma
to preside over the workshop and to conduct the
proceedings.
Read full report >>
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Workshop on Awareness
creation and capacity
building of women in
India
Two
days long Awareness creation and capacity building
workshop for women have been conducted in Goregaon,
Mumbai. Objective of the workshop was to
 create
awareness among the women, how the patriarchy structure
limits their freedom, how it is an obstacle for the
empowerment of women in social and political spheres,
how it is weaved with culture religion etc. 75
participants including women and men from various parts
of Maharashtra attended the workshop.
Read
Full report>>>
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‘YOUTH SENSITISING & AWARENESS
CAMP’
 CSSS
in collaboration with ‘Montfort Empowerment Park’, Gorai,
organized a three day ‘Youth Sensitizing & Awareness
Camp’. There were 52 NSS volunteers from Smt. Kamala
Mehta VWA College of Commerce, Andheri (W) and Bal
Bharthi College, Kandivali participated in the three day
camp. Staff from CSSS, Montfort Empowerment Park, Kamala
Mehta College, and Bal Bharthi College also participated
in the camp.
Read full report
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2-DAY WORKSHOP ON ROLE OF
WOMEN IN PEACE AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION, 8-9 JUNE 2011,
DON BOSCO NAVJEEVAN, RAMANTHPUR, HYDERABAD
A 2-day workshop was organised by the
CSSS on 8 and 9 June 2011 at Don Bosco Navjivan,
 Ramanthpur,
Hyderabad, in collaboration with Aman Vedika Biradari,
Hyderabad. The workshop was meant to explain to the
women the concepts of Peace and Conflict Resolution and
sensitise them to play a pro-active role in establishing
peace and social harmony in their own localities and
take active part in conflict resolution.
Read Full report |
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2-DAY WORKSHOP ON EMPOWERMENT AND CAPACITY BUILDING OF
MUSLIM WOMEN
A 2-day workshop was organised by the CSSS on 6th
and 7th June 2011 at St. Pius College campus at
Goregaon East, Mumbai in collaboration with Bharatiya
Muslim
 Mahila
Andolan, Mumbai. The workshop was meant to educate
Muslim women on their rights not only under the Quran
but also on their civic rights as citizens of India; the
importance of secular education so as to make the girls
of the community capable of availing the opportunities
and the facilities available to them, especially under
the New 15-Point Programme of the Prime Minister. The
workshop was the first of a series of such events
proposed to be organised under the grant from Ford
Foundation.
Read Full
Report>>
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3-DAY WORKSHOP ON
EMPOWERMENT AND CAPACITY BUILDING OF MUSLIM WOMEN,
The Centre for Study of Society and Secularism, Mumbai
organised a 3-day
 workshop
at Bopal, Ahmedabad, Gujarat from 10 to 12 May 2011. The
workshop was meant to educate Muslim women not only on
their Qur’anic rights but also on their civic rights as
citizens of India, the importance of secular education,
especially for Muslim girls, so as to make them capable
of availing the opportunities and the facilities
available to them, especially under the New 15-Point
Programme of the Prime Minister. The workshop was, in
fact, a sequel to the one organised on 2-4 December 2010
at Gandhinagar.
Read full
report>>
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Workshop on Perceptions of Minorities
towards Policing’
One day police workshop was held in Haryana
Police Academy in Madhuban, Haryana on
 3rdMay
2011. Dr. Asghar Ali Engineer was the main speaker.
Besides him, Mr. Chaudhary, IPS Director, Haryana Police
Academy also spoke. The topic of the workshop was
‘Perceptions of Minorities towards Policing’. Dr.
Engineer threw light in detail on why minority
perception of policing differs from majority and What
are the issues involved. While endorsing Dr. Engineer’s
observation Mr. Chaudhary added his own experiences and
explained to the participants how to deal with the
minorities? There were 500 participants from level of
DIG’s to Constables and majority of participants were
sub-inspectors, inspector and constables.
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Workshop on Rights of Muslim Women: Theory and Practice
.jpg) The
Centre for Study of Society and Secularism jointly with
Institute of Islamic studies has organized a 3 day
workshop in Allahabad from 15th-17th
April, 2011 on Rights of Muslim Women: Theory and
Practice. There were 50 women and men from six states of
Eastern U.P like Jaunpur, Azamgarh, Banaras, Lucknow,
Gorakhpur and Allahabad. The participants were from
NGO’s working among Muslim Women, teachers and
individuals.
Read more
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Workshop on ‘Peace and Communal Harmony’
‘Centre for study of society and Secularism’ in
collaboration with ‘Gandhian Institute
 of Studies, Varanasi, organized a four day workshop on ‘Peace and
Communal Harmony’.
There were 44 participants from in and around Varanasi
who are already engaged in social work through various
NGOs working in the related field. The workshop was held
in a quiet venue, Nav Sadhana, which is 8 km away from
Varanasi. Resource persons were from CSSS, Gandhian
Institute of Studies, Banaras Hindu University and from
Latin America.
