JCoR Workshop for Religious in Khandwa, India (November 2024)
The Justice Coalition of Religious (JCoR) and the Conference of Religious of India-Khandwa Diocese invite all Catholic Sisters, Brothers, Priests, and their Associates and Ministry Partners in the state of Khandwa, India to join this free, two-day-day, in-person workshop titled “Constitution, Social Justice, and Minority Rights.”
Dates: 8-9 November 2024
Capacity Building and Dialogue Workshop on Constitutional Rights for Catholic Religious of Khandwa Diocese, Madhya Pradesh
Theme: Constitutional rights, human rights, and advocacy strategies
Participants: Approximately 70
Resource Persons:
- Albertina Almeida: Feminist Lawyer and Human Rights Activist
- Brinelle D’Souza: Chairperson, Centre for Health and Mental Health, School of Social Work, TISS, and West India Coordinator, JCoR
- Lara Jesani: Lawyer and National Organizing Secretary, PUCL (People’s Union for Civil Liberties)
- Madhuri Krishnamurthy: Development Activist
- Ranu Jain: Professor, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS)
The workshop focused on equipping participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to address challenges faced by minority communities, ensuring a deeper understanding of constitutional rights, human rights, and advocacy strategies.
Topics Covered:
- The Development and Political Trajectory of Madhya Pradesh
- Understanding Minorities and Human Rights
- Challenges in Education, Healthcare, Social Justice, and Pastoral Ministries (Panel Discussion)
- Minorities, the Constitution, and the Law
- Advocacy Strategies to Address Rights Violations
- Planning Next Steps in collaboration with TISS, JCoR Network-West India, and the Conference of Religious of India (CRI)
Workshop Dynamics:
The workshop employed a combination of panel discussions, lectures, group interactions, and one-on-one dialogues with resource persons. Small group discussions facilitated deeper engagement, and actionable future plans were proposed locality/area-wise.
Key Lessons and Outcomes:
- Awareness of Context and Service Needs: Participants gained insights into the socio-political and historical context of Madhya Pradesh, recognizing the challenges faced by minorities and identifying groups in need of their services.
- Understanding Constitutional Rights: The sessions provided participants with a thorough understanding of fundamental rights as enshrined in the Constitution, with a specific focus on their implications for minority groups. This empowered them to advocate for these rights in areas such as education, healthcare, and social justice. Participants also gained insights into the legal provisions and advocacy strategies necessary to address systemic violations and protect human rights effectively, emphasizing the importance of a rights-based approach in promoting equity and justice.
- Human Rights and Advocacy: The workshop underscored the significance of adopting a human rights-based approach to social justice and pastoral work, equipping participants with the tools to champion rights and address violations effectively.
- Commitment to Equity and Justice: Participants deepened their understanding of constitutional laws and their relevance in promoting social equity while recognizing the need to address the unique challenges faced by minority communities.
Focus on Actionable Insights:
The discussions highlighted the intersection of constitutional guarantees and the experiences of minority groups, emphasizing their centrality to achieving social justice. Participants were encouraged to leverage the knowledge gained to foster equity, dignity, and inclusivity in their ministries.
Appreciation:
Participants expressed deep gratitude for the resource persons, acknowledging their expertise, engaging approach, and ability to effectively educate on constitutional laws, minority rights, and advocacy strategies.
Conclusion:
The workshop served as a valuable platform for capacity building, dialogue, and collective strategizing. It equipped participants with the knowledge and tools to champion constitutional rights, address rights violations, and engage in transformative social-justice work in their ministries.
Workshop Photos:
