Sadbhavana Sandesh

Sadbhavana Sandesh
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Peace, Harmony, Shared Security & Prosperity
No. 03/2014
SEPTEMBER 2014
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NATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR COMMUNAL HARMONY
Message from the Secretary
I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to friends, partners, supporters and
patrons of the National Foundation for Communal Harmony (NFCH) to the latest edition of
our quarterly Newsletter Sadbhavana Sandesh. I am happy to get this opportunity to share
some thoughts on programmes and activities that have been conducted by the Foundation in
recent months since the last issue reached your hands. I would also like to share with you
some plans that we have for the near future.
At the outset I would like to convey my deep appreciation and sincere gratitude to all
our well-wishers, benefactors, associates and collaborators for their unstinted support,
guidance and co-operation in carrying forward and expanding our activities. Your words of
encouragement, advice and support go a long way in opening up new avenues and inspiring
us to further expand and enhance our outreach. They also help us to make our activities and programmes more
meaningful and useful at the grass-root level.
We are enthused and inspired by the motivating words of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi who declared
from the ramparts of Red Fort on 15th August 2014 as under :
I appeal to all that whether it is the poison of casteism, communalism, regionalism, discrimination
on social and economic basis, all these are obstacles in our way forward. Let us resolve for once in
our hearts: let's put a moratorium on all such activities for 10 years, we shall march ahead to a
society which will be free from all such tensions. And you will see that how much strength we get
from peace, unity, goodwill and brotherhood.
It is essential for the country to follow the path outlined by the Prime Minister to provide a decent life to our people
and claim our rightful place in the comity of nations.
The Foundation has taken a number of new initiatives in the last few months to further extend the outreach and
promote the ethos of unity, amity and brotherhood in the country. One initiative which promises significant potential is
collaboration between the Foundation and Academic Staff Colleges (ASCs) in various premier Universities of
India. The well informed readership of this Newsletter would know that the University Grants Commission (UGC) set up
ASCs in several leading and reputed educational institutions and universities of the country in 1986 for providing regular,
intense and focussed training to teachers, educators, professors etc. of various colleges and universities of the country.
Currently there are 66 ASCs established in different universities in the country. Realising the critical importance and vital
significance of social harmony and peace, the UGC has been supportive of the Foundation's initiative to establish
collaborative partnerships between NFCH and the various ASCs. I am happy to report to our esteemed readers that the
Foundation is in the process of creating a short module of 8-12 lectures on the theme of communal harmony and national
integration with the advice and support of some eminent educationists and academics. While this might take a little time,
the Foundation has already embarked upon working with different ASCs by delivering Talks and Lectures in Orientation
and Professional Courses regularly conducted by them. Linkages with ASCs in the Universities of Mysore, Aligarh,
Nagpur, Hyderabad, Indore etc. have already been established. Partnerships with several more ASCs for collaboration
and joint programmes in the coming months are in the pipe line. This collaboration has huge potential as it will provide
important and much needed inputs to our young teachers and senior educators to integrate the theme of societal
harmony, peace, non-violence and conflict resolution through dialogue in their teaching curricula in whichever discipline
they teach in the Universities and Colleges.
Another initiative that has been launched by the Foundation is to organise Essay/Short-Story Writing and
Painting Competitions amongst junior and senior school students studying in the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas
under the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS). NVS currently runs around 600 schools with a total student population of
around 1,20,000 children and enjoys a presence in most districts of the nation. These schools are situated in rural areas
and reach out to the farthest corners in the country. Competitions will take place at school level, zonal and regional level
and thereafter at national level. Essays and short stories will be written on themes and subjects provided by the
Foundation on communal harmony and national integration. Painting competitions will also be focused on similar
themes. Suitable attractive prizes will be awarded to winners of these competitions at different levels. This initiative will
help the school children to focus on the essential need to promote peace and unity in the country. It will help them to
assimilate and inculcate these ideals as a part of their character and guide them through their adult lives as responsible
and peaceful human beings and citizens of the country.
The Foundation organised a musical concert "Sur Sangam.. a concert for peace and harmony" on the
evening of 26th July 2014 at Azad Bhawan Auditorium, ICCR, New Delhi. The musical recital was presented by Rashmi
Agarwal and accompanying artistes. Rashmi is an eminent Sufi Bhakti singer and a talented and renowned exponent of
classical Hindustani Music. The programme was immensely enjoyed by the packed audience. You will read more about
this event in the ensuing pages.
