[Goanet] INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY.....8th March 2009......EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN IN THE CHURCH AND SOCIETY....CBCI STATEMENT OF 20th Feb 2008
IT'S "WOMEN'S DAY" ONCE AGAIN ! A time to reflect on where we are and how much more all of us should be doing to ensure that women have their rightful place in Church and in society. A fitting first step will be to read, reflect and to implement this document which the Bishops of India have given us. Let's make a beginning today ! The 'PRASHANT' Parivar Ahmedabad - 28th General Body Meeting of CBCI EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN IN THE CHURCH AND SOCIETY Preamble - As the Universal Church celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Apostolic Letter of Pope John Paul II , 'Mulieris Dignitatem', on the Dignity of Women, we, 160 Bishops, belonging to the 3 Individual sui juris Churches of the Catholic Communion in India, are gathered at XLRI in Jamshedpur, from 13th to 20th February 2008, for the 28th Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India. The theme was the Empowerment of Women in the Church and Society. There were 40 lay and religious women and 7 lay men representing all the 12 ecclesiastical regions of the country as invitees for the meeting. Already in 1984, there was a CBCI initiated Consultation on Women held in Mumbai, on the "Role of Women in the Church and Society". In 1992, the concerns of women were taken up again at the Plenary Assembly of the CBCI in Pune and consequently a Women's Desk was instituted with the appointment of the first Woman Secretary to the Office of the CBCI. In 1996, the Women's Desk was raised to the status of a Commission. While the Church and society undergo rapid changes, women are being marginalised and continue to suffer and since their concerns are not adequately addressed both in the Church and in society the Bishops thought it opportune to discuss this theme. 1. Situation of Women in the Church and Society in India - The socio-cultural situation of women should not be understood in the same way among all social classes and ethnic groups especially among the marginalised and the oppressed. It has its lights and its shadows. Though we have examples of empowered women in leadership positions and role-models like Blessed Mother Theresa and Blessed Alphonsa, nevertheless the reality of women of all sections reveals instances of domestic and societal violence on young girls and women. Depending on the regions, female feticide, infanticide, rape, molestation, kidnapping, abduction, battering, dowry deaths, murdering, trafficking for sex and slavery exist even today. Women of the marginalized groups such as dalits, tribals, backward castes and minorities suffer much due to poverty, ill-health, lack of access to literacy and appropriate knowledge and lack of hygiene and potable water. In addition, they are being displaced from their lands and livelihoods. They suffer systemic and structural violence that enslave them and dehumanize them economically, socio-politically and religio-culturally. Gender discrimination has negative effects on boys and men as well. It damages their psyche and increases the incidence of morbidity and crime among them. Relations of distrust, conflict, competition and many forms of subtle abuse emerge instead of those rooted in values of caring, sharing, compassion, mutual respect, collaboration and partnership. Such discrimination thus has negative consequences on human relations. It was noticed that the structures which facilitate collaborative partnership between women and men as well as clergy and laity needs improvement. In 1992, the CBCI General Assembly stated, "with a sense of sorrow we must admit that the women feel discriminated against, even in the Church". In the decision-making and the consultative structures like the Parish Pastoral Council, Diocesan Pastoral Council, Diocesan Finance Committee which are canonically advocated structures in the Church, the presence of women is inadequate. In spite of the great contribution of lay women in spheres of education, health care, etc., their potentials are yet to be sufficiently tapped in the administrative and executive roles, as well as theological, liturgical, pastoral and missionary apostolates of the Church. 