ACHA PEACE BULLETIN http://www

ACHA PEACE BULLETIN http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/ACHAPeaceBulletin

A publication of Association for Communal Harmony in Asia (ACHA) www.asiapeace.org

Editor: Pritam K. Rohila, Ph. D.

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ACHA PEACE BULLETIN-Volume V, No. 8, August 6, 2003, (Next issue September 3, 2003*)

*Please note that I will be on vacation August 19-September 20. Therefore, the September issue will be sent on August 18 – Pritam Rohila

Words of Wisdom

Editorial

Let There Be Peace In South Asia!

Peace & Harmony News From & About South Asia

Peace & Harmony Organizations

Asiapeace

Coalition For Peace And Harmony

Insan Foundation Pakistan

Movement For Secular Democracy

Alternate Solutions Institute

Bombay Sarvodaya Friendship Center

South Asia Group For Action And Reflection

Association Of Pakistani Physicians Of North America

Jahangirnagar University Sangskritik Jote

Feature

               Guarding Hope: Muslim Keeper Of Hindu Temples, Monideepa Banerjie, July 22, 2003

               It’s Not Just Noor Fatima, Munnoo Bhai, Daily Times. July 20, 2003

Letters

                    Need To Discard The Baggage, Khurram Chaudhry, Karachi, Pakistan

Awards

The Citizens' Award 2003, Pakistan

2004 Martin Ennals Award For Human Rights Defenders

Books, Reports, & Manuals

Partition and Genocide: Manifestation of Violence in Punjab 1937-1947, Anders Bjorn Hansen

The Tragic Partition Oo Bengal, Suniti Kumar Ghosh, Indian Academy Of Social Sciences

Prisoners of the Nuclear Dream,  M.V. Ramana And C. Rammanohar Reddy (Eds)

Rethinking the National Security of Pakistan: The Price of Strategic Myopia, Ahmad Faruqui

Performative Politics And The Cultures Of Hinduism: Public Uses of Religion in Western India,

Compounding Injustice: The Government's Failure to Redress Massacres in Gujarat, Human Rights Watch Unbecoming Citizens: Culture, Nationhood & the Plight of Refugees from Bhutan

We Are Making Changes: A Handbook for Young Asian Women, Asian Women Unite!

The Peaceful School: Models That Work, Hetty Van Gurp

Freepakistan Newsletter

Calls For Papers

Journal Of Bangladesh Studies

Patterns Of Prejudice On Religion And Extremism

Journal Of Peace Education

Children

Conferences & Symposia

September 6-10, Praia, Cape Verde: Women, Peace and Safety - Women's Human Rights

September 19-21, Oxford, UK: Critical Issues in Pluralism

Courses & Training Programs

September – November: 15 Online Courses

September 15 - October 15, Delhi, India: Peace and Conflict Studies Course

September 29 – December 5, San Diego, CA USA: Women Peacemakers

Documentaries, Films & TV Series

TV Series - Gender Watch (Pakistan), Sachet

Godhra Tak: The Terror Trail, Shubhradeep Chakravorty

Gujarat: A Laboratory of Hindu Rashtra, Suma Josson

Environment

Fellowships & Internships

Scholar of Peace Fellowships

Human Rights

Peace Events

August 15, India: White Ribbon Campaign for Peace

Sep 8-Oct 2, India: From Darkness to Light - Through Reason, Plurality & Togetherness

September 12, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA:  The First Annual Interdependence Day

September 21: United Nations International Day of Peace

Petitions

                    Protection of Places Of Worship

Vacancies

                    Washington, DC Grants Office: Seeds Of Peace

Websites

                    Http://Gandhiserve.Org

Women

REPORTS & ANALYSES

(For a copy send a blank email to pritamr@open.org with its subject as the UPPERCASE word in the article title. Please limit your request to 3 articles)

Communalism

BLAH, blah, blood, Rajmohan Gandhi, The Hindustan Times (India) July 4, 2003

History

The other SIDE of history, Mohammad Badrul Ahsan, The Daily Star, July 4th, 2003

India

Secularism Fairness on TRIAL in India, Editorial, LA Times July 3, 2003

The SOCIAL engineering of Gujarat, Hemant Babu, Himal, May 2002

India-Pakistan Relations

Partition's unresolved BUSINESS, Harris Khalique, The Hindu, Oct 06, 2002

KARGIL: A View From America, Geoffrey Cook PakistanWeekly, 2002

The India-Pakistan ODYSSEY, By Imtiaz Ahmad, The Hindu, July 3, 2003

A JOURNEY towards tomorrow, By Kuldip Nayar, The Dawn, July 5, 2003

Indian delegation leaves for HOME, The News International (Pakistan), July 14, 2003

Pakistan

The minorities in our MIDST, Hafizur Rahman, Dawn, 2 July 2003

RADICAL Muslims Killing Muslims, Zahir Janmohamed, Washington Post, June 25, 2003

Religion

The Kanchi trinity: temple, mosque & a BUST of Periyar, Shekhar Gupta, Indian Express

Women

Judgement against FORCED marriage, Ishtiaq Ahmed, Daily Times, 6 July, 2003,

WORDS OF WISDOM

War does not determine who is right – only who is left - Bertrand Russell

EDITORIAL

*Let There Be Peace In South Asia!

On Sunday, July 20, 2003, in cooperation with other organizations, Peace Café (http://peacecafe.net) invited Jews and Arabs worldwide to reach one another, in their own communities, “in a new spirit of face-to-face listening, compassion, and creativity to rise above alienation at home and in the Middle East.”

In USA, on September 12, Democracy Collaborative (www.civworld.org/day.htm) will organize the First Annual Interdependence Day, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to provide an opportunity for “civic renewal and global cooperation” in “the post- September 11 world.”

Peace One Day (www.peaceoneday.org) urges the involvement of organizations and individuals from all over the world in commemorating September 21, as the United Nations International Day Of Peace, “a day of global ceasefire and non-violence.”

In a similar fashion, we at ACHA propose that the year 2004 be celebrated as the Year of Peace in South Asia.

We urge you to organize, in their own communities, events, activities, projects designed to promote peace, tolerance and respect for diversity among South Asians –Bangladeshis, Bhutanese, Indians, Nepalese, Pakistanis and Sri Lankans everywhere.

You can create a gathering - a picnic, concert, dinner, walk, or whatever they imagine, with time for listening and relating, in a home or public place in your town.

Please send ACHA your suggestions, proposals, plans and reports in this regard to me at pritamr@open.org We will feature them all on our website www.asiapeace.org and or in the future issues of ACHA Peace Bulletin.