The Foundation will be organising a Seminar titled 'Promoting Peace and Harmony: Social Exclusion of
Women of Minority Communities - Challenges & Remedies' in collaboration with the National Commission for
Women at the India Habitat Centre on 1st September, 2014. Through deliberations in the Seminar, the Foundation
expects and hopes to identify solutions to problems and challenges confronting women in our country on account of their
social, educational and financial exclusion. This will go a long way to assimilate the womenfolk as active, productive
factors in our economy and society. Women's contribution to social harmony and peace in our country is not adequately
recognised or acknowledged. Moreover, because of the prevalent stereotypes in the society and discriminating social
structures, women are not able to contribute to their fullest potential in the economic, political, cultural and social
progress of the country. One of the significant reasons why several developed countries, particularly the Nordics, have
been able to pull themselves out of the throes of poverty and become some of the most advanced, developed and
dynamic economies of the world is that they have been able to fully utilise and harness the immense potential of their
womenfolk, the 50% of the population. India also needs to provide full opportunities as also social and economic dignity
and respect to its women if their full potential is to be realised.
The Foundation is actively supporting the initiative of Shri M, an eminent, respected spiritual leader, social
reformer and educationist to launch the Walk of Hope – a padayatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir in 2015-16. The
Walk of Hope is designed to restore the innate spirituality of the nation, rekindling true faith and rejuvenating the spirit of
hope, love, peace, harmony and oneness. We will share more details about the project with our esteemed readers in our
next issue.
The Foundation is partnering with eminent danseuse Guru Shovana Narayan, the famous Kathak dancer and
the Sherabling Monastic Sect to present a dance and music production titled 'Shunyata' – a unique interfaith
production of Buddhist Monks and Kathak at Kamani Auditorium, Copernicus Marg, New Delhi on Tuesday,
30th September 2014 at 7 PM. The programme will feature a performance by Shovana and the Grammy Award winning
Buddhist Monks of Sherabling Sect. The objective of this unique performance is to spread the message of communal
harmony and foster “unity in diversity” through the medium of Indian culture and dance. It is a collaborative project to
encourage a healthy interfaith dialogue by essaying the philosophy of Shakyamuni Gautam Budha. Please save the
date. Everyone is welcome.
The above account is designed to provide a brief overview to our esteemed readers and supporters of some of
the activities that the Foundation has carried out over the last few months and proposes to accomplish in the coming
weeks. You will read more about our activities in greater detail in the following pages of the Newsletter.
I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely and warmly thank all our patrons, protagonists and supporters for
their association and partnership. We look forward to your continued guidance and support in further enhancing and
expanding the range and reach of our activities and programmes.
Jai Hind !
Ashok Sajjanhar
Secretary, NFCH
secy-nfch-mha@nic.in, asajjanhar@gmail.com
2
th
48 Meeting of Executive Council of NFCH held
under Chairmanship of Home Secretary
The National Foundation
fo r C o m mu n a l H a r m o ny
(NFCH) was set up in 1992.
The Foundation functions
under the supervision of its
Governing Council (GC), which
decides the broad policies and
s u g g e s t s m e a s u r e s fo r
achieving its objectives. The
Home Minister is the ex-officio
Chairman of GC, which meets
at least once in a year.
The management and
Shri Anil Goswami
administration of the
Home Secretary & Chairman,
EC, NFCH
Foundation rests with the
Executive Council (EC), which
is Chaired by the Home Secretary. Normally, EC meets
thrice in a year. The Secretary of the Foundation is its
Principal Executive Officer.
The 49th meeting of the Executive Council of NFCH
was held on 21st July 2014. In addition to Shri Rahul Bose,
the renowned Film Actor, the Meeting was attended by
Senior Officers/representatives of the Ministries of
Information & Broadcasting, Social Justice and
Empowerment, Home Affairs, and Departments of
Women & Child Development, Expenditure, and School
Education and Literacy.
