Press notice

November 8, 2006

Peace activists, academics, social commentators and community leaders highlight need for urgent action on peace justice and minority rights

Communal forces continue to tear at the plural fabric of Indian society. Their divisive politics threaten peace and harmony. The need to provide a platform for peace activists to help comprehend and counter extreme forces and to promote effective peace and development initiatives is urgent.

In the context of India Social Forum that celebrates the essence of democracy, ActionAid and partners invite you to two sessions on 12 November 2006, Exhibition Grounds, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. 

At ‘Dialogue for Peace’ (12 Nov, 4-7pm, Hall M6) Dr Ram Puniyani of Ekta speaks on communal harmony in India and columnist Praful Bidwai looks at prospects of peace in South Asia. Peace activists from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh share their experiences before opening up the discussion. 

In ‘Assault on Secular Democracy in Contemporary India’ (12 Nov, 9am-12pm, Hall P2) Guahar Raza, addresses the ‘threat to Indian democracy’. Sudhir Chandra discusses the ‘Shrinking Space Within’. Dr Harshvardhan Hegde and Zakia Jowher present impressions of Gujarat ‘then and now’.

Prof. Akoijam Bimol describes the attack on democratic rights in Manipur while Gowhar Fazili and Yusuf Tarigami explore challenges and solutions in Kashmir. Finally Harsh Kapoor proposes ‘redefining the agenda for secular political activism’.

As part of the same series of seminars, in a session on ‘Democratic Rights of Muslims’ on Friday 10 November, Niyaz Banu Ballumiya a survivor the 2002 Gujarat riots and Afreen Banu, a victim of the draconian POTA law, shared their traumatic stories and how they are now working for peace and justice. 

At the same event, Professor Imtiyaz Ahmed outlined the contemporary condition of Muslims in India. Dr Jimmy Dabhi deliberated on the socio-economic status of the community. Ms. Naish Hasan of Tehreek in Lucknow spoke on the rights of the Muslim women.

For more information and to arrange interviews: Alice: 9810923904; Pragya: 9868424692; Anjali: 9899370715

Details of forthcoming events:

1. Assault on Secular Democracy in Contemporary India

Date: November 12, 2006
Venue: Hall P – 2 
Time: 9 -12 noon
Chairperson: Dr. Ram Puniyani
Assault on Rationality: A Threat to Indian Democracy -Gauhar Raza
Shrinking Space Within- Sudhir Chandra
Gujarat: Then and Now- Personal Impressions- Dr. Harshvardhan Hegde & Zakia Jowher
Manipur- Attack on Democratic Rights- Prof. Akoijam Bimol 
Kashmir: Challenges and Solution- Gowhar Fazili & Yusuf Tarigami 
Redefining the Agenda for Secular Political Activism- Harsh Kapoor 

Organisers/partners: Anhad and Aman Samudaya

2. Dialogue for Peace

12th November 2006, 
Venue: Hall M – 6 
Time: 4 to 7pm
National Scenario Today- Dr. Ram Puniyani, Ekta
Peace in South Asia - Praful Bidwai, columnist
Testimonies of Peace Activists from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh - Sabir Khan, Deepak Bhatt, Noorjahan Dewan, Meraj Khan
Open House and discussion - Coordinated by Vineet Tiwari, PWA

Organisers/partners: Aman Samudaya, Gujarat, Manav Adhikar Sandharbh Kendra, Rajasthan, Peoples Research Society, Madhya Pradesh and Taha Welfare and Educational Society, Uttar Pradesh, Tehreek, Lucknow

ENDS