Pritam Rohila

Editor

PEACE & HARMONY NEWS FROM & ABOUT SOUTH ASIA

(Readers are invited to submit similar information from other areas of South Asia to help us broaden of our coverage. Please send the info to pritamr@open.org , a week before the date of publication of the next issue of ACHA Peace Bulletin)

*Bangladesh & India

India and Bangladesh decide to resume road links between Dhaka and Agartala

While direct bus service between Dhaka and Kolkata continue, a similar service between Dhaka and Agartala, the capital of the northeastern state of Tripura, will begin in the first week of August, according to an agreement reached between India’s foreign minister Yashwant Sinha and his Bangladeshi counterpart Morshed Khan, meeting in Dhaka, on July 16. Also they agreed to increase trade and communications and attempt to ease tensions on their border. No agreement could be reached on a free trade agreement, trans-shipment of Indian goods through Bangladesh, and tax-free access for Bangladeshi goods in India. (Reuters, via India west, July 25, 2003)

*India

NHRC moves SC seeking Best Bakery retrial http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/jul/31best.htm

Religious amity wedding

Ajay and Manisha of Chandigarh, Punjab couple got married July 20 at a wedding held at Panchkula that included Hindu, Sikh, Muslim and Christian rituals to set a “unique example of brotherhood.” (PTI, via India west, July 25, 2003)

Govt extends ceasefire in Nagaland by another year

"We had very good but tough discussions. Both sides have agreed to extend the ceasefire by another year," Centre's emissary K Padmanabhaiah said after three days of talks with NSCN (I-M) General Secretary T Muivah. http://www.rediff.com/us/2003/jul/17naga.htm

Lord Shiva 'cures' Ahmed

Trudging a long narrow rocky path, Sarwer Ahmed joined endless stream of pilgrims, heading towards the holy cave shrine of Lord Shiva at Amarnath in south Kashmir after he completely recovered from paralysis after being bedridden for 14 years. Dressed in a dhoti and chanting Jai Bolay Nath, Jai Shiv Shanker, the middle class Muslim businessman accompanied by his wife Abida were the part of first batch to pay obeisance at the holy ice 'lingum' of Lord Shiva. http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/jul/15jk3.htm

India to attend SAARC summit in Islamabad http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/jul/10pak1.htm

24 journalists in first bus to Lahore

Indian officials expect many Pakistani journalists in the first bus that will reach Delhi from Lahore on Friday evening. http://www.rediff.com/us/2003/jul/10bus.htm

Pak High Commissioner presents credentials

Aziz Ahmed Khan met President A P J Abdul Kalam at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi.

http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/jul/10pak.htm

*India & Pakistan

Paradise wakes up

Every time India and Pakistan take a step towards peace, Kashmir blossoms.

http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/jul/29sld1.htm

Terrorism should stop: Fazal-ur-Rehman http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/jul/25pak1.htm

Jamali to meet Vajpayee before yearend

The Pakistani prime minister in an interview with The Nation said he had no apprehensions about visiting India or to meet his Indian counterpart anywhere in the world.

http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/jul/25pak.htm

India eases visa rules for sick children

NEW DELHI, July 24: India announced on Thursday the easing of visa rules for children from Pakistan seeking medical treatment. New Delhi has also decided "at this stage to finance travel, stay and medical treatment" for a group of 20 ailing Pakistani children, the foreign ministry said. The announcements came during talks between Foreign Minister Yashwant Sinha  and Pakistan's new high commissioner to India, Aziz Ahmed Khan, foreign ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said.

http://www.dawn.com/2003/07/25/top8.htm

India to fund travel, stay and treatment of 20 Pakistani children

http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/jul/24pak.htm

Let us resume train service: Pakistan http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/jul/24train.htm

Pak airspace to be opened to India: PIA chief

Tourism Minister Rais Munir said train links between the two countries will be restored next month.

http://www.rediff.com/us/2003/jul/23pak.htm

Pakistan condemns attack on Vaishno Devi pilgrims http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/jul/23pak1.htm

Rehman meets VHP chief Dalmiya

Talking to journalists after the meeting, they said only ways and means to achieve durable peace in the sub-continent were discussed. http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/jul/21pak1.htm

We want peace in South Asia: Rehman

His host, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, had organised a lavish dinner in his honour in Delhi's Le Meridian Hotel, which was attended by about 150 persons, including Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and former Union minister Ram Jethmalani. http://www.rediff.com/us/2003/jul/18pak2.htm

Positive developments between India, Pak: Menon

The Indian envoy said he would be meeting Pakistan Foreign Secretary Riaz Khokar informally on Thursday to discuss the normalisation process initated by the two countries in the past three months.

http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/jul/16pak3.htm

India, Pak should have own roadmap: Jamali

The Pakistani prime minister agreed with India's approach of a step-by-step process for dialogue.

http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/jul/16pak1.htm

Pakistan parliamentarians on goodwill trip to India

The trip will help promote understanding and realisation that all issues between the two countries can be settled through a dialogue, Maulana Fazal-ur-Rahman of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam said.

http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/jul/15pak1.htm

 Indian envoy leaves for Pakistan

'If we want the dialogue process to continue, we also need to build a proper atmosphere,' Shiv Shankar Menon said before leaving. http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/jul/15pak.htm

Noor's father sets up fund for kids

The Rotary Associates will manage the fund, which is meant for Indian and Pakistani kids with heart ailments. http://www.rediff.com/us/2003/jul/16noor.htm

Pakistani baby treated in India

Indian doctors successfully perform open-heart surgery on a baby girl brought to India after the resumption of ties. http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/1/hi/world/south_asia/3067251.stm

Peace buses deliver loved ones http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/jul/11bus2.htm

India, Pakistan team up on court http://www.rediff.com/sports/2003/jul/11bopanna.htm

Pakistan ready to help India on gas pipeline: Kasuri

In an interview to All India Radio (AIR), Mr Kasuri said Pakistan supported business relations with India. He also expressed happiness over resumption of the Lahore-Delhi bus service and hoped rail and air links between the two countries would be restored soon.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_14-7-2003_pg7_4

India ready to discuss Kashmir: Sinha

In an interview with an Indian daily, Indian Foreign Minister Yashwant Sinha on Sunday said his country was ready to discuss the Kashmir issue and normalize relations with Pakistan.



Pakistan ready for talks: Pakistan’s High Commissioner to India

In an interview to Voice of America (VoA), Aziz Ahmed Khan said on Sunday Pakistan was ready for talks with India on all issues including Kashmir. http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_14-7-2003_pg1_3

India, Pakistan agree over SAARC summit"

http://www.hindustantimes.com/2003/Jul/10/181_303608,00050002.htm

"New Delhi, Islamabad discuss repatriation of 217 Pakistanis"

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_7-7-2003_pg1_6

India, Pakistan keen to boost trade ties http://www.rediff.com/money/2003/jul/07indopak.htm



Pak team seeks better access to Indian market http://www.rediff.com/money/2003/jul/07indopak1.htm

Pak calls for composite talks

Pakistan believes that a peaceful environment is imperative for the promotion of meaningful economic cooperation, High Commissioner-designate Aziz Ahmad Khan said.

http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/jul/07pak2.htm

Pakistan agrees to resume Delhi-Lahore bus service from July 11

New Delhi had suggested this date for resuming the service

http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/jul/07pak.htm

"Indian students arrive on goodwill visit" http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_4-7-2003_pg7_37

*Kashmir

New Jamaat chief wants end to all forms of bloodshed, denies ruling out third party mediation

Srinagar, Jul 30: Speaking about the current armed struggle in the state, the newly elected Amir of Jamat-e-Islami Syed Nazir Kashani today said he wanted an end to all forms of bloodshed. Kashmir Global Network, KASHNET Digest 1185 August 1, 2003