The Council reviewed the past activities of the
Foundation and expressed satisfaction at the progress of
existing Projects and schemes and appreciated the new
initiatives taken by NFCH. Some important highlights of
the proceedings of the Meeting are given below:
· The launch of 'Know My India' Programme at
Hyderabad was an unqualified success. The
Chairman appreciated the objectives and
implementation of this initiative. The Foundation
plans to take a similar initiative by inviting children to
Coimbatore. Dr. Kezevino Aram, Member,
Governing Council and Director, Shanti Ashram,
Coimbatore has graciously offered to co-host the
Programme from 6-11 October 2014. It is proposed
to invite around 25 children (6-7 children each from
Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar and Orissa) from
different States to participate in this program.
· Members of the Council expressed satisfaction at
the periodical publication of the Foundation s
Newsletter 'Sadbhavana Sandesh'.
· The Council welcomed the initiative to organize a
musical concert for peace and harmony titled "Sur
Sangam" with rendition of songs and music from
different faiths on 26th July 2014 in collaboration with
the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Bank of
India and UPASS Foundation to emphasize the
essential spiritual unity of all religions. (This
Programme has already been successfully
concluded. A detailed report is given at page 7 of this
Newsletter.)
· A collaborative programme with the All India
Women's Conference, New Delhi to organise
seminars / programmes in different cities of the
country on the theme of "Role of Women in
Promoting Communal Harmony and National
Integration" was proposed by the Foundation. The
Foundation is in contact with the organization to
arrange 4-5 Seminars in different parts of the
country. EC welcomed these future programmes of
NFCH.
· EC also appreciated the pro-active initiative taken by
NFCH to organize competitions amongst school
children of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas
functioning under the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti
(NVS). Essay/ story writing competitions and
Painting competitions will be organized for senior
and junior classes. The Foundation proposed that
suitable prizes / certificates be awarded to students
of these schools throughout the country.
· The Council welcomed the idea that the Foundation
has planned to organize a Seminar/Symposium as
part of a series of Seminars on the "Role of Religion
in Promoting Communal Harmony". Two Seminars,
one each on "Contribution of Islam in promoting
Peace and Communal Harmony" and the other on
"Contribution of Christianity in promoting Peace and
Communal Harmony" in collaboration with suitable
partner institutions will be organized in the coming
months. These future initiatives were positively
acknowledged by the Council.
· The exemplary work being
done by Sri M towards
maintaining peace and
p r o m o t i n g c o m mu n a l
harmony was highlighted
in the meeting. Born as
Mumtaz Ali, Sri M., who is
an eminent social
reformer and educationist,
will be travelling on foot
from Kanyakumari to
Sri M
Kashmir, cover ing a
Manav
Ekta Mission
distance of about 6000
kms in 12-15 months. He will start his travels on 12
January, 2015. This initiative titled 'Walk of Hope' is
being undertaken through Manav Ekta Mission, a
wing of the Satsang Foundation established by Sri
M. Through this padayatra, Sri M will spread the
message of peace and harmony across the length
and breadth of the country. The Foundation will
actively associate itself with Sri M and the Manav
Ekta Mission in this noble journey for peace, nonviolence and societal harmony. This was welcomed
by the Council.
3
The Executive Council and Chairman EC appreciated the
ongoing activities and future initiatives of the Foundation.
strength with the passage of time and expanded and
diversified its activities and programmes.
Programmes organized on India's Cultural
Heritage and Communal Harmony at Mysore
Amb. Sajjanhar also delivered a talk to participants of
the Orientation Programme on India's Cultural Heritage
and the urgent need to promote peace, societal harmony
and national integration in the country.
Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar, Secretary, NFCH was invited
by UGC Academic Staff College (ASC), University of
Mysore to Address the 104th Orientation Programme for
college teachers and educators organised by them from
5th June, 2014. The programme was jointly inaugurated by
Prof. K.S. Rangappa, Vice Chancellor, Mysore University
and Amb. Sajjanhar. The three week Orientation
Programme was attended by 50 teachers and faculty
members from different colleges and universities all over
the country. The programme was designed to train
teachers and experts for imparting education in a wide
range of disciplines and areas.
Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar being honoured in traditional style
by Prof. Rangappa, Vice Chancellor.
Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar addressing
participants in the programme at Mysore
In his Inaugural Address, Amb. Sajjanhar encouraged
and exhorted the participants to instil the cultural values
and heritage of the country in their students. Our age old
ethos teaches us to respect all religions and communities
and to live at peace with each other. He emphasised that
teachers shoulder a very important and critical
responsibility in the development and growth of India. He
referred to the huge demographic advantage that the
country is poised to benefit from, if right education,
health-care, infrastructure and facilities are provided to
the youth.
