30/08/2024
“The workshop had equipped me with practical strategies for dealing with difficult situations such as hate speech and communal violence, I gained the confidence to stand up against intolerance and actively promote religious harmony in their community through social media and dialogue between people from different communities”, said Amber Dalal. Dalal was participated in the transformative workshop on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FORB) which was jointly organized by the Centre for Study of Society and Secularism (CSSS), Mumbai, and the Alliance for Justice and Harmony (AJH), Goa From Aug 23rd to 25th, 2024. The workshop was held at the Pedro Arrupe Institute in Raia Salcete, Goa. Over 30 students aged between 18 to 25, hailing from diverse religious backgrounds, including Hindu, Muslim, and Christian communities participated in the workshop. Neha Dabhade, Executive Director of CSSS and Mithila Raut, Programme Coordinator at CSSS facilitated the workshop; However Dr. Sandhya Mhatre provided invaluable inputs in Marathi, ensuring deeper and more inclusive understanding for all participants.
At the outset, many participants were unaware of the subtle communal issues and discrimination that exists in Goa. They had grown up believing that their society was free from significant religious or caste-based discrimination. However, as the workshop progressed, this perception began to shift. Participants soon realized that discrimination and religious hatred had become so normalized in society that they often went unnoticed or unchallenged.
One particularly thought-provoking revelation for the participants was the discovery that even within Goa, religious communities often face exclusion and discrimination. For instance, it was revealed that the Christian community in some areas had denied Muslims access to burial grounds, reflecting deep-rooted religious divides. Similarly, participants discussed the growing hostility between Hindu, Muslim, and Christian communities, fuelled by societal prejudices and rumours of forced religious conversions. These tensions have sometimes resulted in attacks on minorities by Hindu right wing group.
The workshop also addressed the cultural barriers that prevent interfaith marriages, a common issue in many parts of India. Participants discussed how societal norms often discourage couples from different faiths from marrying, reinforcing divisions between religious groups. This issue resonated deeply with the participants, many of whom had witnessed or experienced the challenges of navigating interfaith relationships in a society that prioritizes religious homogeneity over individual choice.
Through the course of the workshop, participants shared personal reflections on how the sessions had impacted them. Tousif, another participant, reflected on how the workshop had fostered his leadership qualities, enabling him to take decisive actions in situations of communal unrest or conflict. He felt empowered to apply the strategies learned during the workshop to de-escalate tensions and promote dialogue between conflicting groups.
Another participant, Manjushri, shared a deeply personal reflection on how the workshop had transformed her outlook. Before attending the workshop, she had often been a passive observer, hesitant to intervene when witnessing injustice or discrimination. However, the workshop gave her the confidence to step out of the bystander role and become an active healer in her community. Manjushri’s experience reflects the broader impact of the workshop, which not only equipped participants with knowledge but also instilled in them the courage to take action.
The nine-session workshop was structured around the “Local Changemakers Course,” an innovative module designed by experts and facilitated by NORFORB. The sessions utilized a variety of interactive methods, including group exercises, discussions, role-plays, and visual aids, to engage participants and deepen their understanding of FORB. This hands-on approach helped participants explore the relevance of FORB in their everyday lives and identify instances of FORB violations in various settings such as schools, workplaces, public spaces, and government institutions etc.
Overall, the workshop was a transformative experience for the participants. It provided them with a newfound perspective on the universality of FORB violations, emphasizing that no community is immune to such challenges. By recognizing the common struggles faced by people from different religious and caste backgrounds, participants gained a deeper understanding of the importance of solidarity in addressing these issues. They left the workshop feeling inspired and empowered to advocate for FORB within their respective communities, armed with the knowledge and tools needed to foster a more inclusive and equitable society.
In conclusion, the Local Changemakers Course on FORB served as a platform for dialogue, introspection, and collective empowerment. The workshop succeeded in its objective of raising awareness about the violation of freedom of religion or belief in the state of Goa. More importantly, it equipped participants with the confidence and strategies to take action in their communities. The participants’ personal reflections on their growth, combined with their commitment to promoting religious harmony, underscored the lasting impact of the workshop. As these young changemakers return to their communities, they carry with them the seeds of change, ready to cultivate an environment of peace, tolerance, and justice for all.