Read full report
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Workshop on
Awareness and Capacity-Building
of Muslim Women
Bangalore: “Religion in my
view cannot be understood unless you understand the
socio- cultural
context in which it was revealed. One has to understand
the society in order to understand the religion. All of
us are firm in our belief that our religion is pure and
has come to us as revealed by us. Therefore we delink it
from the historio-cultural context. One would better
understand the religion, if he were to study the
history, culture and society when the messengers or
revelations came.”
This was stated by noted
reformist thinker Dr. Asghar Ali Engineer while
presenting the keynote address at a workshop organized
by the Indian Social Institute, Centre for Study of
Society and Secularism and the Talent Promotion Trust
here on April 9.
Read full report
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3 DAY YOUTH WORKSHOP
ON PEACE AND COMMUNAL HARMONY AT MADURAI FROM 14TH-16TH
MARCH, 2011
 Nearly
45 students and few NGOs workers participated in the 3
day workshop. The participants were selected from all
over India. They held from Banaras Hindu University,
Delhi, Gandhigram Rural University, Fatima College,
Madurai, Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Youth Development,
Sriperumbedur all send their representatives to
participate in 3 days workshop. The purpose of this
workshop was to sensitize create awareness of the
communal harmony and peace and also to teach them the
methods of conflict transformation.
Read more
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POLICE WORKSHOP ON
COMMUNAL HARMONY
 CSSS
organized a workshop for Border Security Force was held
on 7th March, 2011 at B.S.F. Academy, Gwalior,
M.P. in which 300 B.S.F. commandos and other higher
officers including Inspectors, Dy.S.P, DIG’S, and I.G’S.
participated. Of these 300 officers, about 200 were
undergoing training and about 100 were part of
preparation courses. The workshop was presided over by
Director of the Academy and Director General of police
Shri. V.N.Rai who also introduced Dr. Asghar Ali
Engineer who was the main speaker.
Dr.
Engineer spoke on various aspects of communal problem
including misinterpretation of medieval history which
has become the main point of communal conflict. He also
threw light on the causes of partition and its important
role played by Muslim clergy Jamiatul-ulema-e-hind in
opposing two nation theory. He also threw light on
contemporary issues in communal politics. This was
followed by question answer session and vote of thanks.
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WORKSHOP ON PEACE AND
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
DATE: 4th-6th
Mar, 2011
VENUE: Sultanpur, Uttar
Pradesh
A three day youth
workshop on peace and conflict resolution was held on 4th
to 6th March 2011 at Sultanpur, Uttar
Pradesh. Total number of participants are 35 and they
were
 from
Law College. The students were not aware of the
information about Communalism, Terrorism and even
medieval history and in fact it was according to the
feedback a wonderful workshop as far as acquiring the
knowledge about the subject.
As far as attendance
concerned it was not a residential workshop. The
workshop could not start on time because the
participants have to come from distance places. The
participants were very interactive throughout the
workshop they were very active in putting questions and
seeking answers. Press coverage was good and every day
the details of the workshop were sent to press.
The participants felt
that the sessions were too tightly packed and there was
not much of group discussion or cultural activities
amongst the participant. However it was decided on the
last day that the youth could carry on this follow up
workshops and they have decided to celebrate Holi-Milan
with the grass root people.
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Community Workshop on
Awareness and Capacity Building for Minority
 Centre
for Study of Society and Secularism (CSSS) organized
one-day community workshop for the empowerment of and
capacity building for the minority community. In
democracy, it is a vital requirement to safeguard the
minority rights and therefore, the major purpose of this
workshop is to create awareness amongst the members of
minority community, most particularly Muslims, about the
emerging initiatives to restore their capacity.
Read Full report
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‘YOUTH SENSITISING & AWARENESS CAMP’
Date:
12th
to 13th
FEBRUARY 2011
Venue:
Montfort Empowerment Park, Gorai Village, Borivili (W),
Mumbai.
 CSSS
in collaboration with ‘Montfort Empowerment Park’, Gorai,
organized a two day ‘Youth Sensitizing & Awareness
Camp’. There were 56 students from Smt. Kamala Mehta VWA
College of Commerce, Andheri (W), who participated in
the two day camp. Staff from CSSS, Montfort Empowerment
Park and Smt. Kamala Mehta VWA College of Commerce also
participated in the camp.
Read Full Report
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Workshop on Peace and
Conflict
Two day workshop for women on
‘Peace and conflict’ was held at Hyderabad, Andhra
Pradesh jointly with Aman Vedika on 5th and 6th
February 2011. There were 60 participants including men
participants. The participants were from different
districts of Andhra Pradesh.
 The
Purpose of the workshop was to create awareness and
train the social activists specially women participants
to know about the various communal violence that has
erupted in Andhra Pradesh and its effects on women. The
resource persons were Dr. Asghar Ali Engineer, Dr.
Shaikh, a human rights activist, Ms. Anuradha an NGO
worker who is working for women’s rights and Dr. Mazar
Hussain Director, COVA.
Read Full
report
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Seminar on
Recommendations, Implications and Implementation Status
of
Sachar Committee- Ranganath Mishra Commission- 15 Point
Program for Minorities
held on February 1, 2011,
At
Pastoral Center, Gun Foundry, Hyderabad
Centre
for Study of Society and Secularism (CSSS) in
association with COVA
 Hyderabad
organized A.P. State Level Seminar on recommendations,
implications and implementation status of Sachar
Committee & Ranganath Mishra Commissions Reports and
P.M.’s New 15 Point Program at Hyderabad on 1st
February 2011. Elected People’s Representatives,
Academicians and Social Activists were invited to speak
on the subjects and to share their knowledge and
experiences with the concerned citizens and Activists
working on Social change in the society.
