SOUTH ASIA ACTIVITIES

• Intervention on behalf of persecuted Christians in Karnataka
  

On 7th October 2008, leadership of IARF's India chapter met with the Chief Minister of the state of Karnataka, where anti-Christian riots have claimed lives as in better-reported Orissa. Their submission is here.

• The 12th IARF India Chapter conference
  Held in the southern tip city of India, Kanyakumari on 14-16 December 2007, the conference was inaugurated by the Honorable Law Minister of India (State) K. Venkitapathy, and the valedictory function led by the Honorable High Court Judge P. Jyothi Mani. Around 250 delegates from different parts of India and many dignitaries including IARF International President Rev. Abhi Janamanchi, Bishops, Hindu monks and Muslim imams attended various programs over the three days.

Dignitaries, Officials and delegates at The 12th IARF India Chapter Conference December 2007

___________________

The Tirunelveli Branch of IARF's India Chapter recently launched an Inter Religious Students Movement (IRSM) in the town's different schools. One of the prime objectives of the ISRM it to promote inter-religious understanding. Under the auspices of IRSM, the IARF branch oganised a student's seminar on 22nd November, 2003. Nearly 300 secondary school students and 30 teachers from 13 schools took part. After interfaith prayers, there were several sessions on topics such as 'unity in diversity' and 'religious harmony.' Introductory talks on these topics were followed by discussion among students. Members from several surrounding IARF branches participated as special guests.

A new chapter of the 'Association for Religious Freedom' has been founded in Nepal. Formed in May 2003, the chapter has already held an inauguration ceremony (attended by 125 people) and sponsored both an art and essay competition at two secondary schools. In October 2003, the chapter sponsored four half-day programmes in western Nepal (Terai region) that examined the situations of the Christian, Hindu, Muslim, and Buddhist communities respectively. These symposia were attended by a total of nearly 120 participants. Through interaction and open discussion, the chapter gained valuable knowledge about the religious life of Nepal. The symposia also resulted in the formation of several district level committees to facilitate the chapter's work to bring religions in the country into closer dialogue.

IARF-SACC participation at Delhi Peace Summit an International Summit with the theme "Towards a Culture of Harmony and Peace" held from December 7 - 10, 2003 at New Delhi. It was organised with the Council for a Parliament of World's Religions, Chicago. Click here for details

A two-day workshop for IARF Member Groups was held in India on February 8 and 9, 2003 at Visakhapatnam. Seven member groups came together to discuss plans and projects related to religious freedom. Click here for detailsand photos.

The YMCA of South West India hosted a media conference on Religious Tolerance on 18th January at Pathanamthitta. The event was inaugurated by Thomas Mathew, National Board Member of YMCA India and an IARF International Council member.

A consultation meeting, initiated by IARF's representative to the United Nations in Geneva, was held at Bangalore in October 2002. Participants came from Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Zoroastrian and Christian comunities and focused on the theme of rebuilding common cultural heritage in multi-religious societies in Asia. Click here for meeting detail

The India Chapter of IARF held an event to honour the anniversary of the 20th Anniversary of the 1981 UN Declaration on Religious Intolerance. The event was held in New Delhi and involved prominent political and religious personalities. The occasion of the 20th anniversary of the UN's 'Declaration against Discrimination and all forms of Religious Intolerance,' was commemorated globally on 25th November, 2001 The text of the Declaration was published for members in an October 2001 edition of "iarf World."

A Grant for "Faith under Fire" was given to CLAAS, a British-based Christian group mainly defending the rights of Christians in Pakistan, some of whom are indeed in a dire situation. The small grant was given to CLAAS to assist with the publication of a report on this situation, entitled 'Faith Under Fire.' The report, published in 2002, advocates the plight of Christians, but the introduction is more inclusive in its tone.

MEMBER GROUP ACTIVITIES

The Interfaith Fellowship for Peace and Progress held a symposium on 30 January 2004 on a theme of 'Religious Freedom and Human Rights in a Democratic Society.' More than 100 participants from all walks of life attended this function. Issues discussed included the importance of religious groups working for protection of marginalised peoples and the duty of a democracy to stand for freedom of expression and faith.

The Forum for Harmony and Peace in Mysore organised two special celebrations this fall (2003), a Deepavali celebration in October and a celebration to honour Ramzan Id-e-Milan (Iftan) in November 2003. Over 100 people attended each function. Remarks on the significance of Deepvali to the Hindu community and the holy month of Ramzan (also Ramadan) to the Muslim community were shared, in addition to inter-religious devotions.

The Khwaja Garib-un-Nawaz Welfare Centre also organised functions in honour of Deepvali and Ramzan celebrations (see above) this October and November, 2003. Although these festivals are an integral part of Hindu and Muslim traditions respectively, the events organised by the Centre brought together a mix of religious faiths.

Bala Vikas Foundation for Peace and Harmony held a Cultural Event on 18 March 2003 at Visakhapatnam. It was arranged for school children and youth to create awareness on the need for religious harmony, world peace, and to protest against war. Ten colleges, as well as children and youth of different religious groups attended. Mr. N. Prakasa Rao said that the world requires peace and harmony and there is a need to teach this to the children and youth who are future citizens of the world. An organisation like IARF has a vital role in bringing harmony through dialogue. Religious conflicts arise mostly because of the lack of proper understanding of one's own religion first and then other religions. Cultural events like singing, dance, etc. play a good role in bringing all religions to one place.

Ramakrishna Mission (India) celebrated its year of Interfaith and Religious Freedom Activities with a Rally on 2 February 2003 attended by about 29,000 people. Click here for details.

SEEDS-INDIA, Inter faith Fellowship For Peace and Progress, held a seminar on 24 October 2002 on the UN's Declaration on Religious Freedom and Human Rights.

The World Zarathstri Cultural Foundation produces a Calendar of Interfaith Events. Click here to read.