In his remarks Prof. Rangappa, Vice Chancellor
and Prof. L. Gandhi, Director, ASC expressed their
pleasure and gratitude at the initiation of collaboration
between the University of Mysore and NFCH. Prof.
Rangappa said that the University of Mysore is an ancient
and historical educational institution which will be
celebrating its centenary in 2016. The University enjoys
the unique distinction of having had Dr. S. Radhakrishnan
former President of India as its alumnus and was also
privileged to have the honour of having had
Dr. Radhakrishnan as one of its eminent teachers. The
University had continued to grow from strength to
4
The Refresher Course on Economics was inaugurated on
6th June, 2014 jointly by Prof. Rangappa, VC, Amb.
Sajjanhar and Dr. G. Thimmaiah, Chairperson, Institute
for Social and Economic Change (ISEC). In his Opening
Address Amb. Sajjanhar referred to the development and
growth of the Indian Economy particularly over the past
20 years and the huge opportunities and possibilities that
await it in the coming years. He referred to the recent
change in Government in May, 2014 and stated that it had
infused a new hope and energy amongst the people. He
emphasised that till 200 years ago, our country
accounted for more than 25% of the world's wealth, GDP
and trade. All countrymen particularly students need to
work together in unity to achieve the desired results and
take advantages from the positive circumstances that the
country finds itself in today. Of course, there have been
challenges in the recent past like high inflation, high
current account deficit and policy drift in taking
appropriate decisions. He expressed hope and
confidence that the Government will take appropriate
decisions quickly to take maximum benefit from the
evolving national and international situation.
Participants of the programme at University of Mysore
Prof. Rangappa and Prof. Gandhi expressed their
deep appreciation for co-operation with NFCH and
conveyed their resolve to strengthen it further in the
coming months.
21st Joint Civil Military Training Programme
on National Security held at Mussorie
The Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of
Administration (LBSNAA) is India's premier institution
dedicated to training Officers of the country's higher civil
services. The Institute imparts education and training to
members of the All India Services and Central Services
(Group A) through a common Foundation Course. The
21st Joint Civil Military Training Programme was
conducted by LBSNAA on National Security from 2nd to
13th June 2014 at Mussorie, Uttarakhand.
LBSNAA, Mussorie
At the invitation of the Academy, Amb. Ashok
Sajjanhar attended the Programme on 11th June 2014 as
a Guest Speaker and delivered an insightful and
perceptive Talk on the theme of 'Strategic Partnerships
for National Security'.
In his address to the participants of the Programme,
Amb. Sajjanhar emphasized the need for national
security as one of the most crucial and top priorities for
the stability, integrity and prosperity of the country. He
stated that in addition to the efforts and programmes of
the state machinery, defence services and police in
ensuring national security, it is essential that people of
the country are also conscientious and vigilant about the
destructive and ruinous activities of anti-national
elements in the society. It is of paramount importance
that the spirit of patriotism and nationalism is instilled in
the people of the country by strengthening bonds of
brotherhood and understanding amongst the diverse
segments of our society. He dealt with the issue of
national security on a broad canvas and delineated the
contribution of and initiatives taken by the National
Foundation for Communal Harmony in promoting a
peaceful, stable, secure and prosperous society.
The programme was conducted for officers of All
India Services, Central Civil Services, Paramilitary
Organizations, Judiciary, the Armed Forces and Private
Enterprises etc. Several senior officers of IAS, IPS, Indian
Revenue Services, Indian Forest Service, Army, Air
Force, Navy, CBI, BSF, Coast Guards, Senior Judges,
Zilla Parishads etc. participated actively in the interactive
discussions.
Program held on Communal Harmony and
India's Cultural Heritage at Nagpur
UGC Academic Staff College, University of Nagpur
invited Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar to address the three week
long Orientation and Refresher Programmes arranged by
them in June-July 2014 at Nagpur. Amb. Sajjanhar was
requested to speak on themes covering communal
harmony and India's cultural heritage.
Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar addressing the participants in the
programme at Nagpur
In his presentations, Amb. Sajjanhar stated that India
has a rich, ancient and diverse cultural heritage. Over the
years, the country has progressed in all walks and
dimensions of life. Its vibrant cultural traditions, customs
and practices have nurtured the Indian society into a
composite civilization giving India a unique identity. This
unique identity is deeply admired and praised by the
outside world. People despite belonging to different
religions, castes etc. and practising variety of traditions
and customs have been living together in this country in
peace and harmony.
