INTERNATIONAL INTERFAITH FORUM AT VIENNA

Dear Fellow Pilgrims,

We had an exciting start for the International Interfaith Forum at Vienna organized by the King Abdulla Bin Abdul Aziz International Centre for Interreligious and inter cultural Dialogue today (18^th November). Almost all the luminaries in the field of interfaith dialogue, conflict transformation and peace building are here deliberating on the theme “The Image of the Other”. This centre is supported by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Republic of Austria and the Kingdom of Spain. The most encouraging factor is that the Governments are now propelling the philosophy of interfaith understanding and dialogue, which was something confined to the hands of a few dynamic theologians for half a century. I remember the hardships we had to face when we started Dr. Alexander Mar Thoma Centre for Dialogue 20 years ago at Kottarakkara.Mussie Hailu (Ethiopia), Maria Crespo (Argentina), EnoeTexier  (Veneswela), Musa Sanguila (Philippines) are among the URI friends who are attending.

Abraham Karickam

URI-INDIA 4 th NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AT BOMBAY ST PIUS COLLEGE SARVODYA HALL

URI-INDIA 4 th NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AT BOMBAY ST PIUS COLLEGE SARVODYA HALL

The 4^th National Assembly of the United Religions Initiative was held at Bombay Pius College- Sarvodaya Center on 14^th to 16^th November,2013. The inauguration was at 5 p.m on 14^th November, 2013. Dr. Victor Kazanjian,URI Executive Director inaugurated the National Assembly. He says” It is with profound sense of gratitude and with much anticipation with greetings to those who gather for the 4^th National Assembly of the United Religions Initiative in India. I am so grateful for the honor that URI community has bestowed on me in asking me to serve as executive Director. It is a responsibility that I enthusiastically embrace as we continue the work of bringing peoples of different religions beliefs and cultural traditions together in the movement to bridge differences and create communities and cultures of peace. Mrs. Qutub Kidwai, Co-ordinator welcomed the chief guests and UI delegates from different states of India. Advocate Mrs. Kulkarni delivered keynote address. The coordinator summarized the programmes of the National Conference. After the intraction with Media, the dinner was  on 7.45 P.M.

15^th November 6.45 A.M Optional Walk or Yoga. The opening prayer of the 2^nd  began on 9 A.M.Mr. Balakrishan, Chief Editor, D.N.A was the chief guest of the day. The URI coordinators presented the URI action plan around the country. URI charter reflection was on 12.15 P.M. The CC presentation was began on 2 P.M. Prof. Jon Kurakar,, Mr. Sajan Koshy and Mrs Mariamma Mathew presented the URI- South India Region Cc reports. Moral Imagination session by Dr. AbrahamKarickom was at 3 P.M. The meeting facilitated Kiran Bali, the global Council chair person. She says that” I offer blessings of love and peace. Iam absolutely delighted to join you for the URI National Assembly in 2013. It is with immense pride that I celebrate my roots and my heritage from what I describe as incredible Inia”. Musical programme was at 8 P.M

The third day of the National Assembly on 16^th November. Opening prayer was on 9 A.M Swami Chatur Vedi, Ramanuja Mission was the special Guest. After Swami Chaturvedi’s speech Mr. Liam, Global youth leader presented CC’s success stories. Mr Mathew,USA, and Krithika spoke on the occasion. After the Lunch the delegates visited Religious Pilgrim’s centers nearby Bombay. Share and reflections of the Pilgrim trip was at 5 P.M. URI young leaders, Mr Leam,Mathew and Krithika presented future action plans The closing ceremony was at 8 P.M Dr. Abraham Karickom presided over the valedictory function

Prof. John Kurakar