2. An Analysis of the Causes - The culture of domination, marginalization and exclusion which embodies ideas, beliefs, values, traditions, rules, norms, perspectives (ideologies) that prefer males/sons has been styled the culture of patriarchy. Through dominating social structures men own, control and manage financial, intellectual and ideological resources as well as the labor, fertility and sexuality of women, and thus perpetuate gender discrimination. Such a culture produces stereotyped notions of how a woman or man should behave (in words and actions), whereby they themselves become transmitters of the above value system. Consequently women also become both victims and victimizers. The process of globalization which is market-centered and profit-driven, lea
[Goanet] LET'S NOT BE NAÏVE ABOUT NA VEEN PATNAIK....by Fr. Cedric Prakash s j
LET'S NOT BE NAÏVE ABOUT NAVEEN PATNAIK - Fr. Cedric Prakash sj * Mr. Naveen Patnaik, the suave Chief Minister of Orissa, has received the applause of several across the board for having pulled the carpet from under the feet of the BJP and now aligning himself with the Left. This ofcourse, is a smart piece of political opportunism, but in order to actually shed his spots, Patnaik has to come clean on several counts. Ø Why did he allow first the Muslims and then the Christians, to be soft targets for Hindu extremism in Orissa ? Ø Why did he not reign in goons of the Sangh Parivar when they very strategically disrupted Christian lives and events in 2007 and created mayhem for the Christians for a good part of 2008 ? Ø Why did he not have the courage to contain Togadia and his ilk when they spewed venom all across the State against the Christians ? (He could have easily have emulated several other Chief Ministers of other States who easily put a halt to Togadia's vicious march in their States) Ø Why did he not ensure the safety and security of the Christians of Kandhamal District when thousands were languishing in the forests ? Ø Why has he not guaranteed the safe return of those who have been dispossessed of their houses and lands from Kandhamal District ? Ø Can he oversee a complete and just compensation package to the victims of the violence in Orissa ? Ø Thousands of minorities, very specially Christians, have been disenfranchised in Orissa. Will he come out with a very honest political decision to ensure that their names are on the Electoral Rolls and that they are able to exercise their franchise in an environment which is free and fair ? Naveen Patnaik will have to answer and act on these and several other questions immediately. There is tremendous pressure on him, we know, from the Western world; and being "a true Westerner", he really would not want to go into oblivion and be treated as an international political "Pariah" the way Narendra Modi is treated just now. Given his situation, the best thing he could have done, was to distance himself from his political masters and mentors, the BJP and the Sangh Parivar. Leopards really do not change their spots; but the age of miracles is also not dead !!! Naveen Patnaik definitely needs to be given a chance but until such time, we should not be naïve... (* Fr. Cedric Prakash sj is the Director of PRASHANT, the Ahmedabad based Jesuit Centre for Human Rights, Justice and Peace) 9th March 2009 ' PRASHANT ', Post Box 4050, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad 380 009, Gujarat Tel: 079 66522333, 27455913 Fax: 079 27489018 Email: sjprash...@gmail.com www.humanrightsindia.in
Re: [Goanet] Salt... in Gujarat and in Goa
