---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Irfan Engineer <[email protected]> Date: Thu, Jun 10, 2010 at 10:32 AM Subject: [AISF] Meeting of AISF in Mumbai on 5th July To: AISF <[email protected]>
Meet of all India secular Forum Date: 5th July, 2010 Time: 17:30 hours *VENUE* 602 & 603, New Silver Star. 6th Floor, Behind BEST Bus Depot, Santacruz (E), Mumbai: - 400 055. Maharashtra, India E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Ph. 91-22-26149668, 26102089, Fax 91-022-26100712 Mumbai is believed to be a melting pot of cultures with migration from all over the country, adding to the charm of this city of dreams. However, there have been disturbing instances which have undermined Peace and culture of the city. This holds especially true when light is thrown on parochial tendencies witnessed in the forms of regionalism and communalism. Certain sections of the society, due to their vested interests divide the society by propagating violence and exclusion as witnessed in the growing tolerance in Mumbai towards the non Maharashtrians and the ‘Mumbai for Marathi manoos’ movement. Other examples are the increasing instances of terror attacks and the subsequent communal violence. There is tremendous loss of lives and property and more essentially of trust between communities. Most victims of such violence are still awaiting justice from the State which ever eludes them. The civil society and organizations did its best to respond to the situation through peace marches, and mobilization in other forms with varied degree of success. Taking this trend in intervention ahead, the Forum would like to explore a more sustained strategy towards Peace. All India Secular Forum (AISF) is a network of organizations in several states. The Forum was started in 2002 with the aim to form a platform for organizations working for peace and harmony. The objective of the platform has been to engage in advocacy as a platform and to spread awareness. Communalism resulting into ethnic conflict perpetuates violence and marginalization. The 92’ Bombay riots, post Godhra carnage, Malegaon bomb blasts and the recent Kandhamal attacks are a case in point. These instances of violence and more importantly such deep seated communal attitude has negative social, political and social implications. The Forum has been trying to discuss these issues and chalk a way forward. Thus, the Forum is involved in - Advocacy, recently on the Communal Violence Bill - Having regular conventions of the Forum - Preparing material on Peace education - Publication of material countering communalism and promoting secularism The meeting in Mumbai is to set up the Mumbai unit of the AISF. Mumbai is one of the important flashpoints for violence and terrorism. Terrorism is raising its ugly head while certain communities in India are facing severe stigma and criminalization. With its strong commitment towards secularism, would it not be a good idea to approach and engage with the youth and student community and spread the awareness regarding the causes of conflicts and discuss about the problems marrying the harmony and syncretic culture of our society and examine future strategies to resist communal forces. The involvement of the student body and youth will be highly appreciated along with their help in engaging with intervention via education and culture. *Dr. Asghar Ali Engineer Ram Puniyani Irfan Engineer* -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "All India Secular Forum" group. To post to this group, send an email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]<secular-forum%[email protected]> . For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/secular-forum?hl=en-GB. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "humanrights movement" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/humanrights-movement?hl=en.
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