Dr Goodwill: Kashmir loves this pandit

Even at his Jammu clinic, Dr Razdan says 80 percent of his patients are Muslims from

Kashmir. 'This has never made me feel that I have left my home in Srinagar.'

http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/jul/25spec1.htm

Fazlur Rehman meets Jethmalani

The Pakistani hardline religious leader and chief of Jamait-Ulema-e-Islam said the talks were aimed at finding a 'negotiated and durable solution' to the Kashmir problem.

http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/jul/19pak1.htm

Hurriyat not against Simla Accord

As per the Simla Agreement, all outstanding issues between India and Pakistan should be treated as bilateral ones, while the Hurriyat has been insisting that it be made a party to talks to resolve the Kashmir problem. http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/jul/19jk.htm

Hindus in village had no temple, so Muslims built one

Ichhigam, Budgam, July 9: Deep in the Kashmir Valley, 30 km from Srinagar, and just metres away from their own mosque, nine hundred Muslim families constructed a Sharika Bhagwati (Hindu) temple, and even donated money and parted with land and trees, for just eight Hindu families living in Ichhigam.

Village elder Haji Hakeem Ghulam Mohammad, who heads the local wakf, was the moving spirit behind this. ‘‘They wanted to construct a temple. They told us about it and we were more than willing to help our neighbours,’’ he says. ‘‘We have lived together for generations here and there was never any distance. Even the turmoil did not harm this bond.’’

‘‘They have always been helpful. When things went wrong and scores of Kashmiri Pandits left, the Muslims encouraged us to stay back. They stopped us, helped us when we felt scared, took care of our agricultural lands and orchards. They have always been there for us,’’ says 60-year-old Brij Nath Bhat. http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=27323 July 10, 2003

95 per cent people in PoK district favour independence from Pakistan

The Daily Excelsior has reported that over 95 per cent of people in a district of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) favour independence from Pakistan. According to a press release issued by the All Parties National Alliance (APNA), in a survey carried out in the Rawalakote district, over 95 per cent of people favoured independence rather than accession to Pakistan. APNA, reportedly an amalgam of various political parties in PoK, had earlier announced that it would be holding a phased survey in all districts, including areas like Gilgit and Baltistan. Daily Excelsior , July 7, 2003.

*Nepal & India

India, Nepal agree to exchange intelligence http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_9-7-2003_pg4_15

*Pakistan



NWFP governor bans carrying arms in Waziristan

PESHAWAR: Addressing a tribal jirga at Shawal, the border area of North Waziristan Agency, the governor said the ban was necessary to improve law and order and protect life and property. Appreciating the "patriotism" of the Shawal tribes, he said the government had deployed the army in tribal areas to protect tribal people and check illegal cross-border movements from Afghanistan. He also thanked the tribesmen for cooperating with the army. Daily Times, August 02, 2003

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_2-8-2003_pg7_4

Terrorists ruin Pakistan's image: Musharraf

He said such attacks by extremists negated his attempts to get the travel advisories lifted against Pakistan.

http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/jul/05pak.htm

*Sri Lanka

South Asian church leaders discuss regional peace and security

Enthusiasric about the possibility of reopened peace talks between India and Pakistan, South Asian Church leaders discuss how churches can help build peace and stability in the region at the first of its kind consultation organized by the World Council of Churches, August 2-4, in Colombo. (India West)

Sri Lanka peace proposal offers Tigers power share

The government has offered the Tamil Tiger rebels a power sharing Provincial Administrative Council for the north and east in a proposal aimed at restarting peace talks, according to a The Sunday Times report July 20. The Council will have wide powers (except policing, security, land and revenue) and a majority members nominated by the Tigers. (Reuters, via India west, July 25, 2003)

Lanka grants citizenship to over 1.5 lakh Indians: PTI

COLOMBO: Sri Lankan government has decided to grant citizenship to some 168,141 people of Indian origin who had obtained Indian passports to return home, but could not travel for various reasons since 1983. Another 84,000 people of Indian origin born in Sri Lanka after year 1964 will also qualify for Sri Lankan citizenship, officials  said. The New Indian Express, July 11, 2003

UNICEF to rehabilitate child soldiers in Sri Lanka"

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_7-7-2003_pg8_5

PEACE & HARMONYORGANIZATIONS

*Asiapeace, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/asiapeace

Moderator: Ishtiaq Ahmed Ishtiaq.Ahmed@statsvet.su.se

Asiapeace, an affiliate of Association for Communal Harmony in Asia (ACHA), www.asiapeace.org condemned the dastardly attack on a Shia mosque in the Pakistani city of Quetta on 4 July, 2003, in which 45 innocent worshippers were slain and many more injured. This senseless outrage was preceded by another vicious attack on Shias some weeks ago in which 15 individuals were killed. Asiapeace urged the government of Pakistan “to act resolutely to weed out terrorism in all forms from its midst.”

*Coalition for Peace and Harmony, 6-3-1219/1e, Umanagar, P.O. Begumpet, Hyderabad, 500016, India

In a statement issued on 17 July 2003, the Coalition urged for an amicable solution of the Ayodhya mandir-masjid dispute, which is fair and just, will strengthen the rule of law and is acceptable to secular and constitutional India. It expressed total opposition to any legislation to take over the disputed and undisputed sites for temple construction, and recommended a judicial determination of the dispute, however long it may take.

The Coalition is a group of concerned citizens and organizations, whose objectives are the preservation of our national democratic and liberal values and the plural culture of India.

*Insan Foundation Pakistan (IFP), 160, A-3, Johar Town, Lahore, Pakistan, Phones 92 42 5174076, 5175275, Fax 92 42 5179885, Web: www.insanpk.org, email insan@insanpk.org

Insan Foundation Pakistan (IFP), a non governmental voluntary organization working for the rights of children and peace has initiated a project entitled “National Education Project on Peace and Harmony” aiming at to sensitize educational institutions on the issue of peace and subsequently involve them in spreading out the message of peace at mass level by involving school going youth and other sections of society. Main objective of this program is to orientate the teachers on the issue and need of peace and harmony and bringing the youth in mainstream struggle for their rights and peace

*Movement for Secular Democracy (MSD), c/o Narmad-Meghani Library, Opp. Natraj Railway Crossing, Mithakhali, Ellis Bridge, Ahmedabad-380006, Gujarat, India. Tele/Fax: - (079) 6404418, E-mail: dnrad1@sancharnet.net

On July 10, 2003, more than 800 women and men formed a human chain on Nehru Bridge, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat to demand reopening of the Best Bakery case. Earlier, at Sardar Baug, a meeting on the issue was held, which was addressed by Ilabehn Pathak, Swaroop Dhrub, Rajani Dave, M Gandhin, and DwarikaNath Rath. Also communal harmony songs were presented by young volunteers.

*Alternate Solutions Institute, Lahore, Pakistan asinstitute@hotmail.com Contact Person: Khalil Ahmad khalilkf@hotmail.com

Alternate Solutions Institute is Pakistan’s first free-market think tank. Its mission is to seek solutions to the challenges in the areas of economics, law, education and health in accordance with the principles of classical liberalism, and to promote the implementation of these solutions. It aims to promote the concept of a limited responsible government in Pakistan under the rule of law protecting life, liberty, and property of all of its individual citizens.