Participants of the programme at Nagpur
Sometimes, peace is disturbed because of selfish
tendencies of some anti-social elements and vested
interests. Youth can come under the harmful influence of
these forces. Teachers and academics are the mentors,
guardians and patrons for the young and for the society.
Here, the responsibility of the teaching class is much
5
more than that of any other segment of the society. It is
they who instil the basic principles of co-existence and
fraternity in the minds of the youth and the people.
Several academics including teachers and
professors participated in the Orientation and Refresher
programmes. They were deeply encouraged and
motivated by the insightful ideas and views expressed by
Amb. Sajjanhar on the subject.
initiatives being taken by Sri M and Manav Ekta Mission.
He stated that the launch of The Peace Education
Programme and other inspiring and motivating initiatives
being taken by Sri M, the well known and respected
spiritual thinker, writer, speaker and social reformer will
go a long way in promoting communal harmony,
understanding and mutual respect among different
communities and religions.
Manav Ekta Mission launches
'Peace Education Program' at Jalandhar
Manav Ekta Mission, an initiative of The Satsang
Foundation, Bengaluru under the leadership of renowned
spiritual leader Sri M launched 'The Peace Education
Programme' on 3rd May 2014 at Jalandhar. Amb. Ashok
Sajjanhar participated in this programme as a Special
Guest and spent time with the organizers of this
Programme, school children and youths who were the
main target groups of this initiative.
Release of Manual on Walk of Hope
Amb. Sajjanhar in his address further underlined the
imperative need for each and every one of us to engage
fully in the success of such ventures, both at individual as
well as at collective level. He also outlined the initiatives
and activities being undertaken by NFCH for promoting
communal harmony and national integration. Amb.
Sajjanhar stated that the Foundation would be pleased to
work with Sri M and his team in the 'Walk of Hope' initiative
being taken-up by the Manav Ekta Mission for reinforcing
the theme of peaceful co-existence, mutural respect
amongst different communities, tolerance and
acceptance and accommodation of the 'other'.
Lamp lighting at the Peace Education Programme at
Jalandhar. Sri M and Amb. Sajjanhar are standing to the left.
The Programme aimed at engaging children, youth
and youth leaders from schools and communities for
creating awareness and nurturing essential skills among
them for maintaining peace on earth.
The programme was addressed by Sri M who shared
his insightful and unique thoughts based on his personal
experiences that he underwent while working for peace
and communal harmony. In addition to speeches by other
distinguished invitees and guest speakers, the
programme included songs by a group of school children
and a musical cultural prformance by a group of regional
artistes.
Musical cultural performance by regional artistes
Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar speaking at the
Peace Education Programme at Jalandhar
Amb. Sajjanhar spoke on the occasion as a key
resource person and appreciated the valuable steps and
6
The purpose of the programme was to inculcate in
youths and individuals a genuine appreciation of our
humanitarian traditions and values such as non-violence,
tolerance, understanding, cooperation and peace.
Sur Sangam: A Music Concert for
Peace & Harmony
The National Foundation for Communal Harmony, in
collaboration with the Indian Council for Cultural
Relations, Bank of India and UPASS Foundation
organized a music concert titled 'Sur Sangam: A Music
Concert for Peace & Harmony' on the evening of 26th July
2014 at Azad Bhawan Auditorium, ICCR, New Delhi.
qalandar .beautifully sung by Ms. Agarwal were
immensely enjoyed, appreciated and applauded by the
audience. The event was inspiring and motivating for the
spectators and listeners.
In his opening remarks Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar,
Secretary NFCH explained the title of Sur Sangam as an
untiring attempt of the Foundation to disseminate the
message of communal harmony, amity, unity and
brotherhood in the country. He sought cooperation and
partnership of people from all walks of life in further
carrying out the vision and mission of the Foundation.
Lamp lighting at Sur Sangam by Shri S.C. Panda, AS & FA,
MHA; Lt. Gen. Shah, VC, AMU & Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar
The musical recital was presented by the talented
and renowned exponent of classical Hindustani Music
Rashmi Agarwal and accompanying artistes. Rashmi is
an eminent Sufi Bhakti singer who has travelled
extensively within and outside the country to regale
audiences with her melodious and mesmerizing voice.
