XIV BIENNIAL CONFERENCE

Start Date:2008-05-21  End Date: 2008-06-25

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XIV NATIONAL BIENNIAL CONFERENCE

 

The XIV Biennial Conference of SCMI was held on 21^st – 25^th May, 2008 at Aizawl Theological College (ATC), Aizawl Mizoram on the theme “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds….” Romans 12:2.  More than 120 delegates participated in the national conference from all over India.

 

The main focus of the conference was “Building youth for social transformation” for which the key note address was delivered by Mr. Rajendra K. Sail focussing his attention on two important areas, such as the capitalist and communal forces. Bible studies were conducted by Dr. Vinita Eusebius, Rev. Dr. Roger Gaikwad and Dr. A. J. Anandan, giving reflections from the biblical perspectives for social transformation in our present context.

 

A session was dedicated to exploring our identity, knowing who we really are? How we look at ourselves and the world looks at us? Symbols were drawn to identify ourselves which reflects and relates to us and how we want to be identified? Reclaiming one’s own identity should be seriously considered in the context of globalisation where one have become just a consumer of products opines Samuel Jayakumar, the General Secretary of SCMI.

 

The other highlights of the conference included Ms. Cherry L. Channgte, Mizoram University speaking on the Understanding of NEI to the participants most of whom were in the region for the first time, Ms. Rehana Rehman from the North East Network (NEN) enlightening the participants about Right to Information (RTI) act and Mr. E. V. Paul, India consultant for the Norwegian Human Rights Fund led us through a workshop on Human Rights. Giving awareness to the prevailing condition of Human Rights violation, he urged the student community that this is where we as socially conscious human beings must take a firm decision in order to transform our society. Mr. Rajendra Sail also gave a brief report on the case of Dr. Binayak Sen who had been kept in Raipur central jail with false allegations and urging the participants to initiate a campaign for his early release.

 

Panel discussions were held on the impact of globalisation on Tribals, Youth and Women. These sessions were led by Rev. Zawlawma, Rev. Rawhse and Mrs. Latha respectively. The workshop discussed the claims and realities of globalisation and its impact on youth, tribals and women. No doubt globalisation has brought an easy access to communication process and easy living but it benefits only a handful of people in this world. Globalisation has brought competition and individuality among the youths and they are auctioned for their labour by corporate agencies. In the name of development, tribals are being alienated from their ancestral land, thus economically they are impoverished. Globalisation has also strengthened the system of patriarchy which has led to wage disparity between the sexes. The portraying of women as a saleable commodity is the impact of globalisation.

 

The most spectacular events was the Public reception held at the PCI Mizoram Synod conference hall where senior friends of SCMI in the early 60’s spoke of their memories and experiences.

 

At the end, the participants were encouraged and resolved to take serious initiatives at the regional and unit level to become aware and build the students community so as to enable them to be transformed and to transform the society.

 

Mr. Tokato K. Yeptho

Study Secretary, Communication Desk