The recently concluded India Working Group meeting, hosted by Caritas India, unfolded a vision of unity, fraternity, and social friendship aimed at establishing a new order of peace and justice. This pivotal gathering took place in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, from October 16th to 18th, 2023, bringing together Caritas members organizations from around the world, including Caritas Germany, Misereor, Caritas Australia, Caritas Austria, and CRS.

The meeting began with a meaningful field visit to Caritas Germany-supported SABAL program areas, nestled among the Korku tribes. The SABAL program, operating across 102 villages in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, is on a mission to combat hunger, malnutrition, and undernourishment. More than just addressing immediate food and nutrition challenges, SABAL is dedicated to transforming the lives of the Korku tribe, empowering them to break free from the shackles of malnutrition and hunger.

During the gathering, Fr. (Dr.) Paul Moonjely, the Executive Director of Caritas India, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all the esteemed Caritas member organizations for their unwavering solidarity and partnership in both emergency and development programs.

Fr. Paul extended his sincere appreciation to Caritas Germany for their long-standing and highly professional support, particularly recalling their vital assistance during the tumultuous response to the Tsunami. Highlighting the significant role of Misereor, he emphasized that Misereor stands as one of the largest funding partners of Caritas India, offering critical support to a wide array of programs. In this context, he made special mention of Monsignor Pirmin Spiegel for his dedicated accompaniment, leadership, and valuable partnership.

Fr. Paul also underscored the consistent support of Caritas Austria, emphasizing their steadfast presence through bilateral partnership, resulting in the successful acquisition of six consecutive programs from ECHO. This fraternal partnership was celebrated for its collaborative efforts and sharing of capacities. He also expressed his joy in sharing the news that Caritas India holds the distinction of being the largest partner of Caritas Australia, a source of great happiness and joy for both organizations.

Regarding CRS, Fr. Paul stated that the partnership between CRS and Caritas India has significantly strengthened over the past decade, with a focus on capacity building and system strengthening, making it even more robust and impactful.

A new order of peace and justice begins with humanity, and Caritas India seized this opportunity to present its key thematical verticals as its strategic orientation for the next five years. These four strategic orientations are:

Strategic Orientation 1: Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Risk Reduction

Historically, Caritas India has been a beacon of resilience in addressing climate risks and unexpected events, focusing on surviving and thriving in the context of climate change. Disaster Risk Reduction is an evolving perspective in their field of operations, opening up opportunities to understand the intricacies of climate change, urbanization, and community resilience. Caritas India intends to continue its humanitarian actions with communities affected by both human-induced and natural disasters.

Strategic Orientation 2: Climate Resilience and Adaptation

India grapples with a multitude of climate irregularities, leading to agricultural and livelihood disruptions. In response, Caritas India will intensify its work in climate change mitigation and adaptation by implementing nature-based practices that are resilient and adaptive.

Strategic Orientation 3: Migration and Displacement (People of Concern)

Migration has long been a part of human history and development. However, the alarming rise in distress migration, with people crammed into various parts of the country, demands immediate attention. Caritas India aims to promote safe and informed migration with full respect for human rights, safety, and humane treatment, regardless of migratory status, whether internal or overseas.

Strategic Orientation 4: Children and Development

With nearly 40% of India’s 1.3 billion population being under the age of 18, chronic poverty, low literacy rates, early marriages, and inadequate dietary intake continue to mar the survival and well-being of marginalized children. Caritas India is dedicated to enhancing the engagement of children, empowering them to be ambassadors of their own well-being and change in their communities.

The presentations of these strategic orientations were met with appreciation from Caritas member organizations, who provided valuable feedback. The India Working Group meeting has set a strong foundation for a synodal Caritas, a collective journey towards a culture of care, social dialogue, fraternity, and social friendship. By fostering these values, Caritas India and its partners are striving to build a more just and peaceful world. The meeting in Khandwa was not just a conference; it was a call to action, a declaration of intent, and a promise of solidarity in the pursuit of a better future for all.