Dear Fredrick, Greetings and thanks for this ! Yes, this is a very timely piece by Anosh Malekar (He spent several years in Gujarat as a Journalist.) on the reality of the Salt Pan Workers in this State and ofcourse there are striking similarities with what is happening to their counterparts in Goa. The great tragedy is that, there is no political will to help sustain the livelihoods of the poor and marginalized and where many of us are concerned, we have eyes but do not see..have good intentions but no courage to act. Keep up the good work ! Warm wishes, Fr. Cedric Prakash - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - PRASHANT - A Centre for Human Rights, Justice and Peace Street Address : Hill Nagar, Near Kamdhenu Hall, Drive-in Road, Ahmedabad - 380052, Gujarat, India Postal Address : P B 4050, Navrangpura PO, Ahmedabad - 380 009, Gujarat, India Phone : 91 79 27455913, 66522333 Fax : 91 79 27489018 Email: sjprash...@gmail.com www.humanrightsindia.in - Original Message - From: "Frederick "FN" Noronha" To: "Goa's premiere mailing list, estb. 1994!" Sent: Friday, March 27, 2009 6:08 AM Subject: [Goanet] Salt... in Gujarat and in Goa Came across this article on Gujarat recently: Bleak future for traditional salt It says, "In 1930, Mahatma Gandhi turned salt into a powerful symbol of freedom for Indians. In Independent India, the traditional salt pan workers of Gujarat say they are living like slaves, thanks to the government’s negligence and privatisation policies." http://infochangeindia.org/Livelihoods/Salt-pains/Bleak-future-for-traditional-salt.html And this is what I read about the situation in Goa... amazing: From a net exporter of salt, Goa today has turned into a net importer as the traditional salt industry is now on the verge of collapse. During earlier times, salt from Goa was exported to Thailand, Burma and even African countries, while in 1855 Goa dominated Asian market as regards to the salt export. In 1964-65, 200 salt pans were operational in Goa, in 13 villages of four talukas of Pernem, Bardez, Tiswadi and Salcete, which produces around 25,000 metric tones of salt annually and by 2002, the number came down to around 16. http://goaenvis.nic.in/saltpans.htm -- FN * http://fredericknoronha.wordpress.com M +91-9822122436 P +91-832-2409490 http://twitter.com/fn On Facebook: http://www.new.facebook.com/people/Frederick-Noronha/502514643 "Always drink upstream from the herd." - Will Rogers
[Goanet] DO JOIN THE UNIVERSAL CAMPAIGN - ACTION TONIGHT (MARCH 28th 2009) FROM 8.30 pm. to 9.30 pm. ON EARTH HOUR 2009....SWITCH OFF YOUR LIGHTS
Earth Hour 2009 Earth Hour invites one billion people in more than 2800 cities representing 83 countries to turn off their lights for one hour â?¦quot; tonight, Saturday, March 28 from 8:30pm to 9:30pm in their local time zone. On this day, cities around the world, including Paris, Sydney, London, Cairo, New York, Los Angeles and Cape Town, will join together to demonstrate their commitment to energy conservation and sustainability. Here's how you can participate: a.. All you have to do to Vote Earth is turn your lights out for one hour tonight, Saturday, March 28 from 8:30pm to 9:30pm local time, in your city. Your light switch is your vote! b.. Set your computer's power management and save up to $60 on your electricity bill and nearly half a ton of C02 over the next twelve months. Climate Savers Computing Initiative provides instructions on how you can save electricity all year long through efficient computing. c.. Join Earth Connect and share your opinions about climate change through blogs, e-mails, and Twitter. The goal is to gather one billion words to present at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December. d.. If you are affiliated with a college, help your university reduce its environmental impact by adopting green computing practices. Pledge to Power Down for the Planet and create a video to teach others about the importance of energy efficient computing in the fight against climate change. Earth Hour is about more than dimming lights for sixty minutes; itâ?Ts about making a commitment to reduce energy consumption throughout the year. We want to make sure we minimize our impact on the Earth's climate through responsible environmental practices every hour, every day. __._,_.___ Messages in this topic (1) Reply (via web post) | Start a new topic Messages Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required) Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch format to Traditional Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe . __,_._,___
[Goanet] Whitewash Job by TIMES NOW for NARENDRA MODI