Read Full
report |
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Lecture on
Role of Youth in Civil Society
CSSS
has been organizing lectures workshops, seminars for
youths, teachers, journalist, women, and police in order
to spread the message of peace and communal harmony.
Since youths are the future citizens of this country and
 especially
those students who are going to be in the defence area
needs to be more secular and free from any communal
biases, more importantly they should be aware of their
role in the civil society. It was in this context that
CSSS organized a lecture on” Role of Youth in Civil
Society” at YC - NISDA (Yashwantrao Chavan -
National Center of
International Security and Defence Analysis)
on 23rd Dec 2010. There were about 35
participants who consist of some army officers, and some
PH.D students. Dr A.S Dalvi, Director of YC- NISDA gave
the welcome note and inaugurated the lecture, he
stressed on the importance & the need of this topic.
Dr Asghar Ali Engineer delivered the talk on the topic
where he discussed on what should be the role of
politicians i.e. it should be just and people friendly;
it should solve the issues of people. He said that
honesty and courage should be there in every individual
in order to carry out their vision of secularism, peace
and harmony. Talking about our education system he said
that our present education system does not create
critical mind but only confirming minds, so it should
be the our responsibility to understand the difference
between knowledge and information as then only we can
bring about some change in the society. The lecture was
followed by discussion.
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Lecture on “Role of
Youth in Building Peaceful Nation”
In the NSS camp held
in Gorai, Mumbai from 24th to 30th
Dec 2010, 40 students of different colleges
participated. Dr Asghar Ali Engineer inaugurated the
camp and
 delivered
two lectures on Role of youth in building peaceful
nation. He said that our present education system not
only creates one dimensional human beings but also with
prejudiced view points, in order to utilize energy of
the youth one has to over haul present education system
which creates confirming minds rather than fundamental
values of equality, human dignity, human rights, justice
and peace. Dr Engineer said that patriotic students
should engage in critical reflections about radical
change based on above values. He should not simply
accept what is written in our textbooks, these textbooks
are written in order to serve cause of corrupt
politicians who are promoting caste and communal
identities for their own power. His lecture was followed
by discussion. |
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Capacity building and
Awareness creation for women
December 15 – 17, 2010,
Bangalore
Even after more than
60 years of democratic governance, and the Indian
Constitution granting equal rights to all its citizens
irrespective of gender, among other criteria, it is sad
that the government and the policy makers have shown no
 enthusiasm
in translating de jure rights of women into to
de facto rights, a necessary condition for effecting
changes in the society. A substantial portion of Indian
women remains illiterate or poorly educated and face
discrimination in more aspects than one. Similarly,
women have not been able to occupy adequate space in the
political arena and even in the political parties as
decision-making partners. Other formal institutions have
not validated or recognised the participation or
contribution of women. Women’s role in the sphere of
decision-making has so far been insignificant to have
any kind of multiplier effect. As statistics
Read full
report
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THREE-DAY WORKSHOP ON EMPOWERMENT AND CAPACITY BUILDING
OF MUSLIM WOMEN
2-4
DECEMBER 2010, GREENWOOD RESORT,
OFF SARKHEJ-GANDHINAGAR HIGHWAY,
GANDHINAGAR, GUJARAT
A
REPORT
A 3-day workshop was organised by the CSSS in
collaboration with Action-Aid
 from
2 to 4 December 2010 at Gandhinagar (Gujarat). The
workshop was meant to educate Muslim women on their
rights not only under the Quran but also on their civic
rights as citizens of India; the importance of secular
education so as to make the girls of the community
capable of availing the opportunities and the facilities
available to them, especially under the New 15-Point
Programme of the Prime Minister.
The CSSS had made provision for organising such workshop
of one-day duration in the programmes to be carried out
under the grant from Misereor/BFW (one-day) and Ford Foundation
(2-days). With a view to avoiding unnecessary
expenditure and making the workshop meaningful, the two
proposed workshops were held together as a 3-day event.
This also enabled the CSSS to avoid inviting
participants on two occasions.
Read Full Report
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WORKSHOP ON “PEACE AND CONFLICT
RESOLUTION"
 Centre
for Study of Society and Secularism organized a 7 day
workshop on “Peace and Conflict Resolution” from 21st
to 27th November 2010 at St Pius Campus, Sarvodaya.
There were about 35 participants from different parts of
India who were students, NGO workers, activists, etc.
The workshop started with a peace march where the
students said the peace slogans and marched at the road.
The inauguration of the workshop was done by Dr Asghar
Ali Engineer who discussed about the need for the
workshop after which the sessions started.
