Mangalore: AICUF’s Karnataka State Convention on Dec 28

By Florine Roche
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
 
Mangalore, Dec 24: The Loyola Hall of St Aloysius College Mangalore will be bustling with activity as delegates from all over the country are expected to participate in the State Convention of All India Catholic University Federation (AICUF), Karnataka State.   This convention is organized as part of the preparation for the forthcoming National Convention of AICUF scheduled to be held at Loyola College in Chennai, the home of AICUF, in June 2010.  This convention of AICUF assumes significance as the AICUF holds its convention once in 10 years.  The last convention was held in 1999 which was also the platinum jubilee year of AICUF. 

Speaking to daijiworld.com Fr Francis D’Almeida SJ, Chairman, Convention and State Advisor, AICUF Karnataka pointed out “the main thrust of the Karnataka Convention is ‘Redefining the Future : The Role of Youth Today’ with a with to have a vision for the organization for the coming years and to work in that direction”.  The keynote address on this subject will be delivered by Ms Ruth Manorama, Right Livelihood Awardee, on 28th December 2009 at 2 pm. 

The closing ceremony of the 3 day convention will be presided over by Rev Bishop Aloysius Paul D Souza, Bishop of Mangalore and Oscar Fernandes, MP & General Secretary of INC will be the chief guest on the occasion.

The state conventions prior to the national convention assume significance as members propose amendments to the constitution and these amendments will be rectified in the national convention. The state convention also selects delegates to represent the state at the national convention in Chennai.

(File Photos)

Cherished History

AICUF is an organization of catholic students of universities spread over the country and has a long and cherished history of 85 years.  The need to have an organization for university students resulted in the formation of Christian Students Union (CSU) way back in 1924.  It had its origin in St Joseph College, Tiruchinapalli and was basically meant for that college.  It soon spread to other states of South India and was known as South India Catholic University Federation (SICUF).  Fr Cyrac SJ of Loyola College, Chennai, rechristened it as AICUF in 1952 and was instrumental in making it an all India level organization. 

The members soon undertook a mission called ‘project know India’ and the members traversed through the length and breadth of the country moving in trains in an effort to uplift villages by providing houses, building roads, schools, colleges and  hospitals. As an offshoot of this project many members of AICUF who gained first hand experience of village life in India resolved to work towards the poor of the country. 

The then Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru who got a wind of the good work undertaken by AICUF greatly impressed by the good work undertaken contacted Fr Cyrac and impressed upon him to start a programme encompassing the entire country.  The National Service Scheme (NSS), which is doing a yeoman’s service all over the country, was established in 1956 as a result of this invitation from Jawaharlal Nehru.  

The organization went through a stagnation period in the 70’s and it badly needed a new project to rejuvenate it.  A clarion call was given with the theme ‘back to the campuses’ to involve college students in a big way in the work for the betterment of the society.  The Poonamalai declaration of the 70’s proved to be a turning point in the chequred history of AICUF.  In this declaration AICUF made a statement – “we are born in an unjust society; we are determined not to leave it as we have found it”.  This statement was significant as it is considered to be the watchword that has guided AICUF since then in discharging its set goals.  This statement has made the members commit to work towards up-lifting the society. Many NGO’s have been formed since then as a result of this statement and have been doing excellent work for the society. 

Turning Point

The 90’s proved to be another turning point in the history of AICUF as other sectors namely dalits, tribals, women and refugees joined the organization in large numbers and AICUF considered them as four thrusts or four wings of university campuses.  Today the organization is working in that line and has become a force to reckon with having refocused on its original objective of providing a forum for University students all over the country. 

Fr Almeida clarifies that the word Catholic in AICUF does not mean it is open for Catholics alone.  “The world catholic means universal.  The members of AICUF irrespective of caste, creed and religion derive inspiration from Jesus whom they consider as their role model”, he stated.

Some promiment AICUFers from Karnataka are Margaret Alva, Lukose Vellatharai, IAS, Sr Jeneview, former Provincial of CSST, Sr Olivia, Provincial of AC, Sr Jyothi Superior General of Bethany and most of them are likely to be present for the closing ceremony. 

In the year 2009 AICUF, Karnataka state had organized several awareness programmes in different parts of Karnataka.  Many AICUF members have got an opportunity to participate in AICUF’s national programmes held in different parts of India giving them glimpse of the responsibilities undertaken by the organization and the challenges ahead in the ear of globalization.   

The state convention organized in Mangalore is sure to rejuvenate the members in their commitment to work for the betterment of the society.