Aamra Ek Sachetan Prayas, West Bengal

Aamra Ek Sachetan Prayas runs a peace Centers in riot affected Telinipara and Bhatpara in West Bengal. Riots in 2020 led to tensions between the people from Hindu and Muslim community in these villages. The religious polarization was so deep that residents are not willing to even speak to other persons from different faith due to hatred that communal riots created in their minds.

Aamra Ek Sachetan Prayas has been working to bridge communal divide in the society. It has organized self-help group (SHG) from Hindu and Muslim communities with the motive of not only economic empowerment of women but also to strengthen the bond of women from both the communities. It is organizing many programs to increase the interaction between the people from different faiths to understand each other and to build relation between them.

On Dec 26, 2021, Aamra Ek Sachetan Prayas organized a get together in the form of picnic where families from Bhatpara and Jaggadal, District North 24 Paraganas, affected by the riots participated. The group of 150 persons visited Dharampur village situated in Uttar Dinajpur district. During the picnic, people from both communities shared their experience of riot and impact that they are facing till now of the same. Participants and students sung patriotic songs, movement songs and performed dance and portrayed communal harmony through their art.

After listening to each other’s experiences and having discussion with each other, people from both the community were inspired to eradicate the darkness of hatred and to bring peace in the society with the cooperation from both the community. Women from both communities showed good participation and involvement in many activities.

CSSS has been facilitating and supporting to the Peace Centre with the objective of highlighting the composite culture and cultural diversity in their respective area and to act as bridge between communities.