To achieve these ends, the Institute will engage in the translation and publishing of relevant texts from other languages into Urdu; preparation of original research, suggesting particular solutions to particular challenges; and conducting seminars, workshops and conferences to educate interested students, teachers, and journalists in the principles of classical liberalism.

*Bombay Sarvodaya Friendship Center, Friendship Building, Kajupapda Road Kurla, Mumbai 400072, India. Telephone 28513660, Email danielm@vsnl.com & jhang45@yahoo.com

The group has been working on the issue of Communal Harmony in Mumbai slums, especially in Dharavi. Apart from intercommunity programs on National days and intercommunity celebration of festivals they regular screen films giving the message of communal harmony. One such film, Ham Sab Ek Hain, (We are all one) has been made by Mr. Waqar Khan, a basti activist himself, who along with Bhau Korde is the key person conducting these programs. So far nearly 30 shows of the film have taken place. They also plan to broaden this work by undertaking film screening in other Bastis and also by incorporating other films as well.

*South Asia Group for Action and Reflection (SAGAR), 6921 Creekside Rd., Downers Grove, IL-60516; (630) 964-2258, hlamba@aol.com. Contact persons: Harinder Lamba and Dinesh Sampat.

Started in the early nineties by a core group of people of South Asian origin (including Dr. Naved Musharraf, brother of the current Pakistani President), SAGAR promotes dialogues and actions in favor of
political, economic, environmental and social alternatives that will improve the region as a whole, promote harmony among the nations of South Asia (special efforts for India-Pakistan amity) and among South Asians living abroad, and encourage alternative visions and strategies that will help India to prosper so that
it can provide the leadership to help the region to prosper."

*Association of Pakistani Physicians of North America (APPNA). Acting Executive Director: Rizwan Keratela, , 11242 Edgewater Circle, Wellington, FL 33414. Tel: 561-333-9406.

Dr. Amit Shah and Gautam Desai, peace activists of Indian Origin were invited share their views on peace in South Asia, at the annual convention of APPNA, held on July 4, 2003, in Orlando, Florida. Dr. Shah is a member of the governing body of American Association of Physicians of Indian descent (AAPI). Mr. Desai is co-founder and President of Develop-in-Peace (DIP) developinpeace@yahoo.com , a Charlotte, NC-based non-profit organization dedicated to promoting peace in South Asia. He is also a Senior Co-ordinator of Association for India's Development(AID).

Also, Dr. Pervaiz Hoodboy a noted, South Asian nuclear scientist and peace activist, currently Professor at the Quaid-e-Azam University in Islamabad, Pakistan showed an engaging 35 minutes documentary "South Asia under the nuclear shadow," which is documentary is banned in Pakistan.

*Jahangirnagar University Sangskritik Jote (JUSJ), Dhaka, Bangladesh

Starting August 2, a four-day 'cultural programme against fundamentalism and communalism' organized by JUSJ began with a musical soiree at the university amphitheatre. Also the Jahangirnagar Theatre staged '2nd August' on the first day and 'Trijogmiti' on August 3. On the third day, a musical and recitation programme was held at the foot of Amar Ekushey. On the last day, 'Sei Rater Kotha Bolte Esechhi', a documentary, and 'No Man's Land', a film, were shown at the amphitheatre. The Daily Star [Bangladesh] August 01, 2003

FEATURE

* Guarding Hope: Muslim keeper of Hindu temples, Monideepa Banerjie, www.ndtv.com, July 22, 2003

At a time when temples and mosques are in the middle of controversies, a Muslim resident of Pathra village in West Bengal (India) has made it his life's mission to preserve a cluster of ancient Hindu temples in the area.

For a decade, he has managed with a meagre grant from the Centre. Had it not been for Mohammed Yeasin Pathan, the terracotta bricks from an 18th century temple would have been propping up some thatched roof in Pathra village with its exquisite terracotta statues vandalised beyond repair.

This is one of 34 that Pathan -- a peon at a local school -- has been fighting to save from the elements and vandalism for the last 30 years.

"Many temples have broken and the poor people of this area have taken away bricks to build their houses. We have formed a Pathra Archeological Preservation Committee and at least managed to stop that," said Pathan.

In 1995, Pathan received a central grant of Rs 20 lakh to restore the temples. The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) chipped in with its expertise.

Since then, the ASI has been planning to take over the temples and is apparently trying to rope in the tourism ministry's support for the project.

"He is fighting for a big cause. Particularly being a Muslim, his dedication to the protection of our cultural heritage, particularly of the Hindu temples, really, is praiseworthy," said Dr Bimal Bandopadhyay, ASI, Kolkata.

In the past, Pathan has had his share of troubles for taking such exceptional interest in Hindu temples -- both from his own community and Hindus. But his philosophy is simple.

"I feel all the trouble today is because of politics. Whether it is the Babri Masjid or the temples of Pathra, I believe it is important to preserve our archeological heritage. The Babri Masjid should stay and the Pathra temples should also be preserved," he says.

At a time when temples and mosques are at the epicentre of conflicts, Pathra and its protector are examples well worth emulating.

*It’s not just Noor Fatima, Munnoo Bhai, Daily Times. July 20, 2003

All day he had been getting calls from people who said they were praying for the child’s health. He did not now whether those praying for her were Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs or Christians

I don’t just value the Indian throb in Noor Fatima’s heart, I love it. I also pray for India’s people, its children and the joy of their parents.

Noor Fatima is the 30-month-old who travelled to India by Dosti Bus for a heart surgery. Her tiny heart had two leaks and two of its arteries were choked. The successful surgery in a Bangalore, Karnatika, hospital involved three doctors working for six hours. Throughout the day, Noor Fatima’s parents received phone calls from India, Pakistan and all over the world. Callers of all nationalities and religions told them they were praying for the health of the child.

Dr Devi Sethi, the surgeon at the private hospital in Bangalore, said Noor Fatima was well and improving after the surgery. She said surgery on children was never easy. It was particularly difficult on children with a congenital defect. Noor’s father, Nadeem Sajjad, 35, and mother, Tayyeba Sajjad, 28, said the duration of the surgery was agonising. “It was only after the surgeons stepped out smiling that we relaxed,” they said.

They said they were found a lot of encouragement in India for Noor Fatima’s treatment. “For that we are grateful to Indians. We did not need the funds we were offered for the operation. We propose that the funds be used to set up a trust for the treatment of poor children in the two countries.” Nadeem Sajjad said the love he had found in India could only bode well for the relations between the two countries.

Noor Fatima’s mother said she thanked God and was grateful to the doctors in the Bangalore hospital for the successful operation. She hoped that the child would lead a normal life. She said they would take the child to see Taj Mahal once she was discharged from the hospital.

