Friday, August 29, 2014
Thursday, August 28, 2014
About Camp Liberty near Baghdad International Airport,Iraq
His-Excellency Ban Ki-moon,
United Nations
Secretary-General
Dear Sir,
On the basis of reports
received from Camp Liberty near Baghdad International Airport, home to Iranian
refugees members of the Iranian opposition, the delivery of fuel has been
banned by the agents affiliated to the Iraqi Prime Minister office since few days
ago to this location.
On Wednesday, August 13th, the
Iraqi forces prevented the entrance of a fuel tanker and confiscated the
vehicle and later on Thursday, August 14th, prevented the entrance of the
second tanker by the same supplying company to Liberty.
Providing minimum daily
necessities in Camp Liberty relies on the continuous and non-stop flow of fuel
into the camp. Lighting, cooking food, storing food stuffs, air conditioning in
trailers where the residents are stationed in, pumping water into the camp and
its purification, drainage of black water and residents of Liberty camp are all
relying on power generators that need fuel to run.
Shortage in fuel will lead to
a serious crisis for the residents’ health and well-being, especially under the
scorching summer heat in Iraq where the temperature now reaches 48 centigrade
degree.
The medical embargo that has deprived
the residents from access to medicine and medical cares, followed by preventing
the delivery of fuel to the camp, has turned the situation into a critical
appalling condition especially for the patients and the aged individuals. This
has increased our serious concerns about the existing humanitarian situation in
this camp.
In regard to UN's repeated
commitments in providing the protection and security of these refugees who are
covered by UNHCR, we urge you to implement the necessary measures to lift the
obstructions in delivering the fuel to this camp.
I am grateful for your
attention and concern to this humanitarian issue.
Respectfully,
Lenin Raghuvanshi
2010 Weimer Human Rights
Awardee
2007 Gwangju Human Rights
Awardee
Founder and CEO
People's Vigilance Committee
on Human Rights (PVCHR)
SA 4/2 A Daulatpur, Varanasi -
221002 India
Mobile no.
+91-9935599333
+91-9935599333
Email: lenin@pvchr.asia
Website: www.pvchr.asia
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c.c.:
Hon. Robert S. Beecroft, U.S. Ambassador, Iraq
Hon Nickolay Mladenov
Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Mission for Iraq
Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Mission for Iraq
Saturday, August 23, 2014
[PVCHR Office, VNS] August 21, 2014 PVCHR giving farewell to Mr. Joel Dominic Feroze
This is to certify that Mr. Joel Dominic Feroze completed his internship in Peoples’ Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) a program unit of Jan Mitra Nyas, Varanasi from 14th – 21st August, 2014. During his internship he visited to understand the ITE initiative in Madarsas of Varanasi and Jaunpur.
His performance was inimitable in the field of human rights and he moderate in the mission and vision. PVCHR is looking him as an Ambassador of the organization in London.
His contribution was excellent under the norms and standard of social entrepreneurship and I wish for his bright future.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Too early to wed
“I studying in
Government primary school after class – VIII all my classmates dropped out from
school except three [two belongs from upper caste and one from other backward
caste (OBC)]. I grownup in the place near to this area and found that the
children of the 99% of the families are not going to the school. We selected this slum and working here for
last 14 years and now young generation are leading their own campaign and ITE(Integrated
Technology Education) are integrating in the process. This is the model of the
hope based on the resilience against the culture of silence for India in
particular and South Asia in general”, Says, Lenin Raghuvanshi, founder and
CEO, PVCHR.
The
three young girls Chanda, Jyoti and Pooja of Munshi Prem with the support of
other children of Chandra Bal Panchayat, Baghwanala, Varanasi flagged a
campaign ‘Will not do kitchen, I want to get educate” campaign against child
marriage in 2010. They are the first generation among their family.
