Karnataka News

By Sr Mariola BS

Mangaluru, Sep 29 : The Talithakum India Karnataka Region organized a Capacity enhancement programme for the members of Karnataka unit on 24th September 2023 at Anand Sadana SJL Provincialate, TC Palya Bangalore. Around 50 sisters belonging to different religious congregations participated and benefited from the input sessions.

The programme was inaugurated by Rev Fr Gabriel Christy, the Director of Asha Charitable Trust Bangalore. In his presidential address, he enlightened the participants on different types of trafficking that takes place within the borders and international borders. Citing an example of HT at the international borders, he said how important it is to promote safe migration and informed migration. The organized networks or individuals behind this lucrative crime take advantage of people who are vulnerable, desperate or simply seeking a better life. He also spoke about migrant smuggling who are involved in illegal activities. He appreciated the role of the religious in combating the menace of HT and called on the members to respect and promote life.

Rev Sr Shanti Priya BS, the Asst Superior General of Bethany Congregation was the chief guest. Speaking on the contribution made by Talithakum India – Karnataka region, she applauded Sr Leena Dcosta BS the RegionalCoordinator of Amrat Karnataka Region for organizing the programme and Sr Shirley India Coordinator of Arise Foundation forher support to motivate the religious to take up different methods to combat human trafficking in Karnataka.

In her keynote address Sr Shanti Priya, requested the members to look for greater opportunities to be relevant and bear impact in the life of the less fortunate of the society.She called on the sisters to touch the wounded society and to increase faith-experience, and meaningfulness in life. Mentioning Nelson Mandela the champion of the cause of freedom of the blacks who gave up family life, promising career, security and freedom because his own individual freedom did not make sense to him without freedom for his people. Narrating the life of Mahatma Gandhi – the crusader of peace, truth and non-violence, she said that “a small band of persons completely committed to their mission can change the course of history”. His own life is a moving proof of that statement. The life several saints of the day namely Mother Teresa, Baba Amte - the friend of the lepers, Shri Agnivesh- the champion of communal harmony, Medha Patkar - the messiah of the tribals and the displaced poor are some of the true disciples of Christ in spirit.

The afternoon sessions were dealt by Oasis India. The key speakers were Jai Cardijin, Philip Devaraj, Daniet Jabaraj and Sangeetha. Introduction to HT and oasis intervention on Human trafficking was shared elaborately. Different activities were conducted to bring home the different elements involved in human trafficking. Best practice and successful case studies were shared with the group. The participants being the members of Karnataka regional group, among them a few were the diocesan coordinators and experts who had plunged into the ministry of anti human trafficking. A few of them also shared how their congregation and their networks are involved in the issue of human trafficking. At the end each one realised the need to campaign on anti human trafficking issues, engage themselves in the rehabilitation process directly or in network with others and engage in providing legal provision and training the vulnerables in skill learning and other livelihood programmes.

In the concluding remarks, Sr Leena Dcosta thanked the members for their commitment, team spirit and collaborative spirit to work together under the banner of network and partnership, leaving behind their individual identities and joining hands for the common cause of restoring the dignity of women and children in areas of origin, transit and destination.

Sr Reena SPPs compered the day's deliberations. Sr Philomen Manimala sought divine invocation at the start of the day. Sr Anna Maria BS welcomed the members. Sr Cynthia SCCG proposed vote of thanks and acknowledged the contribution of every individual person. At the end of the day, all were empowered to enter the dark world of our victimized brethren and be a beacon of light in their lives.