Read
full report
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Workshop on ‘Secularism, Communal Violence & Role of
Religion in Peace Building’ - 16th to 20th
November 2010 at Kolhapur
 ‘Centre
for study of society and Secularism’ in collaboration
with ‘Centre of Gandhian Studies’ organized a five day
workshop on ‘Secularism, communal violence & role of
religion in peace building’ at Shivaji University,
Kolhapur, Maharashtra. There were 47 participants from
various backgrounds such as Political Science, History,
Sociology, Law, Business Administration, Natural
Sciences etc. Both students and faculty from various
departments of the university and nearby colleges
attended the workshop.
Read Full Report
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Prospects and challenges for India on the Ayodhya
Verdict
M umbai - A group of concerned citizens gathered to
discuss the verdict of the Allahabad High Court with
regard to the Ayodhya dispute between Ram Janmabhoomi
versus Babri Masjid in India. A number of perspectives
were put forth.
The Centre for Study of Society and Secularism (CSSS)
and Institute of Indian Culture (IIC) jointly organized
a round table discussion 'Prospects and Challenges of
the Ayodhya Verdict for the Nation' on 23 October 2010
to discuss the judgment passed on 30 September 2010 by a
three judge special bench from the Lucknow bench of the
Allahabad High Court with regard to the dispute between
Ram Janmbhoomi and Babri Masjid (Mosque).
Read
full report
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Youth
Workshop on “Role of youth In Peace Building”
A three day youth camp on “Role of Youth in Peace Building”
was organized by CSSS at St Pius Campus, Bio Medical Ethic Centre Goregaon East,
Mumbai on 2nd to 4th September
2010. The Workshop was organized for the Students of DAV
College Mumbai. The main purpose to organize this youth camp was to create
awareness among the youth about the present situation in Indian Politics, Growing
communal hatred in the country, and gender justice.
There were in all 42 students who participated in the
workshop.
The introduction and welcome note was given by Ms Ritu
Pathak, Programme Executive
 CSSS
who stressed on the need to organize this workshop and
introduced the guests. The key speakers and their topics
were – Dr Asghar Ali Engineer: Ethnic
Conflict in Contemporary India & Myths about Minorities,
Adv Irfan Engineer: Understanding
Conflicts, Dr V. Mohan: Role of Women in
Conflict Transformation & Ethnic Conflict in Sri Lanka,
Miss Ritu Pathak: Domestic Violence and
Women – Legal Aspects, Prof Ram Puniyani:
Conceptual Frame Work of Secularism, Communal Harmony &
Peace and its relevance in Indian Society & History of
Modern India & Indian national Movement. There was an
interactive session after every session where the
students use to ask questions. On the last day there was
presentation of Assignment by students.
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7-days
Workshop on ‘Peace and Conflict Resolution’
On 16th to 22nd August 2010 Centre
for Study of Society and Secularism organized a 7
.jpg) days’
workshop on “Peace and Conflict Resolution” at St Mary’s
College Shirava, Udupi, Karnataka. The workshop was
organized for the student’s of MSW department. There
were in all 45 students and some teachers of MSW
department who participated in the workshop.
The welcome note was given by Principal of the college Dr.
Johan Miranda, he welcomed all the guest on the dais
after which the Inauguration of the workshop was done by
Zilla Panchayat President Mrs. Gladiya followed by the
keynote address by Prof Muzzafar Assadi. Rev Fr. Stany
Tauro gave the presidential address after which the
session started. The key speaker for the seven days were
Prof Muzzafar Assadi- Dept Political Science Mangalore
University, Dr Asghar Ali Engineer – Chairman CSSS, Ms.
Ritu Pathak – Programme Executive CSSS, Dr Sudha
Sitharaman – Prof department of Sociology, Bangalore
University, Prof Ram Puniyani- General Secretary CSSS,
Dr David Selveraj – Activist from Visthar Bangalore,
 Dr.
Jeevan Kumar Prof Dept of Political Science, Bangalore,
Prof Chandra Pujary – Hampi, Prof Rajaram Tolpady –
Mangalore University, Dr John Fernandez , Mr. Hegde –
Activist, and Major Gen Sudhir Vombetkere.
The Valedictory address was given by Major Gen Sudhir.
Apart from the sessions the students were taken to the
Conflict Zones (Special Economic Zones) in Mangalore
where the students interacted with the people who have
been displaced by the MRPL.
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WORKSHOP ON “WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT – REVISITED” |
REPORT
The Workshop on Women Empowerment – Revisited was conducted
jointly by Centre for Study of Society and Secularism,
Mumbai and Indian Social Institute, Bangalore on the 1st
and 2nd July 2010 at the ISI, Bangalore.
 The
Inaugural function began at 10.30 in the morning. The
guests on the dais included Dr. Asghar Ali Engineer, Dr.
Vasundhara Mohan, Fr. M.K. George & Mrs. Nina Nayak.
Ms.
A. Sagaya Shanthy, the Co-ordinator of the women’s Unit
of ISI welcomed the guests and gave insight into the
purpose of the workshop. She said that the main aim of
the workshop is to revisit the empowering process, as
empowerment seems more of a financial empowerment.
Fr. M.K. George who presided over the function welcomed the
participants to the workshop. Mrs. Nina Nayak who
rendered the inaugural speech spoke about the role of
women in the development of society. She stressed
primarily on the primary duty of women – that of the
mother. She also spoke about the various schemes of the
government in aid of mother and child and encouraged the
participants to avail the same.