The
inspirations of these girls were the activists of child right centric model
villages and teachers of the non – formal education center (NFE) initiated by
Jan Mitra Nyas/PVCHR with the support of the Child Rights and You (CRY),
support from Ashoka fellowship through Lenin Raghuvanshi and later by Sir
Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT). The NFE centre was inaugurated by PVCHR patron
Justice Z.M Yacoob, Sitting Judge Constitution Court of South Africa &
Chancellor of University of Durban, South Africa. Process of child theatre
against child marriage for right of girls made them to understand the
consequence of the child marriage. These three sit together and discussed Mere
sath hota toh mai kya jarti (If these things happened with me than what I will
do) they know that it is not only the girl child who bears the consequences of
early marriage but it equally impacts the lives of those around them.
They
lit the campaign from opposing their own children marriage but also prevent
other to do so. They are creating awareness in their area through meeting of
Bal Panchayat, street march, open letter, signature campaign, slogan,
distributing promotional materials and showcasing their theatre play Sindhoor
nahi Sikha, which shows the demerits of the child marriage.
They
vigil in there are and after getting information of Manisha child marriage they
immediately called joint meeting of Munshi Premchandra Bal Panchayat and
Kishori Baithak and called Manisha parents. After having long discussion
Manisha’s parents agreed to send Manisha to her in-laws house after she attains
the age of 18. But next day Manisha husband forcefully took her to his house.
When
these girls came to know about this incident, they went to Manisha’s in-laws
house and argued them sent back Manisha to her parent house. After a long
discussion they agree to bring Manisha back after she attains the age of 18.
After this no child marriage is happening in Baghwanala.
The
journey was not easy for them they faced several problems to break this deep
routed evil which have become a part of Indian society for several centuries.
They faced challenges and resistance from their own relatives, community and
parents of their friends. Mere phupha bole ki yeh dusro ke mamle mein bol
rahi hai isliye ham log iski shadi class 10 ke bad kar denge. (My uncle
said she is speaking in the matter of others so, we will do her marry after
class 10). The parents of my friends were not allowing to send them because
they think there child will also “Yeh log bahut bolti hai aur man ki badhi
hai tum logo ke sath rahkar hamari ladki kharab ho jayegi” (These girls
speak a lot and are open minded. my daughter will ruin after coming along with
you). The people from there area torn the poster and washed the slogan written
on the wall “Bal vivah band karo) stopped child marriage but few people in the
community supported by signing the petition.
The
Manish’s father came to Chanda’s mother shop and threatens her “Apni ladki
to samjha dijiye nahi toh ham usko uthwa lenge” (Make your child understand
otherwise we will kidnap her.
These
hurdles were not sufficient to stop the mission of these three girls without
any fear they continued their struggle. They performed the street play not only
in Baghwanala but also in many different places showing high rate of child
marriage.
In
personal life these girls are running pillar to post for their survival and
working hard to complete their vision to be on the responsible post for
eradicating social evil, says Jyoti. Pooja wants to become teacher for giving
valuable education to the next generation. Now they are studying in B.A – II
year from Uday Pratap College, Varanasi with the scholarship awarded from Raj
Dulari Foundation, Sweden and Ms. Parul Sharma.
Their
daring initiative was honoured with Savitri Bai Phule Memorial Award, Marwadi
Youth Committee also honored them in the presence of Sri D. K. Thakur, Deputy
Inspector General of Police of Varanasi Zone, famous industrialist Sri Jhunjhunwala
was present at the occasion. Ms. Chanda honoured with HT Judges Choice Award
and her profile published in India today. The Hindustan daily Hindi newspaper
honoured initiative by inviting them as one day editor guest.
Now
they are receiving well support from the community, parents of their friends.
Their mission worked as many parents stopped doing child marriage and providing
opportunity to their girls for further study and provide space for their right
to expression. Now not only three but other 19 children joined in their
mission. It is extraordinary inculcating process to curb down the concept of
masculinity, which is decreasing the violence in families and community too.
Now with the support from SDTT ITE initiative started and Smart phone for
education concept of Henrik, Germany are in process for next milestone of
empowerment. The children learned video
documentation from their own voice of India.
Shruti
says, ‘when we initiated the school first teacher gave resign and then we
appointed a women teacher who faced domestic violence in her life. We initiated
adult literacy, campaign against police torture and the illegal activities by
the criminal in that area. Whole process in the grass – root are mostly
implemented by the women activist and responsible men for women rights so, a
gender perspective is very strong in process against the existing concept of
masculinity.’