Remembering Aquino Braganca (b. 6 April 1924), who fought for freedom of the former Portuguese colonies in Africa. An online tribute http://aquinobraganca.wordpress.com/ (includes many historical references, some photographs and documents) TIMES NOWa pathetic whitewash job for NARENDRA MODI Reference Modi Interview on Times Now, March 31, 2009, 10.30 p.m. by Arnav Goswami While the tragic seige of mumbai was on, between November 26 and November 30, 2009, Narendra Modi came to the city and angered Mumbaikars by his crass politicisation of terror; Though long minutes of this interview was devoted to this subject Goswami was silent on this. Not a single question was asked to Modi about his crude offer of Rs one crore to Kavita Karkare Hemant Karkare's widow --- a police officer heading the ATS' Malegaon investigations who had been personally attacked by Modi himself weeks before!!!an offer that was thrown back at him by Smt Kavita KarkareSurely this once once in a life time chance interview of Modi deserved in fairness that these questions were asked? Even assuming Goswami wanted to be cautiously and consciously avoiding even a passing mention of the genocide of 2002 -- surely the fact that the justice process has led to the arrest of Smt Maya Kodnnani, a Minister in Modi's cabinet just four days ago dserved rigorous questioning?? The remake of Modi has been possible with the help of supine corporates but from the journalist community one expected finesse and some hosnety. Or is that a naive expectation? The interview on Times Now ended up being a wonderful PR job ...Check the archives and watch Karan Thapar's interview of july 2007 with the man himsef when Modi walked out of the studio simply because he was aked if he was SORRY for 2002!!! Teesta Setalvad http://www.timesnow.tv/NewsDtls.aspx?NewsID=33577 Modi: No time to waste on Gandhi family 3/31/2009 4:00:50 PM After his bitter verbal duals with Congress President Sonia Gandhi and her putative successor and son Rahul, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi now tells TIMES NOW editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami that he has no time to waste on the Gandhi family. Modi also chose to ignore comment on the other Varun Gandhi who is being projected as the new poster boy of Hindutava politics. Arnab: You said that 'We are the flowers of jungle and they are the flowers of gardens', this was a reference to Rahul Gandhi. Modi: I did not take anybodys name. You may think that way but I don't need to give so much importance to anybody. All I said was that, we have a candidate in Goa called Narendra who is 30 years old so I asked the media is he not the youth of the country? Just because he is a member of the of BJP he is not the youth? Because he was born in the slums you won't accept him? In that context I said, will you call a well gardened flower a flower and not the one born in the jungles? Arnab: But you were referring to Rahul Gandhi? Modi: I did not take his name anywhere. I dont have the time to waste on any family. Arnab: Tell me that whether the reference you gave is applicable on Rahul Gandhi or not? Modi: It is upto political scholars to decide. I just had to tell the people about my candidate from South Goa who is the youth of the country and is connected to the soil. Arnab: Rahul Gandhi is not connected to the soil? Modi: I have not discussed that. That may be your agenda but why should I waste my time talking about Rahul Gandhi. Arnab: In this election it is Mr Advani versus Manmohan Singh, in the next election it will be between Narendra Modi versus Rahul Gandhi. Modi: I dont think he'll come to fight elections in Gujarat. Arnab: In 2014 will you fight Gujarat election or National elections? Modi: If my party gives me ticket I'll fight from Gujarat and if my party asks me to work for the organisation I will. Arnab: Mayawati stopped Varun Gandhi, she implemented the National Security Act (NSA) against him. I want to know what is your understanding and view about this. Modi: Now it is a sub-judice matter and in the court and I belive that the court will do justice. Arnab: You have avoided any comment on Varun Gandhi, Why? Modi: I am saying that it is a court matter and they will decide.
