International Association For Religious Freedom (IARF) conducted a three day conference in Tirunelveli. This conference was organized by Tirunelveli branch of IARF. We were about 9 students from Chennai who participated in this program. Bro.Albert Xavier SHJ received us at the Railway Station and he accompanied us to Idhaya Jothi (an ashram) in the outskirts of Tirunelveli. There were about 46 participants from various colleges of Tamilnadu.
We had an inaugural function in the morning on 5th March 2010 in Francis Xavier Engineering College, a group of SCAD institutions graced by all the leaders of IARF, Mister for Post and culture, Mr. Mohammed Khan and several Social Activists. After the inaugural session, he conducted a game, in order to segregate the participants mixed with other college students and this was really very enjoyable. Bro. Stephen sang a song highlighting Human Rights. I would like mention the first stanza of the Tamil song:
Iniya pon Indiavilae,
Naan Hinduvai kanden,
Muslimai kanden,
Christuvanai kanden,
Aana manushanadhan parkaliye,
Ada manushanadhan parkaliye.
An English translation to this would be ‘In this Sweet India I have seen Hindu, Muslim and Christian beings, but, not seen Human beings’.
Then International President Dr. Thomas Mathew shared his experience in IARF and he said the organization was started in the year 1900 with co- operation of many people. This organization promotes Human Rights. He shared his plans for the 33rd World Conference which is to be held in Kochi in September, 2010. His Holiness Dalai lama, will be the Chief Guest for the conference. He shared Dalai Lama’s simplicity in these words, “When International President offered Dalai Lama to stay in a 5 star hotel, and he replied that no one in this world is big or small, everyone is equal”. In the evening Mr. Wilfred , Principal of St. Jude College showcased a PowerPoint Presentation on the achievements of great people such as Mother Teresa , Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam , Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and Ambani . In the night we saw some documentaries on Human Rights, such as Rita’s choice, Sacred Groove etc.
The next morning that is on 6th Mar.’10 we had inter-faith religious prayer service. After that we visited religious worship centers in and around Tirunelveli. We had lot of fun while traveling. We went to Siva Temple in Papanasam. From there we went to an ashram where a person enlightened us with Hindu Spirituality. He said that Hinduism came into existence after the origin of River Sindhi.
Then, we went to Melapalayam mosque, since it was time for the religious people to pray. It was a rare opportunity to see different religious worships. After that, we went to St. Mary’s school where Bro. Sengon a provincial superior, spoke on Causes of Social Evils like dowry system. We had group discussion (GD) on this topic. He said caste is decided depending on their work. When GD was going on, the feeling of each one of us on dowry system in India was that the female members of the family are the main cause of this menace. He gave a brief talk on poverty. He said a rich man consumes more than 2400 calories per day, where as people below poverty-line consume less than 2100 calories per day. Poverty prevails due to unemployment, he concluded.
From there we went to St Francis of Assisi Church, there Bro. Joe Anthony talked about interests of young adults in the present scenario. He said Buddha’s tree of enlightenment is not only an intellectual place for any one, but primarily it is our will to achieve in life that matters. It can be under any tree for a person to become enlightened. From there we went to a community hall to have interaction with IARF leaders in Tirunelveli. Then, we went to the ashram where we had group discussion on the 30 articles of Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). They showed video related to each article for easy understanding. The day’s sessions came to a close.
On the 3rd day, in the morning we had meditation. It gave me peace of mind. Mr. Raja Ram, principal of Govt. Arts College addressed the gathering saying caste system prevails in all the nook & corner of India. Caste system is predominantly found in affluent society. It is found in Education system of India. Caste of a person is decided by the occupation of the individual. They divided the group into cities and towns, so that we as the youth of the society can promote IARF and educate our near ones on Human Rights.
We had cultural programs performed by various colleges of which my college, Loyola College was applauded for our great efforts and performance. We, a group of seven boys took the issue of LTTE and in the climax of the drama, we brought out that everyone should take an oath:
We are one and we should fight for our rights.
The International President Dr. Thomas Mathew was pleased with our performance. At the end of the ceremony we were awarded certificates and group photo was taken.
Conclusion:
The State Level Conference was a great opportunity to interact with Eminent Personalities of IARF. We shall fight against social evils in society and create awareness about the importance of Human Rights in our locality. We shall awaken the people by saying all are equal in front of God and Law. Let us work together for promoting the necessity of Human Rights. Youngsters are just sprouting out of their shell to fight against evils. As Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam has pointed out that by 2020 India will be a Super Power. If we join hands and fight for our rights, we as Citizens of India can surely achieve the theme of the conference: Happiness in Unity.
I would like to conclude by saying Unity comes if we don’t discriminate people with caste, religion and occupation. We must cultivate the feeling of oneness amongst people.
We Must Fight For Our Rights Till We Achieve Our Goals!!!!!!!!!
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