Now in Baghwanala three centres built with support
from German Ministry NRW via GIZ GmbH, Indo – German Society of Remscheid,
Germany, dalit team, Remschied, Germany and Jan Mitra Nyas
- · Women centre for women was built after the donation of land by Ms. Urmila Singh (mother of Ms. Shruti Nagvanshi)
- · Community center and office for the weaver the land was donated by the community
- · Raja Suhail Dev Jan Mitra Sikshan Kendra was donated by the community.
Their
success story got published in India Today, Times of India, Hindustan Times,
Amar Ujala, Sanskar Magazine, Beyond Headline, Inqualab urdu newspaper etc.
Story
is written by Shrirn shabana Khan, Program Director, PVCHR with input by Shruti
Nagvanshi, Puja and Jyoti
Few
Links:
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Spreading inclusive and pluralistic culture stressed
Varanasi, 12 August, 2014: Heads of various religious faiths, prominent social activists and professionals have called upon the government not to commercialise River Ganga and leave it to flow uninterrupted.
Addressing the maiden Banaras Convention on Saturday here organized by Peoples’ Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR)[i] in alliance with Bana Rahe Banaras and Bunkar Dastkar Adhikar Manch (BDAM), the Hindu seer Dwarikapeetha Shankaracharyas[ii]’ representative Swami Avmukteshvaranand underscored the need for preserving the purity of River Ganga intact.
“Let Gangaji remain as mother, not as source of revenue”, the Hindu seer said indirectly disapproving the government’s move to commercialise the largest river of the country. “Let more water flow in Gangaji but not money”, he added opposing the move by the government to construct check dams over River Gangaji.
Shahar-e-Mufti Maulana Batin Nomani quoted Quran saying that discrimination based on wealth or caste is unjustified. “Saint Kabeer has taught us inculcate human values. We all must take note of this lesson”, the Maulana emphasised.
Speaking on the occasion Father Gabriel (Director of Diocese, Varanasi) called upon to maintain peace and tranquillity like past year. ”We must feel peace from within. If there is war going on within you, that would naturally be reflected in outside world“, he said philosophy.
Buddhist monk Bhikkhu Kirti Ratan underscores the need for keeping the values, for which Vanarasi is famous, intact. “this city is not known for its building but for its pristine value systems” he reiterated.
Corroborating the views of the seer, Maulana Harun Rashid Mufti said the present scenario of Ganga would not allow to be disturbed. “Every religion have reposed faith in Ganga. This city can never be same without Ganga. You find so many mosques on its banks. Muslims read Namaz on the rivers side. We all will work for Ganga’s purity”, he remarked adding that river Ganga is a symbol of Hindu Muslim unity.
Magsaysay awardees Rajendra Singh vehemently opposed the union governments plan to launch water transport in Ganga River. The government has a made a budgetary provision of Rs 4600 cores to develops water transport in the sacred river by running huge mechanized boats carrying 450 Tons of cargo. By implementing this plan of action, the government is out to pollute the already polluted Ganga River. This will also hampers free flow of clean water in the river.
Congress legislator from Kolasla Mr. Ajay Rai, Varanasi made it clear that under no circumstances mother Ganga would be allowed to go down as a playground of corporate bigwigs. “Banaras is the heart of the country cultural diversity time has ticked away. Myriad changes follow but the holy city of Banaras remains the same with its cultural mooring kept intact. No one would be allowed to tinker with the cities values and rich tradition” he retreated.
Prof. Deepak Malik supported Mr. Rai’s statement saying that some people without understanding the pulse of Banaras a trying to interfere with the city in the name of modernization and development.
Kicking of the debate PVCHR Executive Director Lenin Raghuvanshi highlighted the basic objective of convention. “Time has come to accept and practice inclusive and pluralistic culture across the globe. Varanasi – the epicentre of such culture, should take the lead to spread the massage beyond India”
Among others Dr. Mohammad Arif, Bindu Singh, Vallabhachary Pandey spoke on the occasion. Muniza Rafique Khan welcomes the guests while PVCHR founder and trustee Shruti Nagvanshi[iii] gave vote of thanks. Vyomesh Shukla[iv] and Ateek Ansari moderated on the occasion.