Dr. Asghar Ali Enginner who gave the keynote address spoke
about the status of Muslim women in
India. With references to the Holy Koran he was able to
illustrate how patriarchal society has interpreted the
Koran with respect to women.
Dr. Vasundhara Mohan proposed the vote of thanks.
After the inaugural session the first session on “ Women in
Panchayat Raj” was handled by Ms. Jyothi Raj and her
team consisting of Mrs. Jayamma (District co-ordinator
of Dalit panchayat), Mr. Sreenivas (Divisional
coordinator), Mr. Narayanappa (Taluk co-ordinator).
Ms. Jyothi Raj is the Director of Rural Education for
development Society(REDS) – Tumkur. REDS is an
organisation of repute working with dalits.
The group shared their experiences in working with dalit
women, especially political empowerment of Dalit women.
They shared about how they were instrumental in
encouraging more women into local politics and how they
were able to empower women.
The discussion was very useful for the participants to
understand the importance of political participation and
decision-making by women.
T he
afternoon session was handled by Ms. Mercy Kappen.
Ms. Mercy Kappen is one of the Founder Directors of Vistar,
which is a pioneering agency promoting alternative
learning &life styles. Vistar is also working with
children of Devadasis. Ms. Mercy has worked with
fishermen communities in Waynad. She is one of the best
resource persons on Gender in the country.
In her session she spoke about the patriarchal nature of
society and the gendering process.
After tea, Dr. Vasundhara Mohan, Executive Director of CSSS,
Mumbai spoke about the various areas of women’s
empowerment. She said that the main areas to be
concentrated when speaking about women’s empowerment are
access to education, information of resources, political
participation, decision-making, equitable division of
labour. She explained that empowerment calls for change
in patriarchal attitudes.
Dr. Vasundhara Mohan gave a good profile of Karnataka
Muslims. She cited that education backwardness of
Muslims is because of overt and covert discrimination
and lack of infrastructure like schools in Muslim
localities and various other restrictions.
Education has not been given importance because Indian
Muslims and their organizations have been forced to
focus most of their energies on protection of Muslim
lives, properties, institutions and identity because of
which education has not received the attention that it
deserves.
The second day began with a recap of the previous day’s
activities, Ms. Asha Ramesh spoke about the reservation
bill and its implications.
Ms. Asha Ramesh is a well known activist and researcher on
gender related issues. At present she is the Director,
Rights based programmes with the centre for world
solidarity in Hyderabad. She was part of the United
Nations core team in India that coordinated Indian
Women’s participation in the 1995 Beijing Women’s
Conference. Her research on the Devadasi system in
Karnataka led to the enactment of the Devadasi Prohib tion
Act of 1982.
Her talk was on the importance of the Women reservation
bill in empowering women. She spoke about the various
perspectives and viewpoints with reference to the
Reservation bill.
The next resource person of the day Ms. Tressiamma Mathew
who spoke about enhancing life skills to empower women.
Ms. Tressiamma Mathew is the Director of Archana Women’s
Centre in Kerala.
She spoke about empowerment of women as development, before
everything else. She explained her own experience of
organizing women’s groups and motivating and training
them to become skilled builders and masons and how she
used her stint of work with the Dutch aided water and
sanitation project during 1988 – 2004 to provide a very
appropriate background and motivation to extend skill
oriented technical training to women from background
families.
In the next session, Ms. Geetha Menon, spoke about human
trafficking and initiated a discussion after screening
the documentary “Aneka”. The screening stimulated a
heated discussion and also enabled the participants to
understand the seriousness of human trafficking.
The valedictory function began after a small evaluation of
the Workshop. In his valedictory address, Fr. Joseph
Xavier spoke about the various schemes that various
states have undertaken to empower women. He encouraged
the participants to utilize the opportunities that came
their way and strengthen themselves.
Dr.Evangeline, Professor, Women Studies, UTC, Bangalore who
delivered the valedictory address spoke about various
prejudices of the patriarchal society when it came to
empowerment of women. She said that we should be
cautious about our own stereotyped behaviours which are
obstacles to empowerment.
The workshop came to an end with Ms. A. Sagaya Shanthi
thanking the participants for their active participation
and also CSSS for giving ISI the opportunity to conduct
the workshop.
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Interfaith Dialogue on Role of Religion and State in
Reforms 25 June 2010 |
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An
Interfaith dialogue on Role of Religion and State was
organized by CSSS jointly with Institute of Indian
Culture, at Institute of Indian Culture, Gyan Ashram
Complex, Mahakali caves Road, Andheri (East), Mumbai on
25th June 2010. The welcome note was given by
Ms. Ritu Pathak Programme Executive of CSSS, where she
mentioned about the need
to organize this interfaith. She welcomed the guests
after which, Dr Asghar Ali Engineer gave the keynote
address, where he mentioned about the importance of the
topic and said that there is need for reforms in
religion and that can be brought out by us. He gave
various examples of reforms brought out during the
British period like sati practice, child marriage etc.
he also cited various examples from Quran which mentions
that it is right based for women and duty based for men.
After
the keynote address the sessions started. In the first
session there were two speakers Dr Zeenat Shaukat Ali
and Prof Ramesh Kamble. Dr Zeenat spoke on the topic
Islam Aspects of Social Political and Legal Reforms.
