Samvaad is a cluster program that amalgamated after a series of dialogue and interaction with Missio, our donor based in Germany. Peacebuilding has been one of the thrust areas of Caritas India as part of our development agenda.

The Covid situation had also posed in front of us different challenges and opportunities that had prompted us to explore various avenues of development. The Samvaad program comes at an appropriate time to create a culture of awareness, sensitivity and understanding amongst each other for fulfilling the large purpose of peace and harmony.

Samvaad is being implemented in 5 districts of Uttar Pradesh by 5 diocesan partners namely Agra, Bareilly, Bijnor, Jhansi and Lucknow. The direct stakeholders of this program shall be 4000 Children and 9000 direct households of 5 districts of Western Uttar Pradesh. Funded by Missio Germany, the program addresses the wholistic development and social harmony in the society where every citizen can live in peace and fraternal care and solidarity with one another.

Caritas India with the local support of partners has initiated a peacebuilding program in 5 districts of Uttar Pradesh. This official launching signals the peacebuilding process in the community at the micro level which signifies the good wishes from the civil service society organizations in the Nation-building of the country.

The program was officially inaugurated and launched on 15 September 2021 under the leadership of Most Rt. Bishop Francis Kalist, Bishop of Meerut. It was 2day inaugural cum orientation consultation. The first day was dedicated to the launching of the program where we witnessed a galaxy of speakers from across different faiths. We had Fr. M.D. Thomas, our Keynote Speaker who is the Founder Director of Institute of Harmony and Peace Studies, Mr. Deeak Sharma, Special Speaker, who is a specialist in Mathematics, Science of Politics, and teaches at Jain Hunter college, Dr. Allaudin Waheed, member of Jamaat e Islami Hind, and the director of Falah e aam charitable hospital, Meerut and Mr. Meherchan, Gramin Samaj Vikas Kendra. Each of the speakers shared their experiences, understanding and wisdom gained over the years on the concept of peacebuilding in the community.

Fr. Jolly Puthenpura Assistant Executive Director had set the context of this program by very beautifully explaining the work of the Samvaad program which was initiated as a pilot study in the diocese of Meerut for 2 years and how these initiatives have worked in the pursuit of serving humanity.

Bishop Kalist in his inaugural address focusing on the lack of knowledge and awareness that remains rampant in the country. He stressed the need for inclusivity to develop a panoramic overview of how peacebuilding should be lived. Mr. Deepak Sharma stressed the barrier of language. He expressed that due to this barrier, religion and faith is misinterpreted. He stressed on the need for understanding and being aware of different faith teachings for holistic growth. Dr. Allaudin shared the need for common points of discussion. He expressed that peace will sustain by default if the communities are brought together to work more on the development-related common points of growth. He also specifically shared the need to create a synchronization amidst knowledge, awareness and freedom of choice. Mr. Meherchand highlighted the essence of liaisoning with the government and the need to collaborate and connect with the government mandate on development. Our keynote speaker Fr. M.D. Thomas in his message reiterated the human beings need to understand the way of life and living. He expressed that there is an urgent need to respect the identity and regard for each other.

On the second half of the first day, the process of peacebuilding was more simplified through examples of different literature and day today’s experiences of life. The examples and interpretation of the word Samvaad helped the participant grasp the multilayer meaning that can be applied for peacebuilding programs in the field. The following day was completely dedicated to the project objectives and its implementation in the field. The participants were oriented about the program goals and objectives and its activities which was substantiated by the field experience of Meerut Seva Samaj team field experiences how they have been able to build peace in their respective team. The launching & Workshop was an eye-opener for many because it oriented the participants toward the peacebuilding processes through involving oneself into the community wellbeing and creation of a better society.