To commemorate August Kranti Day[v], BANARAS SAMMELAN (Banaras Convention) was observed on August 09, 2014 at the Moolgadi Kabir Math[vi], Kabir Chaura, Varanasi, India.
The religious leaders jointly released report of “Kashi Kumbh” to save river Gangaji. Also a book title “a guideline for Communal Harmony” in hindi was unveiled.
On the sideline of historical event, Swami Avmukteshvaranand honoured Jan Mitra Award to Ms. Teesta Setalvad[vii], a veteran social activist, Dr. Tir Vijay Singh, a veteran journalist and Senior Editor of Hindustan and Mr. Nageshwar Patnaik, a veteran journalist for their incredible contribution and commitment & another hand ‘PVCHR Ambassador’ to Pandit Vikash Maharaj[viii], Sarod Maestro and Mr. Prabhash Maharaj, Tabla Maestro as a legendary musicians to protect and assert pluralism and inclusiveness around the world.
The one day programme took off with the classical music by Maharaj trio Pt Vikash Maharaj[ix] (renowned Sarod player) and Pt Prabhash Maharaj (Tabla player), Abhishek Mahraj (Sitarist) of Varanasi Gharana. A group of singer lead by Ashish Mishra performed on the message of Kabir (kabeer vani). A theatre play “Ganga or Gangi by Prerana Kala Manch[x] was staged. A documentary film “Muzaffarnagar riots” by Gopal Menon[xi] was also Screened. The program proceeded with Pad Yatra (Kabir Yatra) from Kabir Chaura Math to Chandra Shekhar Azad[xii]Park, Lahurabeer, Varanasi. More than 2000 people from various district participated in the programme and Benaras Declaration[xiii] announced on occasion.
Earlier Hon’ble President of India Shri Pranav Mukharji, Ex- Secretary General, United Nation Mr. Kofi Annan, Indian Bharatanatyam dancer, Ms. Pratibha Prahlad, Chairperson, Indo- German Society of Remscheid Ms. Helma Ritscher, Mr. Mike Ghos[xiv] from America, Director, Observer Research Foundation (ORF), Mr. Sujoy Joshi, Kanak Mani from Nepal and Director, Navsadhana father V. Sebastian, BHU Vice Chancellor Prof. Lal Ji Singh sent massages to wish the programme a grand success.
Link:
______________________________________________________
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Recommendation of Banaras Convention for inclusive and pluralistic culture
Varanasi, one of the oldest and continuously
inhabited cities in the world is known also as Banaras or Kashi and
incorporates the different school of thoughts, religions which makes it the
centre of attraction among people across the globe.
One side it is known as the prominent city
for followers of Hindu religion and on the other hand it is known also as the place
where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon[i] (dhamma chakkra parivartan)
in 528 BC. It is one of the holy cities of Jainism, and one of the epicentres
of the Bhakti movement (a current dating back to Hindu medieval times very
close to Sufi Islam, ed.) Guru Nanak Dev, founder of Sikhism, visited Varanasi
in 1507 and was inspired by the city. The three Tirthankars[ii] of Jain religion were also
born at this place. Thus Varanasi holds equally high place among followers of Hindu
and other religions.
Varanasi has been the birthplace and work
place for Sant Kabir[iii],
Sant Raidas[iv] and
Sen Nai, opposing sectarian thinking, communalism and casteism. They
established the dignity of labour with spiritualism. Maulana Alvi brought here
the world famous Banarsi silk artisan saree work that now has a Bollywood
celebrity as its brand ambassador. Banaras has been home to several great
personalities from the field of art, culture, music and literature.
A poet-saint, reformer and philosopher
Tulsidas[v]'
doctrine has been described as an assimilation and reconciliation of the
diverse tenets and cultures of Hinduism taught reconciliation. Munshi Premchand[vi], an
Indian writer famous for his modern Hindustani literature was famous for both
his Hindi and Urdu writings. Great author Bhartendu Harishchandra, Jai Shankar
Prasad, Dr Shyam Sunderdas and Acharya Ramchandra Shukla have had Baranas as
their home.
The city has had four Bharat Ratna(the
highest civilian award of the Republic of India)[vii] recipients too. The
Shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan[viii],
Lal Bahadur Shastri[ix] the
second prime minister of India, Pt Ravi Shankar[x] the renowned Sitar player
and Bhagwan Das[xi] an
Indian Theosophist who was allied with the Hindustani Culture Society and was
active in opposing rioting as a form of protest. For a time he served in the
Central Legislative Assembly of British India. As an advocate for national
freedom from the British rule, he was often in danger of reprisals from the
Colonial government. He was the fourth recipient of India's highest civilian
award. He established the Kashi Vidyapeeth in association with Mahatma Gandhi.
In the 16th century, Varanasi experienced a
cultural revival under the Muslim Mughal emperor Akbar who invested in the
city, and built two large temples dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. The Raja of
Poona established the Annapurna mandir and the 200 metres (660 ft) Akbari
Bridge was also completed during this period. The earliest tourists began
arriving in the city during the 16th century. In 1665, the French traveller
Jean Baptiste Tavernier described the architectural beauty of the a temple on
the side of the Ganges. The road infrastructure was also improved during this
period and extended from Kolkata to Peshawar by Emperor Sher Shah Suri; later
during the British Raj it came to be known as the famous Grand Trunk Road.
Annie Besant [xii] the prominent British
socialist, theosophist, women's rights activist, writer and orator and
supporter of Irish and Indian self-rule was active in city and Theosophical
Society of India. In April 1911, Besant met Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya[xiii]
and they decided to unite their forces and work for a common Hindu University
at Varanasi. The Banaras Hindu University started functioning in October 1917
with the Central Hindu College as its first constituent college.
There is something special about the Banaras
Gharana[xiv] of
music that is based upon Indian classical instruments quoting Hindu Gods and
Deities and it also incorporates the Sarod[xv] from Afghanistan, Shehnai[xvi]
and Sitar[xvii] from
Persian culture with the same pride as they do for the Indian instruments.
Reconciling various branches of Indian
philosophy from Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Bahai, Jainism,
Sikhism, Sufism, and Jew all have an equal connect in this ancient city that
believes Varanasi as a centre for pluralism and inclusive cultural based on
reconciliation and diversity. This has been the heritage of pluralism and
inclusive culture based on civilization of River Ganga.
People
across the world can learn on how to live and make co-existence meaningful even
as there are differences among people yet they live in harmony as inclusive
culture based on diversity and pluralism. It is therefore necessary that
Varanasi or Banaras be given status of a Living HERITAGE CITY of inclusive and
plural culture. It is necessary that the city of faith, belief, indigenous
wisdom and logic be declared a heritage city. It is required that the water in
the city should be Ganga Jal (water) and not Ganda (dirty) Jal. Rivers are
central to our culture and civilization. People's survival, religious believes,
Peoples' life, dignity spirituality and civilization are linked to them. I
suggest, the government should consider handing over the management of rivers
to the department of culture. Sand (Bul) the favourite animal of Lord Shiv be
given dignity/honour in the city and provide health support to them by trained
veterinarian.
It is necessary that the old city be
conserved as heritage as done in Singapore and the new city be developed with
expansion plans for future in sight. The artisans of the city be given means of
livelihood. Weaving, toy making, zardoji be promoted and helped grow. It is
noticeable that police and military badges of various countries are made in
Varanasi. Dress of Hindu Gods and Deities are made by Muslims in Varanasi. The
history of pluralism, inclusive culture based on reconciliation be taught to
young students in the schools. This is not important just for the sake of the
past but for the very fact that in India and South Asia, there is a need to end
communal/sectarian thinking based on caste and to bring “positive conflict
resolution” that shall be the manner to develop complete concept of citizen in
the region.
This shall help to put an end to torture and
large scale organised violence arising out of casteism, sectarian thinking and
communal fascism.
