U.R.I NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AT AMRITSAR
U.R.I National Assembly in India was held on 14th to 17th November, 2014 at Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar. 27 delegates participated from South India includes Dr. Abraham Karickom, Prof. John Kurakar and other 25 cc leaders.All sessions were highly participatory--CC members were given the opportunity to lead, share, and learn through interactive hands on exercises. A true display of teamwork from the Regional Team--All 4 Zonal Coordinators took turns exuberantly leading sessions, each bringing their unique gifts. Prof. John Kurkar, Dr. Kazi Nurul Islam,K Vasudeva Rao(Vrajapati Das) ,Global Council Trustees were also highly active, co-facilitating sessions, and providing spiritual and intellectual leadership on matters of interfaith. The agenda was well rounded, covering such topics as practical steps for enhancing CC participation in the network to development of strategies for environmental protection for which interfaith cooperation is critical. There is much to say about each session, but here is just a brief recap: The National Assembly felicitated Prof. John Kurakar and DrKazi Nurul Islam, newly elected Glonal Council Trustees.
Biswadeb Chakraborty masterfully served as the assembly facilitator, keeping spirits high and moving the sessions seamlessly forward. He also expertly co-facilitated Energizing the Network sessions, fostering greater understanding among CCs about URI, the benefits of the network, and importance of communication among other topics. Hira Paul and Vrajapati opened the assembly by teaming up to lead CCs in creating a URI India timeline, which grounded the gathering. Dr. Kazi Nurul Islam presented the history of the URI in Bangladesh, sharing an interesting story about his unprecedented engagement as a Muslim with only Sikh Gurudwara in Bangladesh.Qutub and Vrajapati led a session that familiarized CCs with the PPPs, and gave CCs an opportunity to provide concrete examples of how they put certain principles into practice in their daily work. It was inspiring to watch Vrajapati--as a trustee-- facilitating by zig zaging and leaping through the the audience to deliver the microphone to CCs wanting to share! Along with Qutub, youth leaders from India and Sri Lanka shared their ideas and aspirations for promoting greater youth engagement. The youth presenters were very dynamic, and by the end of the session the feeling among assembly participants that it is critical to immediately create opportunities for meaningful involvement of youth in CCs was palpable.Dr.Abraham Karickom stimulated CC creativity in a session that challenged CCs to create a project concept that addresses an environmental issue through grassroots interfaith action. Participants voted on their favorite concepts, and prizes were awarded accompanied by a raucous round of applause.
Storytelling as the core communication method for sharing lessons and inspiring grassrootsinterfaith work. Abraham Karickom magnificently demonstrated both the art and effectiveness of storytelling as a communication medium that fuels the URI network, starting the lively training session with two illustrative stories containing powerful interfaith/intercultural lessons. After CC leaders shared and collected stories in small groups, everyone united on a beautiful large lawn outside the venue, forming the largest storytelling circle Liam Chinn witnessed all programmes held .The CC leaders took turns telling stories that captured the imagination and hearts of the circle participants. One CC told of successfully intervening and brokering peace in a community on the brink of violence over a proposed interfaith marriage. Another CC shared tales of witnessing Hindus providing protection for Sikhs in their communities during the horrific anti-Sikh violence that followed the assassination of Indira Gandhi .As the assembly came to a close, the goodbyes and expressions of gratitude in all directions were surprisingly emotional. 17th November the team visited Golden temple, Jallianwalla bagh and Wagaborder
U.R.I FUSION LEADERS
Storytelling as the core communication method for sharing lessons and inspiring grassrootsinterfaith work. Abraham Karickom magnificently demonstrated both the art and effectiveness of storytelling as a communication medium that fuels the URI network, starting the lively training session with two illustrative stories containing powerful interfaith/intercultural lessons. After CC leaders shared and collected stories in small groups, everyone united on a beautiful large lawn outside the venue, forming the largest storytelling circle Liam Chinn witnessed all programmes held .The CC leaders took turns telling stories that captured the imagination and hearts of the circle participants. One CC told of successfully intervening and brokering peace in a community on the brink of violence over a proposed interfaith marriage. Another CC shared tales of witnessing Hindus providing protection for Sikhs in their communities during the horrific anti-Sikh violence that followed the assassination of Indira Gandhi .As the assembly came to a close, the goodbyes and expressions of gratitude in all directions were surprisingly emotional. 17th November the team visited Golden temple, Jallianwalla bagh and Wagaborder
U.R.I FUSION LEADERS
United Religions Initiative is a global grassroots interfaith network that cultivates peace and justice by engaging people to bridge religious and cultural differences and work together for the good of their communities and the world. The purpose of the U.R.I is to promote enduring,daily interfaith cooperation, to end religiously motivated violence and to create cultures of peace, justice and healing for the Earth and all living beings.Fusion Leadership Service Program is strengthening the network to promote peacebuildingFusion Leaders:- Biswadeb Chakraborty, Ashwani Kumar,Greshma Raju, Rev. Kalyan Kumar Kisku,Kaushik Chatterjee, Anjan Sadavarte,K Vasudeva Rao.Qutub Jehan Kidwai,Thuktan Negi, Dr. Abraham Karickom,Dr. Hira Paul Gangnegi, Kulfip Dingh,Khairnnisha pathan, Deo Kant Mishra,Prof. John Kurakar, Suchith Abeyewickreme Prerna Bharwaj, Sajan Koshy, Issac.S. Thomas Liam Chinn
Prof. John Kurakar
