Announcement: Movement for Secular Democracy conference on 7th October 2012 (Ahemdabad)

Movement for Secular Democracy
C/o Narmad Meghani Library, Opp. Natraj Railway Crossing, Mithakhali, Ellisbridge, Ahmedabad-6. Ph.No.(079) 26404418


PEACE - UNITY - JUSTICE (Aman – Ekhlas- Insaaf)

EK SAATH - AAGE KADAM( Together We March Forward)

CONFERENCE

On 7th October, Sunday,

From 1.30PM to 5PM

AHIMNSA SODH BHAVAN , GUJARAT VIDYAPITH,

Ashram Road, Ahmedabad


Dear Friend,

You are likely to agree with us that after demolition of Babri Mosque at the national level, in 1992 and after the 2002 massacre in Gujarat, all committed to the bright future of our secular democratic nation need to move forward together. That is the historical necessity.

You are likely to remember that when we met at the time of founding Movement for Secular Democracy' in Ahmedabad, the unprecedented coming together of women, Muslims, Dalits and Tribals, was taken note of by 'India Today' as 'by for the most concerted' action. A look at the resolution passed on the day at the end o day-long discussions shows that through secular approach, movements from the awakening of the people to social reforms and cultural stirrings were covered.

The message of this foundation meeting was kept alive taking it through meetings held at Vadodara, Vyara (Surat District) Palanpur, Rajkot and other places.

In the wake of 2002, with reference to the genocide our time was largely given to activities supportive of legal battles. We raised our voices through peace march, Vasant-Rajab Meeting and signature campaigns etc. We have reached a specific goal in getting justice with judgments pertaining to Best Bakery Case, Bilkees Bano's case and Naroda Patiya case, which is an outcome stronger than justice in the wake of 1984 riots. All those who have contributed to this are respected by us and their presence among us provides us with warmth and strength. In the opening of the Best Bakery case, we played a significant role when we demonstrated in large numbers making the human chain.

Not going further into history, we humbly note here that we do not experience a wave of awakening that should have followed such a remarkable judgment as in the case of Naroda Patiya, alerting all in the State to think about the whole episode.

We wonder if the discussion is stuck in the calculations of gain and loss by the ruling and opposition parties even when the verdict of the court is worth a big applause.

In fact, the battle of secularism neither is between the BJP and congress nor is it circumscribed by now oft-used words in Gujarat of 'Repeat' and 'Change'. There is space for Courts, political parties, ngos, and others, but ultimately this is people's battle. Governments come and go, political parties rotate to get supremacy, but in those changing circumstances, we need to hold on to secularism through social and cultural awakening.

Somewhat long rule with fascist leanings is about to enter the electoral fight. At that time we need to alert the citizenry to its socio-cultural role. To that end, to take a step forward, we need to get together at a meeting.

Hearty invitation to you and all friends.

Prakash N. Shah

Convener,

Movement for Secular Democracy

Mobile -09879919421

Contact -Gautam Thaker—09825382556 , Dwarika Nath Rath- 09426369858