News and pics by Jessie Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Jan 20: Caritas India, the official organization of Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI )organized the sixth  National Assembly of Diocesan Directors of Social Work on Monday January 19 at St John’s Medical college auditorium in the city. Their vision being ‘formation of just and  sustaining social order’ where gospel values of love, equality and  peace are nurtured and  lived as well as building Associations of NGOs and  PRIs in the development process of communities.

The welcome theme was traditionally Indian. Receiving of the procession was by pouring water on the path symbolizing life, freshness, purity and  cleansing, an expression of cooling the way and  making one’s life pleasant and harmonious. Breaking the coconut was second item which means share, celebrate, representing human nature in its hardness. This was followed by Poorna Kumbham,  as a symbol of wholeness or  life to its fullness,  finally followed by offering of  Kunkum and  Chandan symbolizing respect, acceptance and  happiness, our relationship with each other and  belongingness to one human family and  moving together with singular aim or purpose as we say 'Swagatham….'.

The programme started with the holy Eucharistic celebration by archbishop Dr Bernard Moras.

Bishop Monteiro in his homily inspired the people by quoting Mother Teresa’s quotes, ‘Give till it hurts, so give when it hurts most, because God is within me and  I need to see God in my neighbourers, brothers and  sisters’. May we serve with justice and equality every human being and let it begin with me, he said.

This was followed by the presentation of the inaugural dance by NBCLC Nrityavani group which was appreciated by one and all. Fr Varghese Mattamana, ex-director of Caritas India rendered the  welcome address. Justice N Santhosh Hegde, Karnataka Lokayukta and former Judge of the Supreme Court graced the occasion as the chief guest. In his inaugural address,  Hegde spoke about peoples' participation in local governance, saying that the administration has to be taken to the door steps of the people, that this concept was there right  from the beginning, but the will was missing. It should be made easier to the people to take their grievances to the government, which  will provide  relief to the people. But it looks there is no free access for the public to the system which is meant to serve them, he noted. . He said the government  officials are actually the  public servants who are of the people, for the people and  by the people. The officials are expected to look after the peoples problems. If this had happened the way it was conceived, rural India would have been smiling today instead of shedding tears, he concluded.

Dr Peter Remigius, chairman, Caritas India in his presidential address mentioned that the need for good governance is required in each and every voluntary organization, and that accountability is an integral part of good governance. NGOs are being judged by their accountability and how well they are able to mobilize the funds, he said.

Bishop Moras in his felicitation spoke about Karnataka state and thanked God for blessing our state with educational institutions, health care etc. Bangalore is known for love and hospitality, he added. He applauded Justice Hegde for his inspiring speech on good governance and added that accountability is like a thermometer of the organization. Faithfulness is the key to success, he stressed.

The first part of the programme concluded with the proposing of  vote of thanks by Fr Fredrick D’Souza, assistant executive director of Caritas India, followed by national anthem.

The continuation was the input on Panchayat Raj institutions by G Palanithurai, professor and head, Rajiv Gandhi Chair for Panchayat Raj Studies from Gandhigram Rural University with parallel sessions, input and presentation of the pre national assembly thematic workshop findings, group discussions and  concluded with cultural programmes.

The entire programme will conclude on Tuesday January 20 with presentations by each thematic group, region wise group discussion and plenary, new structures of Caritas India and  visibility open to the floor and  final consolidation with valedictory function.