Earlier, children carrying placards wishing Noor Fatima well lined up the Bangalore streets during the surgery and total strangers visited the hospital to present bouquets to her parents. Nadeem Sajjad said he was impressed by the love and felt at home four thousands kilometres away from home. All day he had been getting calls from people who said they were praying for the child’s health. He did not know whether those praying for her were Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs or Christians and whether the prayers were being held at mosques, temples or churches but realised that these were human prayers for the cause of humanity.

The two days, Noor Fatima’s parents said, had left them great piles of best-wishes cards and flowers. They will carry home to Pakistan the message of love and friendship. “We need love for each other, justice and friendship. Both the neighbouring countries need to share the joys and sorrows.”

The government of Indian state of Karnataka, which has its capital at Bangalore, had offered Rs 10,000 assistance towards Noor Fatima’s treatment. The hospital, however, decided to forgo the fee. Her parents announced that they were setting up a joint Pakistan-India trust with the Rs 140,000 to help poor child patients in the two countries.

It is not just Noor Fatima. The two great Asian neighbours are also suffering from leaks in the heart caused by their ruling classes. Or else the ruling classes have the leaks as congenital defect and the arteries supplying blood to each other are choked. It is difficult, but not impossible, to treat the congenital defects provided the working poor in the two countries are allowed to perform the operation. Besides being Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Parsees and Buddhists, they are human. As humans, they can share one another’s joys and sorrows. They can include and participate. For this they need no third party, arbiter or mediator. Try if you will, like Nadeem Sajjad and Tayyeba Sajjad, the working people who operate on the heart will emerge smiling from the theatre.

Munnoo Bhai is a writer and columnist

LETTERS

*Need to Discard the Baggage, Khurram Chaudhry khurram302@yahoo.com, Karachi, Pakistan

If we are to achieve the true potential of this region, we need to discard the baggage associated with personalities such as Nehru, Gandhi and Jinnah.

There needs to be a pragmatic approach where trade, education and health concerns are put up-front as our common goals and the Mob mentality is identified as our common enemy.

As a Muslim I recognize that the Quran does not call on me to recognize and categorize people by the label they put on themselves, but instead recognize people as righteous by their deeds in charity and social involvement.

If we discard the divinity of traditions, rituals and our past leaders, and if we are more free to criticize and question, then we can all truly achieve our potential as individuals and as a community.

Hundreds of years ago, Arabs came to this land and brought their culture. I do not recognize this as necessarily an Islamic invasion, but a cultural invasion that this region has been used to witnessing throughout its entire history.

Those who are Muslims, or rather are called Muslims in this region, are those who converted to the Arab/Persian culture from the indigenous one.

We have to learn to understand that each culture is unique and has its own identity. But the minute we convert our subjective cultures into something divine, we have communalism.

The Arab culture that came had its good points and bad points, but we have to bear in mind that the cultural specialties of Arab dress, customs and jurisprudence within the Shariah associated with many of the madhabs of Islam are not in the Quran, but are based on a collection of ahadith that are more refelctive of Arab/Persian society than the Islam preserved in the Quran. In fact 1100 years ago 99% of these ahadith were rejected and what is left is the meager 1% which contains many doubtful statement regarding Allah and the RasulAllah (SAWS) which no Muslim is required to accept.

The Divine Justice and way of life cannot be defined by a specific culture or a man made judgment of what is "Sahih" and what is not. The act of doing good and the way to achieve progress cannot be limited by cultural and traditional constraints...and the judgment of a certain people in a specific timeframe.

In fact we can only appreciate cultures, peoples and arts only we look at them as man made and fallible...imperfect.

The way to progress is to recognize that goodness and progress cannot be substituted by rituals and traditions...

....that it is the good will that is divine.

....and to celebrate our diverse cultural heritage.

AWARDS

*The Citizens' Award 2003, Pakistan: Nominations of individuals or organizations for this award are invited by October 15. Nomination forms can be downloaded from www.xiber.com/ca/ or requested by fax from 021-583-1099, by email from ca@xiber.com, or by regular mail from The Citizens' Award 2003, F-15/2, 4th Gizri Street, DHA, Karachi 75500, Pakistan. The winner announced on December 15. The winner shall be presented with a plaque as well a token monetary award.

Instituted in 1999, the Citizens' Award recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to civil society. Earlier recipients of the award include Abdul Sattar Edhi and Ardeshir Cowasjee.

*2004 Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders: Nomination for this annual award of 14,000 Euros are invited by Martin Ennals Award (MEA), before October 1. Nominees must be currently involved in work for the promotion and protection of human rights. The following ten organizations participate in the Jury: Amnesty International, Defense for Children, Human Rights Desk of German Diakonia, Human Rights Watch, HURIDOCS, International Alert, International Commission of Jurists, International Federation for Human Rights, International Service for Human Rights, and the World Organization Against Torture. More info from The Martin Ennals Foundation, c/o World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), 8 rue du Vieux Billard, PO Box 21, CH-1211 Geneva 8, Switzerland. T: 41-22-809 4939, F: 41-22-809 4929 Email: info@martinennalsaward.org, Website: www.martinennalsaward.org/en/contact/index.html (via www.coexistence.net)

BOOKS, REPORTS, & MANUALS

*Partition and Genocide: Manifestation of Violence in Punjab 1937-1947, Anders Bjorn Hansen, India Research Press, New Delhi, 2002. From a review by Sudhanya Dasgupta Mukherjee in Seminar (India), July 2003

Investigating the changes of violence from 'traditional' to 'genocidal', the author, a historian from University of Copenhagen, Denmark, harps on issues like the nature of inter- and intra-community feuds in the initial years, the gradual crystallisation of community identity and consequent political
awareness changing the community relations and enabling political/power relations to influence religious differences. The rise and growth of the community-based 'quasi-military voluntary groups' added to the separatist tendencies signalling a further rift between religion and politics, thus 'effectively completing the
communalisation process.' Next the author traces the political changes, which marked an end to democratic interaction and peaceful co-habitation with the nature of violence turning to genocidal. The
'genocidal tendencies' manifest primarily in the persecution of the women of one community by the 'other', followed by an outbreak of mass, unprecedented violence and 'ethnic cleansing' 'by' and 'on' all three (Hindu, Sikh, Muslim) communities. With violence becoming more structured and organised, there was a total disintegration of the moral/cultural order making co-habitation impossible leading to large scale uprooting and migration. Partition made this transformation complete.

*The Tragic Partition of Bengal, Suniti Kumar Ghosh, Indian Academy of Social Sciences. (From “Many Heads Make Division Easier,” by Piyus Ganguly in Telegraph India)

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1030704/asp/opinion/story_2125781.asp

Suniti Kumar holds the Indian bourgeoisie backed by the British and its political representatives - the Congress - mainly responsible for Partition. Also, despite the pronounced affinity between the two cultures - Hindu and Muslim - in Bengal, no serious effort was made by the leaders of the Congress and the Muslim League to promote amity and goodwill between them. Economic exploitation, mainly of poor Muslims by Hindu zamindars continued and communalism thrived. Not just the colonial rulers, but the business magnates who acted as their agents and the frontmen helped in its spread. This only strengthened the case for Partition. The early chapters of the book provide an exhaustive, in-depth study of the socio-economic scenario of Bengal from the 1st century BC till the advent of the British.

