Caritas India has always been at the forefront in its continued humanitarian effort to support the most marginalized sections of society. Peace is one of the important components of sustainable development Goals and Samvaad (dialogue) is a catalyst that paves the way to holistic development. The objective is to educate people and make them conscious and concerned about peace for social justice, dignity, cooperation, and self-reliance. It is a long-collaborative process that involves changes in attitudes, behaviours, and norms. It also aims to resolve conflicts, and build societies, institutions, policies, and relationships that are better able to sustain peace, equality, and social justice. The idea of Samvaad revolves around empowering local communities to initiate and sustain their own peace and development process.

As part of the monitoring visit under the Samvaad – Peace Building program, one of the major components is Dialogue with the stakeholders. It is a community-based intervention program where community involvement is required to create an environment of an empowered and sensitized community where social peace and integration are restored. This Interface meeting is a platform for sharing and learning about the program implementation. As part of the Project activity, this interface meeting was organized so that community and the stakeholders can be mobilized on the right track that focuses on Peacebuilding and social development through Samvaad.

“The core value of Religion is to guide and direct the way of human action and activities towards the goodness and not for destruction motives of the society,” said Fr. Babu Varghese, Director of Karuna Social Service Society, Kotdwar ( Samvaad Project Partner). He shared, Religion curtails the selfish motive of each and every individual and directs the common good and social harmony. He insisted to overcome estrangement and disputes through dialogue for the family peace and community wellbeing. Dialogue is the means to control and manage any conflict that rises between communities. Lack of dialogue creates misunderstanding and disrupts the mutual peace. He further stated, if we live our lives as per the Holy Book of the religion, which are laid down some certain core values to uphold in day today’s lives. Then definitely we are able to respect each other and live a peaceful life in our locality, community, and village.

Mrs. Asha, a social activist and the resource person of the event shared about the community development while discussing the major points of the society. That enclosed- literacy rate, human rights violation, livelihood issues, religious biasedness, lack of awareness, renunciation of handicrafts methodologies etc. She said that every work starts with one person’s initiative but inspired others to go ahead and support each other in unity. She also emphasized that nowadays people can move forward by using the heritage of handicrafts acquired by their ancestors by working in groups such as SHGs, and CBO for a better life and can make a small contribution to the family as a source of livelihood.

Dr. Fr. Vijay, a Doctor in Ayurvedacharya and the resource person shared that in the last few years people faced many problems such as demonetization, Covid outbreak etc. which not only affected them physically but mentally & financially well-bring of people. He insisted that humans can overcome all these obstacles only through good health and habits like yoga, proper walking, avoiding junk foods, and personal hygiene with a focus on WaSH. He even talked about how we can avoid strokes & heart attacks by simply acquiring good habits while eating, drinking, bathing etc.

CBO members Munni Devi, Sudesh & Savitri Devi performed a song on communal harmony and peacebuilding. After the program, exhibition of drawings, posters and essays made by the children of the Peace Club was organized along with a picture of how peace and development can be established.

Fr. Benny, Director of Prem Dham Ashram, Najibabad in his Interaction with the people emphasized on the main problem of the society is “have a feeling of hatred, selfishness” due to which peace is not established. He emphasized that “there is power in unity, and we can overcome every problem by being organized,” such thinking must spread in our society to get connected and oriented regularly. He emphasized false propaganda, and fake news, that creates communal disharmony in the community, therefore, we need to be very much aware of the information. We should not forward or propagate any news without knowing the real fact of the issues. Be aware of Social Media that is spreading fake information to disrupt the peace within the community.

The meeting concluded with words of gratitude for the valuable discussion and sensitization by the resource person.