Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)
Mangaluru, Jan 12: Bandhavya, a registered federation of 18 NGOs, will hold a peace rally on Human Rights on Saturday January 16. The rally will be flagged off from Milagres Church grounds at 9.30 am and proceed to St Agnes Special School grounds, where a programme will be held.
This was revealed by Fr Oswald Monteiro, secretary, Bandhavya here on Tuesday January 12.
Addressing the media persons Fr Oswald said, "Bandhavya has been playing the role of a catalyst by first getting enlightened on and empowered to work on various developmental issues and then educating and empowering the marginalized of the society. It has consistently shown that the capacity to generate multiplier effect in developing critical awareness and capacity building among the vulnerable masses on themes on which its own members are trained first. Human rights in India is an issue complicated by the country's large size, its tremendous diversity, its status as a developing country and a sovereign, secular, democratic republic.
"The Constitution of India provides for fundamental rights, which include right to equality, right to freedom like speech, association, living, work, and movement within the country and abroad. Bandhavya has created awareness on good governance and Social Security Measures to the weaker sections of the society in the districts of Dakshina Kannada in the past 10 years. Through Bandhavya partners' interventions there has been a remarkable economic improvement in the working areas," he added.
"However, we have observed some serious communal problems which are badly affecting the life of the society and creating disharmony among the people. This communal disharmony is growing, instigated by the religious fanatics and right winged political parties. This has resulted in communal tension in the area. This problem could be addressed to a certain extent by creating awareness on Human Rights. Even though our country is a secular country as per the constitution, there is a great difference in the mindset of the people of different religions. Creating awareness regarding human rights is Bandhavya's concern, The 18 partner NGOs have reached out to a large number of people without any discrimination of caste and creed through its various awareness and training programmes. As a result of the training programmes people become responsible citizens and join the mainstream of the society.
"On the occasion of its decennial celebration, Bandhavya has organized a peace rally on Human Rights on Saturday January 16. The rally will be flagged off from Milagres church grounds at 9.30 am and proceed to St Agnes Special School ground for the stage programme. Former Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde will be the chief guest of the occasion," he added.
Fr Vinod Mascarenhas, convenor, Bhandhavya Okkuta, Sr Celine, Sr Dephney and others were present.