*Prisoners Of The Nuclear Dream, M.V. Ramana and C. Rammanohar Reddy (Eds), Orient Longman, Hyderabad, 2003. (From a review by Raviprasad Narayanan in Seminar, Vol. 526, June 2003)

The book has essays by eminent scholars, academicians and scientists who examine the impact of this process of nuclearisation and thereby challenge the ongoing attempt by the state to create a consensus about the quest and irrational objectives associated with nuclear weapons. An explicit critique of nuclear weapons and its logical corollary, the programme of nuclearisation adopted by India as also Pakistan, this book lays bare the claims by the powers that be that nuclear weapons and the process of weaponisation provide ‘security and stability’. Rather, the nuclear tests of 1998 have had the effect of increasing manifold the insecurities plaguing the nation, as exemplified by the incursions of 1999 in Kargil.

*Rethinking the National Security of Pakistan: The Price of Strategic Myopia, Ahmad Faruqui, Ashgate Publishing Ltd, December 2002, 220 pages Hardback, 0 7546 1497 2, £39.95 http://www.aljazeerah.info/Book%20Reviews/Book%20reviews/Rethinking%20

the%20national%20security%20of%20Pakistan,%20by%20Ahmad%20Faruqui.htm

The book analyzes Pakistan's defence policies over the last half-century and proposes a radical reform of Pakistan's military organization. In addition to offering a comprehensive look at national security, this book provides coherent, interrelated analysis of the key issues such as political leadership, social and economic development and foreign policy.

*Performative Politics and the Cultures of Hinduism: Public Uses of Religion in Western India, Raminder Kaur, Permanent Black (D-28 Oxford Apartments, 11, I.P. Extension, Delhi 110092, India, phone: (011)-2272-1494/(0)-98184-03242, Email perblack@ndb.vsnl.net.in, website: www.orientlongman.com, ISBN 81-7824-047-5, hardback, 300pp + 60 colour + b/w photos, Rs 695

This book deploys a single major cultural and religious event (Ganapati utsava) to study the variety and cultures of contemporary Hinduism, and their complex histories.

*Compounding Injustice: The Government's Failure to Redress Massacres in Gujarat, Human Rights Watch (350 Fifth Avenue, 34th Floor, New York, NY, 10118-3299, USA. T: 1-212-290 4700, F: 1-212-736 1300, Email: hrwnyc@hrw.org, Website: www.hrw.org/reports/world/publications.php) HRW Index No: 1504C), July 1, 2003, US $7 (Via www.coexistence.net)

This 70-page report examines the record of state authorities in holding perpetrators accountable and providing humanitarian relief to victims of state-supported massacres of Muslims in February and March 2002. Human Rights Watch has urged the federal government to take over cases of large-scale massacres where the state government has sabotaged investigations.

*Unbecoming Citizens: Culture, Nationhood and the Plight of Refugees from Bhutan, Michael Hutt, Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 2003; pages xx + 308, Rs.595.  (From  “The uprooted of Bhutan” a  Book Review by M.S. Prabhakara in Frontline Magazine, July 19-August 1, 2003 http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2015/stories/20030801000707300.htm)

Sustained discrimination, ill-treatment and abuse, culminating in expulsion from the land of their birth, of a very large number of Bhutanese citizens of Nepali origin in 1991, nearly a hundred thousand of whom have been staying in refugee camps in Nepal for over a decade is the subject of this book. The book presents the historic context of these events and, in a series of powerful narratives based on extended visits to five refugee camps spread over several years and conversations with the residents, and structured into closely argued chapters. It examines the complex religious, social, political and, inescapably, `ethnic' issues surrounding the process of consolidation of a relatively small and weak nationality into a nation state; and the problems that those who are not the indigenes present to this process of nationality formation - as victims as well as potential threats.

 *We are Making Changes: A handbook for young Asian women, Asian Women Unite! Londec (293-299 Kentish Town Road, London NW5 2TJ on: 0207 424 9535),  22 pages, £1 for individuals, £3 for organisations

Compiled by Amrit Wilson with artwork and design by Kiran Patel, it is the first publication of Asian Women Unite! it covers a whole range of issues which affect young Asian women here in Britain, including for example power relationships in the family, education, sexuality, self harm. Based mainly on the words of young Asian women aged between 14 and 18 with some additional facts, questions and ideas. it is written in a clear, concise and accessible form with a fictional character (Awara) who 'takes things apart a bit and puts them back together again'.

*The Peaceful School: Models that Work, Hetty van Gurp, Portage and Main Press (100-318 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3A 0A2, Canada. T: 1-800-667 9673, F: 1-866-734 8477 Email: books@portageandmainpress.com, Website: www.portageandmainpress.com/index.html) ISBN: 1-55379-000-6. 2002, CA $26.00 (Via www.coexistence.net)

This publication provides educators with examples of safe schools and many of the strategies safe schools use to create a culture of peace. The author proposes that lessons in peace - cooperation, respect, effective communication, celebrating diversity, expressing emotion, and conflict resolution - be incorporated into the school curriculum. The Peaceful School explores the many practical ways that schools can develop a culture of peace by sharing ideas and approaches taken by twenty schools across Canada. Each of the schools developed materials, activities, events, and other resources to foster and promote peace, cooperation, respect, effective communication, celebrate diversity, express emotion, and resolve conflict within their school. These original materials are reproduced in the publication, allowing readers to use or modify them to suit the circumstances in their schools.

*FreePakistan Newsletter http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FreePakistan

FreePakistan exists for the promotion of Libertarian principles and values such as individual freedom, private property, market economy, limited constitutional government, and the rule of law. Its vision is a free and prosperous Pakistan; for only such a Pakistan can contribute positively to the creation of a free and prosperous world. To this end, FreePakistan not only highlights the activities of Libertarians in Pakistan, but also co-ordinates their work with that of Libertarians abroad.

Subscribe: FreePakistan-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

CALLS FOR PAPERS

*Journal of Bangladesh Studies (JBS) invites academics and experts to submit scholarly papers for possible publication in JBS, a peer-reviewed journal and is dedicated to the development of Bangladesh. More info from Dr. Syed Saad Andaleeb; Professor of Marketing, School of Business, The Pennsylvania State University, Erie, Station Road, Erie, PA. 16563 Fax (814)-898-6223; e-mail ssa4@psu.edu

*Patterns of Prejudice on Religion and Extremism invites submissions, by November 30, 2003, for its special issue, which will “attempt to explore the complex relationship between religion and the historical, cultural and political context of such (extremist organization) organizations and conflicts.” More info from Dr Stella Rock, Arts B, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QN, UK Email stellarock@btopenworld.com

*Journal of Peace Education invites articles that “promote discussions on theories, research and practices in peace education in varied cultural and educational settings” for its inaugural issue to be launched in March 2004 by Peace Education Commission of the International Peace Research Association. More info from Dr John Synott, School of Humanities and Human Services, Queensland University of Technology, Beams Road, Carseldine, Queensland 4034, Australia. Email: j.synott@qut.edu.au, Website: www.tandf.co.uk/journals/authors/cjpeauth.asp (Via www.coexistence.net)