She rendered a wide range of compositions including
thumri, dadra, geet, Bhajans, Sufi sangeet etc. and
delighted the packed hall with her creative pieces and
renditions.
Ms. Rashmi Agarwal along with artistes performing at Sur Sangam
Popular and melodious songs like chhap tilak sab
chheen li re , suno maharaja jagat ke waali..., gal
samajh layi te raula ki.., mohe apne hi rang me rang le..,
jogi de naal.., nit khair manga.., tu maane ya na maane
d i l d a a ra . . , j u g n i j i . . , a n d d a m a d a m m a s t
From L: Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar, Secretary, NFCH;
Shri S.C. Panda, Addl. Secy & Fin. Advisor, MHA; and
Mr. Parakhat Durdyev, Amb. of Turkmenistan
The programme was
graced by Shri S.C.Panda,
Additional Secretary &
Financial Adviser, Ministry
of Home Affairs; Lt Gen.
Zamiruddin Shah, Vice
C h a n c e l l o r, A l i g a r h
Muslim University; Ms.
Shamina Shafiq, Member,
National Commission for
Women; Guru Shovana
Ms. Shovana Narayan
Narayan, Kathak dancer;
Ambassador of Turkmenistan and by a large number of
distinguished and eminent persons including artistes,
gover nment officials, heads of Institutions,
representatives of various NGOs / civil society groups
etc. . The programme was also addressed by Lt Gen
Zamiruddin Shah and Guru Shovana Narayan. They
appreciated the variety of activities being undertaken by
the Foundation for promoting communal harmony and
national integration. They expressed their keen interest to
collaborate with the Foundation for carrying-out such
activities for disseminating the message of peace and
social harmony to large segments of society.
The Foundation is hopeful that this initiative will
contribute to getting us closer to our ideal of a peaceful,
stable, secure and prosperous India.
7
Special Peace Conference held at
Bangkok, Thailand
The United Peace
Federation (UPF), Asia
hosted an Asian Leadership
Conference on the theme,
'Building a Nation of Peace:
Principles and Practices'
from July 5-9 2014 at
Bangkok, Thailand. With an
urgent need for innovative
and bold leadership to
effectively address the
critical issues of the present
Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar
time, this programme addressing Peace Conference
assumed enormous
at Bangkok, Thailand
significance.
The United Peace Federation (UPF) is a global and
inter-religious network of individuals and organizations
dedicated to building a world of peace centered on
universal spiritual and moral values. It is a NonGovernmental Organization in Special Consultative
Status with the Economic and Social Council of United
Nations (ECOSOC). UPF supports and promotes the
work of the United Nations and the achievement of the
Millennium Development Goals particularly in the areas
of promotion of interreligious dialogue and strengthening
of marriage and family as instruments of peace and
human development. Its international offices are in USA
and regional offices at different places in Africa, Asia,
Europe, Middle-East, America, etc. UPF is active in more
than 160 nations throughout the world.
On the invitation of UPF, Asia, Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar
participated in this special Conference at Bangkok in July
2014. He participated in two panel discussions of the
Conference and gave insightful presentations during
interventions in these discussions. Amb. Sajjanhar
focused on the millennia-old pluralistic, composite culture
and civilizational ethos of India which espouses societal
harmony, non-violence, peaceful co-existence and
mutual respect amongst all religions.
During the Conference, compelling thoughtful and
diverse views and experiences of academics and social
leaders on principles and practices of building peaceful
nation(s) were shared and discussed. The concluding
message of this Seminar was to give emphasis on
strengthening family values and relationships for building
a peaceful nation. Key aspects of UPF's Universal
Principles of Peace were also presented during the event.
Academics and leaders from several Asian nations
participated in this Conference including from Cambodia,
India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Phillipines
and Vietnam. International representatives from United
States, Korea and Japan also attended the event.