[Goanet] 10 Commandments to Indian Voters
Remembering Aquino Braganca (b. 6 April 1924), who fought for freedom of the former Portuguese colonies in Africa. An online tribute http://aquinobraganca.wordpress.com/ (includes many historical references, some photographs and documents) Dear Brothers and Sisters, Greetings of Peace to you! The CBCI Commission is pleased to present to you Ten Commandments for the Indian Voters in view of the forthcoming elections. Please translate into local languages and distribute this widely to all your friends and networks. Yours sincerely, Bishop Yvon Ambroise, Chairman, Bishops Mathew Arackal, Kanjirapally, Member Bishop Gerald Almeida, Jabalpur, Member CBCI Commission for Justice, Peace and Development New Delhi x Catholic Bishops' Conference of India National Commission for Justice, Peace and Development CBCI Centre, 1, Ashok Place, New Delhi 110 001 Tel: (011)2336 6127, Fax 2336 4615. E-mail: jpdcommiss...@gmail.com Chairman Most Rev. Bishop Yvon Ambroise Member: Most Rev. Bishop Mathew Arackal Exec. Secretary Fr. Nithiya ofm cap. Member: Most Rev. Bishop Gerald Almeida TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR THE INDIAN VOTERS I. You shall ensure that your name is on the Electoral Roll (ER) and that you have an updated Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC). II. You shall help the poor, marginalized, underprivileged people to have their names on the ER by sending a filled-in Form No. 6 to the Chief Electoral Officer of your State immediately. III. You shall scrutinize Election Manifestos of various political parties to ascertain their stand in favour of vulnerable groups likes tribals, dalits, children, women and minorities before you decide to support a candidate. IV. You shall vote neither for parties/candidates that are communal, casteist, criminal, corrupt and fascist nor for those that have not kept their previous electoral promises. V. You shall not accept any bribe/reward to vote for any party/candidate. Taking bribe is as much an offence as giving bribe, under Section 171B of IPC. VI. You shall cast your vote early and also get others to do so on voting day. Remember that any other valid Government Photo ID can be a useful substitute for your EPIC provided your name is on the ER. VII. You shall insist on Tendered Vote under Rule 49-P of the Conduct of Elections Rules 1961 – after convincing the Presiding Officer of the genuineness of your identity – even If someone else has already voted in your name. VIII. You shall exercise your "electoral right" by declining to cast your vote (under the provision of Rule 49-O of the Conduct of Elections Rules 1961) if you are not satisfied with any of the candidates. After having signed on the Register of Voters and after having received the voters’ slip from the Second Polling Officer, you must inform immediately the Presiding Officer at the polling station of your decision. IX. You shall report immediately, in writing, cases of bribery (for votes) booth-capturing, bogus voting (which is an offence of Personation under Section 171D of IPC), etc. to the Chief Electoral Officer of your State by fax / email (Find your CEO’s e-mail ID at http://eci.nic.in/Directories&photogallery/e-mailaddress-ceos.asp) and also lodge a complaint at the nearest Police Station. X. You shall bring serious concerns like the disenfranchisement of a whole community/village to the notice of: The Chief Election Commissioner of India, Nirvachan Sadan, Ashoka Road, New Delhi-110001.Tel: (011) 23717391; Fax:23713412 FOR FURTHER DETAILS AND CLARIFICATIONS, CONTACT · CBCI Commission for Justice, Peace and Development, CBCI Centre, 1, Ashok Place, New Delhi- 110001 Tel: 011-2336 6127 Fax: 011-2336 4615 Email: jpdcommiss...@gmail.com · ‘PRASHANT’, (A Centre for Human Rights, Justice and Peace), Near Kamdhenu Hall, Drive-in Road, Ahmedabad-380052, Tel:079.66522333 / 27455913, Fax:079.27489018. email: sjprash...@gmail.com -- CBCI Commission for Justice, Peace and Development, New Delhi - 110001 Tel: +91-9868511018 +91-11-23366127
[Goanet] The Politics of Hate, Divisiveness and Sectarianism....by Fr. Cedric Prakash sj