CHILDREN

IIT, Oops bring the world to some village kids in India

An innovative software - Oops I see - developed by the engineers of Indian Institute of Technology, Madras and the Chennai-based Oops Private Ltd, allows these village kids to take tuitions through video conferencing on the Internet. http://www.rediff.com/money/2003/aug/01spec3.htm

CONFERENCES & SYMPOSIA

*September 6-10, Praia, Cape Verde: WOMEN, PEACE AND SAFETY - WOMEN'S HUMAN RIGHTS is the theme of the 18th Congress of the International Federation of Women in Legal Careers. Aimed at judges, lawyers of all fields, law universities and its students, law enforcement and non-governmental organizations, it will focus on issues such as Conflict Prevention and Settlement and Women's Role and War: Civil and Penal Responsibilities of Governments. The official languages of the Congress, which are entitled to simultaneous translation, are Portuguese, Spanish, French, and English. Cost is US $300 (members of the IFWL), US $325 (non members), US $200 (law students), US $200 (joining conferees). Register by August 15, by submitting a statement to the Congress's Secretariat (Maria.Gomes@PALJUST.gov.cv). Via www.coexistence.net

*September 19-21, Oxford, UK: CRITICAL ISSUES IN PLURALISM is the theme of this Global Conference, which is being organized by Inter-Disciplinary.Net to explore the challenges posed by pluralism today. Discussions will deal with the implications of pluralism on the following areas: politics, economics, social issues, religion, literature, and medicine. Papers will be considered on any related theme. All papers accepted for and presented at the conference will be published in an ISBN eBook. The keynote speaker is scheduled to be Professor Margaret Chatterjee of New Delhi, India. Deadline for submission of 300-word is June 13. More info from Dr. Rob Fisher, Coordinator, Inter-Disciplinary.Net, Priory House, 149B Wroslyn Road, Freeland, Oxfordshire, OX29 8HR, UK, T: 44-199-388 2087, F: 44-870-460 1132, Email: rf@inter-dsciplinary.net, Website: www.inter-disciplinary.net

COURSES & TRAINING PROGRAMS

*September – November: 15 ONLINE COURSES (Peaceful Conflict Transformation, Nonviolent Security Approaches, Peacebuilding and Empowerment, Peace Journalism, Peace Business, Peace and Tourism, Reconciliation after Violence, and Development and Democratization) directed towards students in a variety of stages of their educational career as well as towards government workers and practitioners and leading to certificates for single courses, diplomas for clusters of courses, and eventually BA, MA, and PhD degrees, will be offered by the Transcend Online Peace University. Cost is 500 Euros. More info from www.transcend.org or Dietrich Fischer, TPU, 114 Conover Road, Princeton Junction, NJ 08550, USA.
T: 1-609-799 8319, F: 1-609-799 2581 Email: fisher@transcend.org (Via www.coexistence.net)

*September 15 - October 15, Delhi, India: The Aman Trust's PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES COURSE covers Ethical and Philosophical Perspectives on Violence, Aspects of twentieth century world history, Conflict Issues in the Womens Movement, The world order and concepts of conflict, Contemporary Indian History, and Law, Conflict and Peace Processes. More info from www.mnet.fr/aiindex/aman/course.html or Rishi Iyengar rishi_amn@yahoo.co.in

*September 29 – December 5, San Diego, CA, USA: WOMEN PEACEMAKERS, a training program for
women from around the world who have been involved in human rights and peacemaking efforts and who are seeking ways to have greater impact in peacemaking efforts in their society to participate in this multi-week residency. Selected candidates will give presentations at the Institute for Peace and Justice and in the San Diego community. In addition, they will participate in documenting their stories through writing and videotaping their reflections. Stipends will be provided by the organization. Apply before
June 27 to Dee Aker, Ph.D., Deputy Director, Institute for Peace & Justice, Rm. 113, University of San Diego, 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA 92110-2492, USA. T: 1-619-260 7509, F: 1-619-260 7570
Email: ipj@sandiego.edu or daker@sandiego.edu, Website: http://peace.sandiego.edu/wpmp.shtml (Via www.coexistence.net)

DOCUMENTARIES, FILMS & TV SERIES

*TV Series - Gender Watch (Pakistan), Society for the Advancement of Community, Health, Education and Training (SACHET Gallery, 6, Beverly Center, Near NAFDEC Cinema, Blue Area, Islamabad, Pakistan, T/F: 92-51-227 8826, Email: agehi@isb.pol.com.pk, Website: www.sachet.org/pk/gender/gender_watch  Pakistani Rs. 200.

Gender Watch is a television series designed to create awareness about gender discrimination. The series aims to help people understand the consequences for the development of Pakistan if discrimination on the basis of gender is sustained and to advocate men and women's input to this problem. Geared towards members of the community in general, and especially young people, it was also designed to appeal to policy makers, journalists, media personnel, and researchers. The series includes information, poetry, and song segments, as well as interviews with famous personalities in related fields. Specific topics include the intersection between gender and education, health, the media, poverty, empowerment, employment, violence, family planning, AIDS, children, men, and the elderly. The television series is now available for sale in CD and video format. (Via Website: www.coexistence.net)

*Godhra Tak: The Terror Trail, Shubhradeep Chakravorty, C/O Ch. Bhoop Singh, F-92 (B-12), Katwariya Sarai, New Delhi-110016, Phones 91-11-20530323, 91-11-26602264, shubhradeep@rediffmail.com

On 27 Feb last year a bogey full of karsevaks were burnt at Godhra railway station and later the incident was used to create riots in Gujarat in which 3500 Muslim were killed. Godhra Tak is an investigative, and a unique documentary about this event.

Shubhradeep Chakravorty, the documentary maker, had followed the entire route of the first batch of karsevaks from Gujarat to Ayodhya and back and had documented the terror unleashed by the Karsevaks on their rout and the incidents at Godhra railway station on 27 Feb 2002. This one-hour film gives representation to the views of the both sides, including interviews of Praven Bhai Togadia (International General Secretary, VHP), Vinay Katiyar (UP BJP president) and Dr. Jaydeep Patel (General Secretary, VHP Gujarat) and Karsevaks passengers who actually booked their tickets in S6 and victims of violence by Karsevaks from various places.

*Gujarat: A Laboratory Of Hindu Rashtra, Suma Josson india_one2000.yahoo.com (VHS and CD format with English and Hindi commentaries and English sub-titles)

Beginning with the violence in Gujarat, this film explores, from very diverse perspectives, issues such
as -- the Hindu Rashtra, constitution, the status of the Dalits, poor standards of human development, the
role of violence and so on. It exposes the dangerous growth of fascist tendencies, and the warning that if it is not addressed right now, it will be Gujarat today: tomorrow India.