And Prof Ramesh spoke on “Role of reforms from Buddhist
perspective”. Dr Zeenat stressed on the legal, political
and social aspects of reform from Islamic point of view.
She mentioned that in some issues it becomes very
necessary for the state to intervene in religious
matters. She cited various examples from Sharia Law and
from Quran and also mentioned about the codification of
some personal laws which is again by state intervention.
Prof
Ramesh Kamble spoke on “Role of Religion and reforms
from Buddhist perspective where he mentioned that state
and religion if combined together will bring reforms. He
made comparison of other religions with Christianity and
Buddhism and said that Buddhism
gives an opportunity for questioning. Prof Srigit Mishra
summed up the entire session by giving his expert views
and comments on the topics. The sessions were followed
by discussions.
In
the post lunch session there were three resource persons
– Dr. S. M Michael, Mr. Mohd Wajjihuddin, & Adv Irfan
Engineer. Dr S.M Michael spoke from: Dalit Perspective”
and said that there are many Hindus who do not belong to
Higher caste and have converted into Christianity for
upward mobility. He further said that in order to bring
reforms not only religion but also state plays a very
important role as religion and state goes hand in hand.
Mr.
Mohd Wajjihuddin spoke on “How Islamic Feminist/Educated
Informed Muslim Women can play a significant role in
empowering women”. Giving example of women empowerment
he said that Prophets wife is a best example as she
twice divorced and was a business women. She further
said that it is only Madrasa which trains women as
mufti.
Adv Irfan Engineer Spoke on “State, Constitution and
Reforms”. Adv Irfan spoke about the constitutional
provision which guarantees protection to religious
matters given under article 25 to 30. All the three
presentations were summed up by Prof Lionel Fernandes,
where he gave his expert comments on the topic. The
entire dialogue was very interactive, and it ended with
vote of thanks.
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Lecture on “Kerala Model of
Secularism”
 CSSS
organized a lecture in Calicut, Kerala in collaboration
with new setup Forum for Communal Harmony on “Kerela
Model of Secularism” on 24th May 2010. It was
presided over by Munnawar Ali Thangal. Dr Asghar Ali
Engineer was the chief Guest and the key note speaker.
He spoke at length on History of Islam in Kerala and how
it entered peacefully unlike in the north. The oldest
mis-give is found in Kerala which was built by one of
the Companions of the Prophet. He also said that the
population of Kerala is well balanced between Christians
20%, Muslims 20%, and Ezhavas 40% and rest are Nairs and
Namboodiries upper caste. This by itself ensures peace
and communal harmony. There have been no major riots in
Kerala state. He also said that another reason for this
is cultural integration, all Muslims Christians, Hindu
speak same language wear same dress and each share same
food, Music and Dance.
Another speaker was Prof Narayanan a noted Historian of
Kerala. He threw light of Kerala’s past history and said
there have been no conflicts between Hindu rulers and
Muslim Rulers in Kerala. They fought together against
foreign invaders. There were 200 participants, Social
activists, Scholars, NGO representatives, political
leaders etc.
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Seminar on
"Sixty Years of Secularism and Pluralistic Democracy in
India" |
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Centre
for Study of Society and Secularism jointly with
Gandhigram University, Dept. of Political Science
organized a two day National Seminar on Sixty Years
of Secularism and Pluralistic Democracy in India on
27th and 28th April 2010 at YWCA
International
 Guest House, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. There
were 18 papers presented on various aspects of
evaluation of secularism in India. Eminent speakers like
Mr.N.Ram (Editor-in Chief, The Hindu), Dr.Asghar
Ali Engineer (Chairman, CSSS), Prof. K.N.
Panikkar (Chairperson, Kerala Council for Historical
Research) on the directions and problems that
surfaces the Indian Secularism and a long discussion on
minority problems. The proceedings of the seminar would
be brought out in the book form.
Dr.Asghar Ali Engineer delivered the keynote address at
the seminar and also in one of the sessions he
elaborately discussed the problems of minorities in a
secular society and also the thread to Indian
secularism.
Prof.
Panikkar said a strong grassroots movement for inclusive
development was central to any programme to weaken
communal elements. Panchayati raj institutions,
Self-Help Groups and neighbourhood groups could be
utilised to channel the energy of women, youth, Dalits
and other sections in building a strong grassroots
programme for inclusive development, he said.
Prof.
Panikkar said complacency about the defeat of communal
forces in the previous general elections could be
dangerous as these elements were capable of mobilising
people on communal lines. That communal forces were
lying low at the moment did not mean the end of
communalism, he said.
 Advocating cultural intervention to uphold and
strengthen secularism, Prof. Panikkar pointed to the
example of Mahatma Gandhi using the charkha and the salt
as symbols for rallying the masses for a common cause.
Prof. Panikkar sought the teaching of authentic versions
of history in schools as communal interests had twisted
history in textbooks in a bid to taint young minds. He
also commended the tireless efforts of Asghar Ali
Engineer, Chairman, Centre for Study of Society and
Secularism, Mumbai in bridging communities and advocacy
of internal reform within Islam.