8
A sum of Rs.1.97 Crores (approx.) released by
NFCH as assistance to 1383 children
upto August 2014 during 2014-15
The National Foundation for Communal Harmony
has been implementing its flagship Project 'Assist' in
various States throughout the country. The scheme has
the provision to provide financial assistance to needy,
destitute children affected by communal, caste, ethnic or
terrorist violence. The Foundation works for effective
rehabilitation of these children and provides help to them
in the form of financial assistance which is being sent to
each child on annual basis for his/ her care, education and
training. A sum of Rs.1.97 Crores (approx.) was released
as assistance to 1383 destitute/ orphan children hailing
from 08 States throughout the country during the year up
to 31.08.2014. Statement showing state-wise release of
assistance to the needy children is given below :
State-wise release of assistance under Project Assist
during 2014-15 (up to 31.08.2014 only)
S.N.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
State
Assam
Delhi
Gujarat
J&K
Jharkhand
Madhya Pradesh
Manipur
Tripura
Total
Children Assisted
232
01
98
625
01
01
424
01
1383
Rupees/ Amount
sanctioned
(Figures in thousand)
29,22
15
13,68
95,85
12
30
57,07.5
15
1,96,54.50
The Foundation is continuously making concerted
and sincere efforts to extend benefits of this scheme to
maximum number of children throughout the length and
breadth of the country. Official records show that a total of
110 such fresh cases of children have so far been included
under Project Assist during this financial year, majority of
whom belong to the States of J & K, Manipur and Assam.
Children to whom assistance is provided by the
Foundation are doing well in studies. After successful
completion of their education, several of the Project
Assist beneficiaries start earning their livelihood either by
engaging themselves in some skill based professions or
get employed in some private Firms or government
departments. An inspiring success story of a beneficiary
of this scheme is given at page 10 of this newsletter.
Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas to organize
series of competitions on the theme of
Indian culture and human values
Morning assembly at JNV Mahadevpur,
Distt. Lohit (Arunachal Pradesh)
Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti Headquarters at Noida, UP
Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) is an autonomous
organization under the Dept. of Secondary and Higher
Education, Ministry of Human Resource Development,
Govt. of India. The Samiti has eight Regional Offices
under NVS, which administer a chain of 576 Navodaya
Vidyalayas in 576 districts of different States / UTs of the
country.
As a pro-active initiative taken by NFCH, Jawahar
Navodaya Vidyalayas functioning under the Navodaya
Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) organized a series of
competitions to promote Indian culture and inculcate
moral and ethical values among school students in all
the Indian States and Union Territories in which NVS is
operational. Essay / story writing and painting
competitions were conducted at both the levels viz.
Junior level (from class VI to VIII) and Senior level
(from class IX to XII).
India stands at the threshold of a huge economic
opportunity with a profound demographic dividend as
more than half of its population is under the age of 25
years. The objective of the competition amongst the
school children is to foster and promote the sentiment
and ethos of peace, brotherhood and harmony which
strengthens the bonds of unity and affinity in the
country.
A view of class room learning in a Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya
These institutions are model and pace setting
institutions to lead the secondary education system in
India for realizing the national goals. Providing quality
education with strong component of culture, inculcation of
values, awareness about environment, developing
reasonable level of competence in languages as
envisaged in the Three language Formula and serving the
respective districts as focal points for improving quality of
education through sharing of experiences and facilities
are some of the major aims of these institutions. The interhouse competitions, organizational responsibilities,
games, sports and arts in educational activities help
students to groom themselves into competent and selfconfident individuals and become responsible citizens of
the country.
Dance by school girls in a Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya
These competitions were conducted in August 2014
at various levels namely School Level, Cluster Level,
Regional Level and National Level. Winners at various
levels for all the competitions will be awarded suitable
prizes by the National Foundation for Communal
Harmony along with certificates. This collaboration is
being launched as a Pilot Project. It will go a long way to
foster amity, societal harmony, peace and non-violence in
the country.
9
MY LIFE MY ACHIEVEMENTS
I would like to thank the
National Foundation for
Communal Harmony for giving
me the opportunity to write the
story of my life. I believe that
whatever happens in our life is
destiny. But it does not mean that
man has to do nothing for
achieving his goal. God helps
those who besides believing in
their life's fate, have some goal in
life and struggle and work hard to
achieve their goal.
I was also having a goal in my life. My aim was to attain
success, be famous by my virtue and progress well in life
so that I could help and support my family. I wished that
people should recognize me by my virtues. To some
extent, I achieved my goal. The National Foundation for
Communal Harmony helped me immensely in achieving
the goal of my life. I experienced a lot of hurdles and faced
rigorous hardships in my life. I belong to a middle class
family living a far-flung backward area of Nagbatna
(Kupwara). We had a lot of land there. Our family was a
happy family, but could not remain happy after the death
of my father.
