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

Seminar on COMMUNALISM

one-day seminar
Growth of Communalism and the Attacks on Minorities
on Saturday, 22 November 2008, from 9.30 am to 4.00 pm
at Pennamma Bhavanam

The seminar situated the issues theologically, in order to discuss the questions regarding Christian witness today. The seminar discussed the historical roots of communalism and its linkages with casteism. The discourse on secularism and religiosity was reexamined to understand the growth of communalism in India. There were presentations on the attacks on dalit and tribal Christians in Orissa and the communal violence in Marad to understand the subtle and complex dynamics of communalism today.

Programme
Session I: Roots of Communalism
9.30 am to 1.00 pm
Chair: Simon John
Introduction and welcome speech: Satyan T.M.
K.K. Koch: Communalism and Casteism: The historical links
Rev. Sunny George: Secularism and Religiosity in India: foundational issues

Session II: Contemporary Forms of Communal Violence
2.30 to 4.30 pm Chair: Sonia George
Welcome Speech: Ms. Jincy Thampikkutty
Rev. Jacob P. Thomas (Ayroor Chayal Mar Thoma Church): Attacks on Dalit and
Tribal Christians in Orissa
Vidhu Vincent (Journalist and activist): Violence in Marad and the growth of communal fascism in Kerala
Rev. P.V. Joseph (Senior Faculty, KCC): Theological Reflections on Communalism
Vote of Thanks: Shiju Sam Varughese

Introduction and Welcome Speech: T.M. Satyan

Sri. Simon John

Sri. K.K. Koch

Rev. Sunny George

Audience

LUNCH TIME

Smt. Jincy P. Thampikkutty
Smt. Sonia George
Rev. Jacob P. Thomas

Smt. Vidhu Vincent

Rev P.V. Joseph

audience