In his
valedictory address, N. Ram, Editor-in-Chief of The
Hindu said secularism was not just about doing away with
communalism or the political mobilisation of the people
on communal lines, but more about an uncompromising
commitment to the principles of secularism and adherence
to the equality and fairness doctrine of the
Constitution.
Secularism was also about issues such as how women are
treated in majority or minority communities, Mr. Ram
said. He pointed to a recent instance when the
organisers of a seminar on Islam and non-violence came
under attack by some so-called moderates for taking a
stand against domestic violence in the community. The
organisers had merely suggested a correct interpretation
of a word in the Quran because the word was wrongly
being taken as religious
sanction for domestic violence against the woman.
Drivers of secularism
Pointing out that the country's history, ethos of the
freedom struggle and the Constitution were among the
drivers of secularism, Mr. Ram said the great imperative
of secularism, apart from being a value in itself to be
cherished, was its instrumentality in holding India
together.
“Any
attempt to ride roughshod over the pluralism and
diversity of the country works against the fabric of
nationhood and national integration.”
It is
also important to understand history — from which
derived the country's multicultural and pluralist
tradition — to come to grips with the current
challenges. It was equally important to protect the
integrity of history, and the work of a few outstanding
historians in “wresting control from communal hands” was
a positive feature in the Indian situation, he said.
Pointing to the contrasting assessments about India —
one bullish and upbeat about economic growth rates and
robustness of democratic institutions and the other
sceptical and downbeat and rooted in the preoccupations
about livelihoods and human development issues, Mr. Ram
called for a reality testing across the various domains
on key issues that would help an objective evaluation of
India's position in the world.
Prof.
S Narayanasamy, Prof. S.M. Michael, Prof. Ram Puniyani,
Adv. Irfan Engineer, Dr K.S. Nakkeeran, Prof. R
Thandavan, Dr V Jayanti, Dr G. Uma, Dr Vanishree Joseph,
Dr M.K. George, Dr G Patrick, Prof. Palanithorai, Dr
Radhakrishnan Nair, Dr S. Kareemulla Basha, N. Gnanaguru,
D.K. Oza, Dr. Kalpana, Dr. Ananta Kumar Giri, Mrs.
Sushama Giri, Dr. Prasad Gollanapalli, Dr. (Mrs.)
Vasundhara Mohan, Prof. Raghupathy also presented papers
at the seminar.
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Community Workshop on "Women Empowerment" Navi
Mumbai Feb 23, 2010: |
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A Community workshop was organized by CSSS on
"Women Empowerment" at Arphen Centre, Tata Press Centre Juinagar,
Navi Mumbai. There were about 55 women participants who participated
in the workshop. They work as quarry workers at the Tata Press
Centre. The introduction about the workshop was given by
Ms. Ritu
Pathak where she mentioned about the importance and need for
organizing this workshop. |
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The key speakers and their topics were Ms. Shazia Shaikh - Gender Discrimination and Domestic Violence - Social
Aspects, Ms. Ritu Pathak - Domestic Violence - Legal Aspects, Mr.
Anwar Hussain - Government Schemes & Women Participation, and
Mr. Riyas V.M - Education and Empowerment. All the topics were dealt
in detail by them which were followed by Discussion. There were many
questions and doubts which were solved at their best. |
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Seminar on "Cultural Diversity and Nation Building" Jan 30, 2010: |
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One day Seminar on "Cultural Diversity and
Nation Building" was organized by Centre jointly with Institute of
Indian Culture, Mumbai on 30th Jan 2010 at Institute of Indian
Culture, Gyan Ashram Complex, Andheri (East) Mumbai. There were
about 45 participants who were mainly Academicians,
Students, and some Sisters from the Institute. Nation
building involves building effective governments, and an
effective government entails implementing the rule
of law, battling corruption, |
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installing democracy, and
ensuring freedom of the press. Historically, nation
building encompassed "an effort to construct a
government that may or may not be democratic, but
preferably is stable." Today, nation building often
"implies the attempt to create democratic and secure
states." Economic reconstruction is also an important
part of nation building on the premise that when the
economy is improved, a more stable and better
functioning state can evolve. Also, economic well-being
is associated with democratization. |
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Whether one uses the term
"nation building" to refer to only one or more of these
meanings (often all three are used, interchangeably),
one should take into account that the reference is to
nation, not state building. A nation is widely
understood to be a community invested in a state. A
state can exist without its citizens having the kind of
loyalties that, in political matters, would give
precedence to the state when it comes into conflicts
with member groups such as tribes or ethnic groups.
