Jammu: The National Dalit Christian Watch (NDCW), in its orientation programme held in Jammu on June 17-18, 2024, resolved to advocate for 50% representation for women in Church-based organisations and activities.
The decision was made following an enriching discussion among Dalit Christian leaders who took part in the two-day ‘orientation and empowerment’ programme held at St. Mary Garrison Church, Bishop House Kantt, Jammu. Prominent intellectuals who were present at the programme spoke on wide-ranging issues concerning Dalit Christian empowerment.
The event was kicked off by the Bishop of Jammu-Srinagar, Ivan Pereira, along with other guests and NDCW members by lighting the ceremonial lamp. NDCW State Convenor Ashu Peter, in his welcome remarks, outlined the agenda for the two-day programme and appraised the gathering about the organisation’s work in Jammu and Kashmir.
Bishop Pereira then took to the stage to bring to the fore the policies and initiatives being taken up by the Diocese of Jammu–Srinagar for the empowerment of Dalit Christians in terms of education, employment and other social fronts. He acknowledged the discrimination being felt by the Dalit Christians in the Church and Church-based organisations. Through the Diocese of Jammu–Srinagar, he assured the gathering to strive towards the upliftment of the Dalit Christian community, and to ensure their fair participation in Church activities and organisations. The Bishop also lauded the efforts of NDCW, while extending his solidarity with the organisation’s goal of attaining social justice.
Father Jimon then presented an insightful paper on the ‘History of Dalit Christians in Jammu & Srinagar: Contribution, Exclusion and Betrayal’. The paper delved into several aspects of the Christian community, particularly the presence of discrimination in the Church, which is often overlooked.
NDCW’s National Secretary, Sister Manjula Devarapalli, then brought the attention of the attendees to the contribution of women towards the Church in India. She also highlighted that their contributions go unrewarded in the Church. She also delved into the making of NDCW as a national platform for campaigning against caste-based discrimination and the exclusion of Dalit Christians in Church-based institutions. Her talk shed light on various forms of discrimination being experienced by Dalit Christians.
Dr. Richard Devadoss, Chair of NDCW, and Sister Manjula then led a discussion with participants to bring out concerns regarding representation, exclusion and discrimination in the Church from their point of view and experience. Participants unanimously shared that the diversity of representation is poor in Church-based institutions. Each of them also proposed possible solutions to counter the lack of diversity. They specifically called for visible representation of women and youth in these institutions.
Talks were also delivered on B.R. Ambedkar’s views on the liberation of the Dalit Christian community and on the question of reservations for the community members.
The two-day event concluded with Dr. Devadoss appealing to the participants to come up with actionable plans based on the discussions held during the orientation programme for the empowerment of the Dalit Christian community.