ENVIRONMENT

Pakistan government bans smoking at public places

“The comprehensive ban on smoking in public places has been imposed to give people a healthy atmosphere and overcome the mortality rate due to smoking related diseases,” said Federal Health Minister Muhammad Nasir Khan, while addressing a press conference on the Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-smokers Health Ordinance 2002. Pakistan Fact Sheet Issue No. 43, July 27, 2003, facepk@hotmail.com

Incubator for rural innovations

From Bullet motorcycles modified to function as ploughs, to high-yielding cardamom varieties, SRISTI in Ahmedabad (Gujarat, India) is helping hundreds of grassroots inventors and innovators to conserve biodiversity and develop eco-friendly solutions to local problems.

http://www.infochangeindia.org/AgricultureIstory.jsp? section_idv=10&recordno=2301

Artificial water recharge raises water table and reduces farming costs in UP (India)

The Uttar Pradesh government's experiment to recharge excess river water, via earthen canals, has succeeded in raising the water table and bringing down cultivation costs

http://www.infochangeindia.org/WaterResourceIstory.jsp?recordno=2329
&storyofchangev=WaterResourceIstory.jsp&section_idv=17

FELLOWSHIPS & INTERNSHIPS

*Scholar of Peace Fellowships: Women in Security, Conflict Management and Peace (WISCOMP), which seeks to promote an inclusive, gender sensitive discourse on issues related to peace and security in South Asia, invites applications, by Sept. 15, 2003, from South Asian professionals and scholars under the age of 45 for this award for academic research, media and special projects. The fellowships cover a period ranging from three months to one year. More info and application forms from  www.furhhdl.org (click WISCOMP) and WISCOMP, Foundation for Universal Responsibility, Core 4A, Upper Ground Floor, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110 003, India. Ph.: 91-11-24648450 Fax: 91-11-24648451

Email: wiscomp@vsnl.com

HUMAN RIGHTS

12 Kiln workers freed: Lahore High Court

The Lahore High Court released 12 illegally confined kiln workers, including women and minors, on a habeas corpus plea and directed the detainees to approach the authorities concerned for lodging a case against their master.The court had earlier deputed the court bailiff Ehsaan recover the detenues from the illegal confinement of the kiln owner and produce them before the court. The bailiff with the assistance of the police concerned recovered the detenues and produced them in the court. FACE-Pakistan Facts Sheet Issue No. 44 (August 3, 2003) facepk@hotmail.com

Poor in India are spending more on education

Education levels of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Muslims rise dramatically in the past 16 years, says Sunil Jain. http://www.rediff.com/money/2003/jul/22spec.htm

PEACE EVENTS

*August 15, India: WHITE RIBBON CAMPAIGN FOR PEACE (WRC) invites people to wear white ribbons to protest against all kinds of VIOLENCE in any part of India and to affirm that the MAJORITY in India SUPPORT PEACE & not violence. More info from Anasuya and Parvez whiteribbonindia@rediffmail.com

*September 8 to October 2, 2003, India: FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT - THROUGH REASON, PLURALITY AND TOGETHERNESS is the theme of a Nationwide Jathas for Peace, Unity and Sovereignty being facilitated by the All India People's Science Network and Bharat Gyan Vigyan Samiti. About 60 jathas will travel through remote parts of about 26 states to spread the messages of Peace, Unity and Sovereignty, through the medium of plays, songs, exhibitions, films, books. They would finally culminate in Wardha in Maharashtra, Champaran in Bihar, and Jallianwalan Bagh in Punjab. The organizers invite interested individuals and organization to actively participate in this massive effort. More info from KK Krishna Kumar, Jatha Convenor, YWA Hostel No.2, G-Block, Saket, New Delhi 110017, Email: bgvs@vsnl.net, Phones: 26569773/26569943

*September 12, 2003, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA:  THE FIRST ANNUAL INTERDEPENDENCE DAY. Democracy Collaborative's World Citizens Campaign for Democracy will organize this celebration at the American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia with the hope that it would “encourage citizens around the world to see that the response to terrorism and war can provide opportunities for civic renewal and global cooperation” in  “the post- September 11 world.”  Also, those in attendance will have the opportunity to sign the Declaration of Interdependence, a document affirming the interdependent character of the post-modern world, and will be invited to ponder questions of the relationship of independence to interdependence. More info from the Democracy Collaborative, 400 West 59th Street, New York, NY, 10019, USA, T: 1-212-548 0696, F: 1-212-548 4659, Email: info@civworld.org, Website: www.civworld.org/day.htm



*September 21, 2003: UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE, an annual celebration as “a day of global ceasefire and non-violence”, was set up following a unanimous UN General Assembly resolution. The year 2002 saw commemorative activities and events in 98 countries, 27 of which were at the governmental level.  Having driven the initiative to establish this celebration, Peace One Day requests the involvement of organizations and individuals in commemorating this day. Commitments will appear on the organization's website which will serve as a central resource for activities on the day.  More info from Jeremy Gilley, Founder, Peace One Day Ltd, The Old Truman Brewery, Block D, 91 Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL, UK. T: 44-20-7456 9180, F: 44-20-7375 2007 Email: commitment@peaceoneday.org, Website: www.peaceoneday.org

PETITIONS

*Protection of Places of Worship: This petition offers the opportunity to endorse the proposed convention on the international protection of places of worship. The aim of the petition is to obtain endorsement from a broad spectrum of global civil society and then present the proposal to governments and the United Nations. More info from International Movement for a Just World, PO Box 288 46730, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. T: 603-77-276 386, F: 603-77-277 389 Email: muza@po.jaring.my, Website: www.just-international.org (Via www.coexistence.net_

VACANCIES

*Washington, DC Grants Office: Seeds of Peace is seeking an individual to serve as their Washington, DC-based liaison to the US Department of State and USAID. The position involves securing grant opportunities, including preparing submissions for solicited and unsolicited proposals, coordinating reporting, and monitoring performance. The position also requires securing proposal-based foundation grants in response to RFPs and program need. More info from Dena Fisher, PhD, Executive Director, Seeds of Peace, 370 Lexington Avenue, Suite 401, New York, NY, 10017, USA. Seeds of Peace, F: 1-212-573 8040, F: 1-212-573 8047, Email: dena@seedsofpeace.org, Website: www.seedsofpeace.org (Via www.coexistence.net)

WEBSITES

http://gandhiserve.org is the website of GandhiServe Foundation’s Mahatma Gandhi Research and Media Service which helps you to navigate the best online resource on Mahatma Gandhi better.

WOMEN

India's first woman fire officer

Meenakshi Vijayakumar, a 38-year-old mother, who became India's first fire officer on August 1, is very excited about her new job. http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/aug/05spec.htm

Gender inequality and poverty in South Asia

Reducing gender inequality can accelerate economic growth and have a powerful impact on poverty. Comparing East Asia and South Asia between 1960 and 1992, South Asia started with wider gender gaps in
health and education and closed them more slowly. If gender gaps had closed at the same rate in the 2 sub-regions, South Asia would have increased its real per capita annual growth in GDP by 0.7 to 1.0%.

How India's budget for 2003-04 will impact women

Budgetary allocations for women-specific schemes have increased only in the area of family planning
http://www.infochangeindia.org/bookandreportsst38.jsp

Empowering women: Haryana tries to break into male bastion

Traditionally, the work of looking after the cattle has been handled by women in villages. But sale of the produce and the money that came out of it always went into the hands of the men. The new programme of dairy development and women welfare departments in Haryana attempts to give women the control over that money. http://www.ndtv.com July 30, 2003

CONTENTS