Remembering Aquino Braganca (b. 6 April 1924), who fought for freedom of the former Portuguese colonies in Africa. An online tribute http://aquinobraganca.wordpress.com/ (includes many historical references, some photographs and documents) The Politics of Hate, Divisiveness and Sectarianism - Fr. Cedric Prakash sj * Varun Gandhi has today become a symbol of the disease, that has stealthily crept into several sections of Indian society : Politics which is hateful, divisive and sectarian ! Whilst he will definitely attain the "halo" of martyrdom, and become an icon for the right-wing elements, it is also important for civil society across the board to do all it can to contain the deadly poison that continues to permeate several sections of our society. Lalu Prasad with his revengeful response and several other political parties are also guilty of this brand of polities. However, the BJP and its cronies of the Sangh Parivar must take full responsibility for this vicious agenda that divides people across the board. Ever since its inception, they have never abandoned their core doctrine of treating all minorities as "alien". This is borne by their constant posturings, their meticulous propaganda, their violent attacks on minorities and the way they rake up issues in order to defocus from the grim realities which the country faces. This divisive campaign over the years has indeed done well for them in terms of "political gains", be it in Gujarat, Orissa, Karnataka or elsewhere. For want of any other substantial agenda, their slogan remains the very same."Muslims are Terrorists", "Christians are Converters". Very mischievously, in a subsection entitled "Religious Conversions", they have once again raised, in their Election Manifesto, their bogey against the Christians. Instead of defending the rights of dalits to embrace Buddhism, or for an Adivasi to embrace Hinduism or any other citizen to embrace the religion of their 'choice' (as guaranteed by the Constitution of India and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights), they very conveniently put the onus only on the Christians and call for a "dialogue", and ofcourse, some Christian leaders will very naively fall into their well set trap ! The draconian Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act 2003 (which finally became Law on April 1st 2008, full five years after it was promulgated) was recently challenged in the Gujarat High Court by the Gujarat United Christian Forum for Human Rights and other co-Petitioners. In a major step forward, the Gujarat High Court has sent a notice to the Government of Gujarat on this matter and the judgment is now eagerly awaited by the Petitioners. In Karnataka, after bashing up the Christians, Chief Minister Yeddyurappa has promised an anti-Conversion law. In Orissa, after partnering the BJP for several years and presiding over the death of several Christians and the destruction of their property, Naveen Patnaik, in a totally opportunistic move, now seeks to distance himself from the misdoings of the BJP instead of acknowledging his responsibility as the Chief Minister. Civil Society therefore has to come out in large numbers to ensure that the communal politics of hate, divisiveness and sectarianism is quelled once and for all. The ballot box has to be our decisive answer to stop the juggernaut from destroying what is left of the harmony, the diversity and the pluralism of our country. (* Fr. Cedric Prakash sj is the Director of PRASHANT, the Ahmedabad based Jesuit Centre for Human Rights, Justice and Peace) 9th April 2009 ' PRASHANT ', Post Box 4050, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad 380 009, Gujarat Tel: 079 66522333, 27455913 Fax: 27489018 Email: sjprash...@gmail.com www.humanrightsindia.in
[Goanet] EASTER GREETINGS !!!
Remembering Aquino Braganca (b. 6 April 1924), who fought for freedom of the former Portuguese colonies in Africa. An online tribute http://aquinobraganca.wordpress.com/ (includes many historical references, some photographs and documents) E A S T E R ! A REMINDER : TO BE FIRE - THAT ENKINDLES OTHER FIRES TO BE LIFE - THAT TRIUMPS OVER THE CULTURE OF DEATH TO BE HOPE - IN A WORLD OF DESPAIR TO BE PEACE - IN A VIOLENT SOCIETY TO BE LOVE - WHEN HATRED AND DIVISIVENESS IS THE ORDER OF THE DAY TO BE JOY - WHEN ALL AROUND SEEMS DARK AND GLOOMY MAY OUR RISEN LORD FILL YOUR HEART WITH HIS BLESSINGS OF JOY, LOVE, PEACE, HOPE, LIFE, LIGHT TODAY AND IN THE DAYS AHEAD ! H A P P YE A S T E R ! Fr. Cedric Prakash and all at "PRASHANT" "PRASHANT" (A Centre for Human Rights, Justice and Peace) Post Box 4050, Navrangpura Post Office Ahmedabad 380 009, Gujarat, India Tel: 0091 79 66522333 / 27455913 Fax: 0091 79 27489018 Email : sjprash...@gmail.com www.humanrightsindia.in 12th April 2009
