next programme: seminar series on the question of IDENTITY

“An Introduction to the Question of Identity”

Paper presentation by

Mr. K. K. Baburaj
(Eminent thinker & dalit activist)

Date: 2 pm, Saturday, 15 August 2009
Venue: Pennamma Bhavanam (Amalloor Road, Manjadi, Tiruvalla)

The question of identity is a continuing debate in social theory and in the realm of political activism. The subaltern groups have been raising this question for the last two decades. The identity politics raised by the marginalised groups, especially the dalits in India, affirmed their standpoint as the politics of difference against the claims of modernity that a universal, homogenous common identity is possible. It was pointed out that the universality of a human identity presupposes the white male european identity which obliterates the possibilities for other identities and world views. However, a criticism raised against the identity politics (from different vantagepoints) is that it is sectarian and essentialist. The paper will present the history of the identity politics, divulging out the richness and diversity of the debate.

All are Welcome

Women's Day Lecture

Celebrating the Interenational Women's Day (March 08 2009), Pennamma Bhavanam organised a public lecture in association with the Episcopal Jubilee Institute of Evangelism and the Kerala Council of Churches. The public lecture was delivered by Dr. Sr. Shalini Mulackel (Professor of Systematic Theology, Vidyajyoti Theological College, New Delhi).

The titile of the lecture was:

"TOWARDS A DALIT PENN THEOLOGY: FEMINIST THEOLOGY IN DIALOGUE WITH DALIT THEOLOGY"

Date: 09 March 2009, 2.30 pm

venue: AMM HAll, EJ Institute, Kompadi

The programme started with songs and prayer. The opening prayer was led by Smt. Saramma Eapen (Principal, Vanitha Mandiram). Shiju Sam Varughese (programme coordinator, Pennamma Bhavanam) delivered the welcome speech and in his talk he reported on the women's day workshop organised by pennammma bhavanam and KCC at Kottayam. In the presidential address Rev Dr. John Panicker (Principal, Episcopal Jubilee Insitute of Evangelism, Kompadi) emphasised the need for thinking together on women's issues. Dr. Sr. Shalini Mulackel delivered the lecture on the preconditions of a dalit womanist theology in the indian context and explained the salient features of the same as a contextual theology. The dalit penn theology is based on the dalit women's experiences, she pointed out. The lecture was followed by discussions. Sr shalini responded to the questions.

Rev Dr. C.P. Mathew (EJ Institute) gave the vote of thanks. More than 90 people attended the lecture.

Rev.Dr. John Panicker L. (Prinicipal, Episcopal Jubilee Institute of Evangelism, Kompadi)

Presidential Address
Dr. Sr. Shalini Mulackel (Professor, Vidyajyoti Theological College, New Delhi)
Lecture

The Audience

Women's Day Celebration Programme

Two-Day Workshop on

“Transformation in Church and Society:
Role of Women”

Pennamma Bhavanam in Association with Kerala Council of Churches

at MGOCSM Centre,Kottayam on March 7 and 8

The sessions were led by Dr. Sister Shalini Mulackal PBVM
(Well-Known Catholic Feminist Theologian and Professor of Systematic Theology, Vidyajyoti Theological Seminary, New Delhi
The workshop was open for Christian women from different denominational backgrounds. Twenty five women participated in the programme.
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Pogramme Schedule

07.03.2009 Saturday

9.00 am: Arrival and Registration

09.30am: Inauguration

Chair: Mrs. Jiji Johnson, Vice President, KCC

Key Note Address: Rev. Dr. M.C. Thomas, Mar Thoma Theological Seminary, Kottayam

11.00 am: Tea

11.15 am: Self-introduction

11.30 am: Session I: Women’s Struggles in Contemporary Milieu ; Dr. Sister Shalini Mulackal

1.00 pm: Lunch

2.30 pm: Session II: Women and the Church: Biblical & Theological Explorations ; Dr. Sr. Shalini Mulackal

4.00 pm: Tea
08.03.2009 Sunday

09.30 am: Worship & Bible Study: Adv. Jaisy Karingattil, KCC

11.00 am : Tea

11.30 am: Session III: Gender Justice in Church and Society ; Dr. Sr. Shalini Mulackal

1.00 pm: Lunch

2.00 pm: Session IV: Women’s Initiatives for Transformation ; Dr. Sr. Shalini Mulackal

3.30 pm: Concluding Session

4.00 pm: Tea and departure

Images:

Dr Sr. Shalini Mulackel leading the session

Dr. Sr. Shalini Mulackel

Group Discussion

Bible Study: Adv Jaisy Karingattil: Numbers 27: 1- 12

Group Discussion

Mrs. Sherly George: Evaluation of the programme

Mrs. Mary George: Evaluation of the programme