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Such a layering of
loyalties is essential if a nation is to stay together
and avoid secessions or civil war, without relying
merely or mainly on force. It was in this context that
the seminar was organized. The key note address was
given by Dr Asghar Ali Engineer and the key speakers
were - Dr Annakutty, Dr Homi Dhalla, Dr Meenal Katarnikar, Dr S. M
Michael, Prof Anthony Kunnath, Dr Leela D'Souza, Prof Louis D'Silva
was the Discussant and the sessions were chaired By Prof Jose George
and Prof Srijit Mishra. The Panel Discussion consists of Dr Mohan,
Dr Michael, Dr Joseph and Prof Srijit Mishra. The entire seminar was
very much well received and appreciated. |
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Workshop on inclusive democracy, secularism and communal
harmony |
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Jan 4-8, 2010:The Department of Political Science and
Development Administration with the support of the Centre for Study
of Society and Secularism, Mumbai organized a five day workshop on
"Inclusive Democracy, Secularism and Communal Harmony" from 4th to
8th January 2010 at Gandhigram Rural Institute- Deemed
University.Ethnic, linguistic, racial and religious diversities are
natural and common. One of the greatest challenges
of the modern age is |
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living in diversity. Nations and communities must learn to live
together in harmony. India has a rich tradition of diversity and
unity in diversity. In recent years the culture of living in
diversity is distorted and endangered. Educating youths in the
composite nature of Indian culture and preparing them to live in
diversity have become very important. Against this background the
Centre for study of Society and Secularism, Mumbai and Department of
Political Science and development Administration, Gandhigram Rural
Institute - Deemed University, Gandhigram organized this workshop.
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The workshop trained youth in issues related to inclusive
democracy, secularism and communal harmony. Participants of the
workshop were familiarized with the Concepts and Theories of
inclusive democracy and secularism. It attempted to prepare the
participants to work for building an inclusive society based on
Justice, Equity and Peace. Participants could learn the tools and
techniques of bringing unity in diversity and building peace and
harmony in the community. |
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58 Students, researchers and activists
attended the workshop. After successful completion of the workshop
participants were given a certificate. Boarding and lodging was
arranged for the participants from 4th to 8th January 2010.
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The workshop was
inaugurated by Dr.SM.Ramasamy Vice - chancellor of
Gandhigram rural University on 4th January, 2010.The
workshop gave an opportunity for transformative and
creative learning. Apart from lectures, brainstorming,
participatory learning, games, plays and film shows were
also organized. The following eminent speakers addressed
the participants on various themes related to inclusive
democracy secularism communal harmony peace building and
inclusive society: |
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Sri. Manishankar Aiyar
Former Minister for petroleum and
Panchayati Raj
Govt. of India, New Delhi
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Dr. Asghar Ali Engineer
Chairperson,
Centre for Study
of Society and Secularism,
Mumbai.
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Prof. Ram Puniyani
Professor of Bio Technology
Indian
Institute of Technology, Mumbai
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Prof. Vasundara Mohan
Executive Director
Center for
study of society and secularism: Mumbai
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Mr.Ponneelan,
Recipient of Sagithya Academy Award
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Dr.G.Palanithurai
(Professor, Rajiv Gandhi Chair for
Panchayati Raj Studies)
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Dr.V.Ragupathy
(Professor& Head, Department of
Political Science & Development Administration)
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Dr.K.S.Nakkeeran
Associate Professor and Associate
Coordinator of the Workshop
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Dr.S.Narayanasamy
Professor
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Dr. V. Ragupathy, Professor and Head, Dept. of Political Science
and Development Administration, Gandhigram Rural Institute- Deemed
University, Gandhigram was the coordinator of the workshop and
Dr.K.S.Nakkeeran was the Associate coordinator. The participants of the workshop had a panel discussion and
decided to undertake certain follow up activities. It was decided to
form a study circle for Inclusive democracy secularism and communal
Harmony in Gandhigram Rural University and organize periodical
workshops, lectures and group discussions. A small section in the
library on the theme of the workshop will be arranged in the
Department of Political Science and Development Administration with
books documents and articles for the reference of the students. It
was also decided to organized a two days cultural workshop to train
students in cultural talents. Trained students could organize
cultural programmes in villages for building awareness on secularism
communal harmony and inclusive democracy. It was also decided that
Gandhigram Rural Institute- deemed University and Centre for study
of Society and Secularism, Mumbai to collaborate in organizing the
above said programmes.
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Workshop on "Women
Empowerment"
 Centre
for Study of Society and Secularism in collaboration
Committee for Right to Housing organized one day
Community Workshop on Women Empowerment on 29 March
2010. The CSSS Research Department entirely coordinated
the progamme and the lectures delivered were by the
researchers of Department. The topic discussed were
Education and Time Management by Mr. Anwar Hussain,
Rights of Muslim Women and their Problems by Ms. Shazia
Shaikh and Political Participation of Women by
Ms. Minal Mhatre.
Youth camp on "Awareness and
Sensitization"
 Centre
conducted a three day youth camp on ‘Awareness and
sensitization’ programme in Mumbai at St. Pius College
from 23rd to 25th March 2010. The
interesting feature of the three day workshop for the
youth was that of varied activities like Peace March,
Elocution competition and cultural songs. Participants
were there from Pune, Bangalore and Madhurai, which also
include foreign nationals from Uganda, Kenya and
Tanzania.
All
though the participants felt that there should have been
an empirical survey to some nearby conflict zone; it
could not be done because of paucity of time. The
academic lectures on conceptual frame work of Human
Rights, Gender Issue, role of youth in civil society and
also international ethnic conflicts were discussed. The
students thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and all
participated in the all three day.
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Copyright © CSSS.
Address : 602 & 603, Silver Star, 6th
Floor, Behind BEST Bus Depot, Santacruz(E),
Mumbai-400
055, India. |
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