It is in this very context that a BANARAS
SAMMELAN (Banaras Convention) organized on August 09, 2014 at the Moolgadi
Kabirchaura Math[xviii],Kabirchaura,
Varanasi,India. Convention passed follows declaration:
·
It is well known that the musicians belonging to
Banaras Gharana within the classical music with chanting hymens for Hindus Gods
and Goddess. At the same time, they use instruments like Afghanistan made Sarod
and Shahanai and Sitar brought form Iran, which is a symbol of pluralism. There
is a need to be efforts at the government level to keep alive this rich
tradition of classical music. Let there be a mega “Hindustani musical institution”
to help enrich tradition of Banaras Gharana. This will facilitate students from
the country and abroad pursuing education in music as well as growth in culture
centric tourism.
·
Banaras has close relationship with Indian religious
and cultural moorings as this city has embraced - Hindu, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity,
Jews, Bahai, Jainism, Sikhism, tradition of Saint, Sufisim etc. It is imperative to keep this pluralistic
religious culture alive and make people aware to collectively fight communal forces
and sectarian thinking. This will embolden Banaras’s tradition of collectivity.
·
Banaras is a great center of pluralistic and inclusive
culture and this center has remained as “Heritage of Ganga riverside civilization”
this will make people not only from India but also from rest of the world learn
to live in social harmony, understanding and brotherhood. They will also feel
the importance of living together notwithstanding internal contradictions and intolerance.
Which is why the history, prominent signposts and collective culture of Banaras
city - which is known as a city of faith, believes and debates - be declared as
“Heritage”.
·
Let the Gangaji and its 15 hundred tributaries be
allowed to flow cleanly without any interruption. This will go a long way to
save riverside ancient civilization and culture.
·
Rivers are great centers of our culture and
civilization. They are interwoven with people’s livelihood, religious faiths,
spiritualism, dignity, life and civilization. Therefore, the Indian government
should bring the rivers under the department of culture.
·
There is an urgent need of drinking water and
veterinary doctors to take care of Lord Shiva’s pet bull “Nandi”.
·
Let the old Banaras city be given a facelift of a
heritage city on the lines of Singapore and new city be developed elsewhere
like any other modern city.
·
The unique art and heritage of Banaras city must be
preserve. For example, the art of weaving (Banarasi Sari Udyog), wooden
carvings, artisan, making of crowns of gods and goddess need to be encouraged
through higher provisioning in the budget. The artists and artisans involved in
such activities should be included in various welfare schemes.
·
Banaras is famous for making of badges for various
military, Para military and police forces of the world. Shri Krishna’s copper swing
is made here. Muslim artisans make clothes, crown, and garlands for Hindu deities.
The government must come out with effective schemes to save, preserve and
resurrect such fine art and cultural heritage.
·
Let the schools, Madarsa and other educational
institutions in Banaras have courses on Banaras’s pluralistic and inclusive
cultural history. This will pave the way for the posterity to preserve the
unique culture of Banaras with awe and respect.
·
A list of all tourist places, cultural centers be
prepared and the included in tourism list. The historically significant places
in the city should be brought under tourism and culture department so that more
and more tourists can know about Banaras’s ancient and rich history. They
include the birth place of Kabeer i.e mool gadee kabeer math, dayee kangoora
mosque, observatory of Man Singh, library of Karmikal, Majar of Maulana Alvi,
Nagari Pracharini sabha, House of Munshi Prem chand, Mosque of Dhaurhara, Jain
tirthankar place, Chauhatta lal khan makbara, many tanks and ponds etc.
·
The museum under the department of culture should be
proactive in preserving the ancient and rich history, its related important
historical facts, books, documents.
·
There government must be construct shelter homes,
dwelling houses for homeless, poor city denizens, old age people and helpless
women.
·
The government must bring economically weaker boatman
community, weavers, extremely deprive Musahars and their children in key
welfare scheme for their re settlement so that they can be brought to the
mainstream development.
·
The government must demolish encroachment in an around
in heritage side of Banaras like historical institutions, library, tanks, ponds
and preserve them for posterity.
·
The Indian government immediately should ratify the
UNCAT and enact law against torture.
·
All religions are against slavery. So is also
Banaras’s tradition. Therefore all kinds
of slavery such as Bonded labour, trafficking etc must be rooted out forthwith.
9 August, 2014
Kabir Chaura Math moolgadi, Varanasi, India.
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