My father was a brave, honest and hardworking
person. He was not so educated but he wanted his
children to be educated so that they could be recognised
and become popular in the society. But what could we do
with our fate. Today all the children have got education
and have become successful to some extent in
educational field. But, our father is no more to see all this.
At present, we are five members in the family including my
mother, two brothers and a sister. We all live together and
support each other. I was 14 years old when my father
died. At that time I was studying in class 7th. My father was
killed by a SPO in cross firing in 2002. Since then,
hardships knocked our life and the family. My father left us
and we became helpless and lost all hope. We had only
the hope of God, but my mother didn't lose hope. She
encouraged us. She decided to make the life of her
children. She decided to continue our studies anyway. 40
days after the death of my father, we again came to
Kishtwar. We continued studying there. We had taken a
room on rent. My mother and my elder brother worked
very hard. They faced various hardships for fulfilling the
needs and aspirations of our family.
Then I decided that I will go for higher studies and will
become successful in life. I will do everything to support
my family. However, I was not certain, what course I
should pursue, either medicine or engineering or
teaching. I was continuously thinking of raising our
standard of living. It was my heartfelt desire to give my
father a bright name.
10
All of us wanted that we should be well respected in
our village and the society. I focussed on my studies. I did
schooling from Islamia Faridia High School, Kishtwar,
where I got 50% concession in school-fee. Because of my
hard work in studies, I secured very good marks in class
10th in 2006.
Then, I took admission in Girls Higher Secondary
School, Kishtwar for further studies. My mother suddenly
fell ill and her sickness continued for about one long year.
She had continuous pain in her legs. As I was the eldest
sibling, all the responsibilities of looking after my mother
and burden of household work came to me. At the same
time, I was also required to concentrate on my studies. My
elder brother took my mother to various doctors and
hospitals. Thankfully and at last my mother got cured from
her illness after one year. It was altogether a painful and
tense year for me. I wanted to leave studies, but my
mother, brother and the whole family encouraged me a lot
to continue my studies. I concentrated on my studies and
obtained 1st Division in class 12th. Then my mother and
brother suggested me to join college for higher studies.
Luckily, I also got scholarship from Islamia Faridia High
School, Kishtwar. I took admission in Government
Degree College, Kishtwar in medical stream. I worked
hard and completed my graduation in 2011. Then, I
wished I could also complete my post graduation, but this
was quite troublesome for us as our financial condition
was very weak. However, my mother asked me that we
should take help of the National Foundation for
Communal Harmony as my younger sister and brother
were also getting financial assistance from this
organisation. Therefore, I got admission in B.Ed. in
Islamia Faridia College of Education, Kishtwar.
My mother forwarded my application and study
certificate and other necessary documents to the
National Foundation for Communal Harmony through our
district administration. I am really thankful to NFCH for the
financial support. The help provided by NFCH facilitated
me in completing my B.Ed. course in the year 2012.
Thereafter, I also learnt Islamic studies. To my great
satisfaction, I got a job in the Education Department and I
joined there on 1st March 2014. Along with my job, I am
also pursuing Master of Arts in Rural Development from
Indira Gandhi National Open University. Today everyone
in my family is proud of me. The village people are giving
due recognition to my father and my family. Now, I plan to
appear for Kashmir Administrative Service and I am doing
hard work to prepare for the exam. I am quite hopeful that
I'll qualify this exam.
In the journey of my life, I have learned that 'If path is
beautiful, first confirm where it leads; but if destiny is
beautiful don't bother about the path, just follow it and you
will reach your destiny.'
- Rozy Akhtar
Nagbatna, Kishtwar, J & K
vtuch
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11
A Group photograph with artistes after Sur Sangam concert
Audience at Sur Sangam
Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar along with Prof. K.S. Rangappa, VC,
University of Mysore and others lighting the ceremonial lamp
Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar with delegates at Peace Conference at Bangkok, Thailand
Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar and Shri T.K. Mathew inaugurating
the Annual Day of Deepalaya School, New Delhi
Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar speaking at Annual Day of Deepalaya School
EDITORIAL BOARD
Chief Editor
Editor
ASHOK SAJJANHAR
Secretary
SALAHUDDIN ANSARI
Assistant Secretary
Advisors
SURINDER MOHAN
Joint Secretary cum FO
REKHA DWIVEDI
Editor-Director (Documentation)
NATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR COMMUNAL HARMONY
(Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India)
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