World Social Forum in Kathmandu Calls for Peace and Justice Across Borders

Social advocates from 72 nations convened at the five-day World Social Forum (WSF) conference, which concluded on February 19 in Kathmandu, issuing a plea for the establishment of a world devoid of warfare.

The event, bearing the motto ‘Another World is Possible,’ kicked off on February 15 with a spirited rally involving 20,000 participants who paraded through the streets of Nepal’s capital, pressing for the liberation of Palestine, the eradication of slavery, casteism, fundamentalism, human trafficking, the empowerment of women, Dalits, and all marginalized groups.

A total of 252 seminars, workshops, and related sessions were organized by diverse human rights and social advocacy bodies from across the globe, tackling an array of subjects including climate justice, discrimination, secure migration, and the cessation of trafficking.

Approximately 9,000 individuals engaged in smaller group discussions, dissecting and reflecting on contemporary socio-political landscapes in various regions worldwide, and articulating statements advocating for unity, solidarity, and the revitalization of democratic values.

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Picture: Matters India

Indian representatives from numerous social and Christian organizations made a significant presence, with a notable turnout from Christian denominations, including Catholics and members of the World Council of Churches, who hosted seminars and workshops.

Among these, 60 members of the Forum of Religious for Justice and Peace from India, along with their 70 associates, led sessions focusing on themes such as environmental conservation, the protection of minority rights to foster an inclusive society, and ensuring safe and dignified migration.

During discussions on environmental stewardship, attendees deliberated on the degradation of natural habitats and ecosystems, water pollution, and the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, advocating for a transition away from fossil fuels toward clean energy to sustain the web of life.

Calls were made for South Asian governments, particularly India and Nepal, to take decisive measures towards phasing out fossil fuels and transitioning to renewable energy sources. Additionally, developed nations were urged to compensate South Asian countries for the financial losses incurred during this transition, ensuring sustainable livelihoods for all, especially the most impoverished segments of society in the region.

Forum members and their collaborators listened attentively to accounts of persecution faced by minorities, particularly Christians, in India and Pakistan. Renowned Pakistani human rights activist Saeda Diep recounted various atrocities inflicted upon Christians, Hindus, Ahmediyas, and Shias in Pakistan, while Jesuit Father Bosco Xavier from India shed light on systemic discrimination based on ancestry and occupation worldwide.

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Picture: Matters India

The assembly condemned the prevailing atmosphere of xenophobia, exclusion, and violence targeting minority communities and those on the fringes of society, pledging to champion religious, cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversity, which they regarded as integral to the region’s identity and deserving of respect and promotion.

In a joint statement, the forum demanded that South Asian governments, notably India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, halt discrimination and violence against minorities and vulnerable groups, and instead, celebrate their distinctive cultural and religious heritage.

On the topic of safe and dignified migration, forum members affirmed the reality of extensive internal and international migration within South Asia driven by economic aspirations and conflict, emphasizing the need for robust legal protections for migrant workers and measures to shield them from discrimination and indignity.

Montfort Brother Varghese Theckanath, a forum participant, orchestrated a three-day International Tribunal on Evictions, wherein testimonies regarding forced displacement were presented. A panel of esteemed human rights activists from various continents rendered a verdict in favor of the rehabilitation of all displaced communities.

Forum national convener Presentation Sister Dorothy Fernandez, along with Congregation of Jesus Sister Ancy, Father Xavier, and Father Anand from the Indian Missionaries of Society, orchestrated various initiatives throughout the five-day event.

The program also featured a diverse array of cultural performances, with Bhrikuti Mandap, the event venue, resounding with Nepali melodies and dances, as well as musical renditions in various other Asian, African, South American, and European languages.

Each evening, Prerna Kala Manch, the theatrical arm of Vishwa Jyoti Communications in Varanasi, staged professional dramas addressing issues pertinent to farmers and minorities, captivating audiences with street plays that elucidated environmental concerns, discrimination, and communal strife.

Prof. Bellamkonda Kishore Bestowed With Hind Rattan Award In New Delhi

Prof. Bellamkonda Kishore, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, an academician, innovator, and entrepreneur of Salt Lake City, Utah was honored with the prestigious Hind Rattan (Jewel of India) award during a solemn ceremony at the Constitution Club, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, India, on the eve of the Republic Day of India, January 25, 2024.

Dr Kishore 2Described as the second highest award given to the Indian diaspora, The ‘Hind Rattan Award’ is given to outstanding Indians by the NRI Welfare Society of India, New Delhi. In conjunction with the national Pravasi Bharatiya award, the highest one (given by the Government of India), the Hindu Rattan award is granted at the society’s annual Congress on the eve of India’s Republic Day. The Hindu Rattan award ceremony is attended by the members of the Prime Minister’s Office, Government officials, Judges and advocates of the Supreme Court of India, international diplomats, and celebrities.

Nearly two dozen of these awards are given annually to people chosen from the several millions of Indian diaspora members for keeping the flag of India high. Most recipients are professionals working in the academics or science and technology industry and who have made an impact in their fields at the international level.

Dr. Kishore is an academician and innovator who turned to entrepreneurship recently. His academic life withDr Kishore 3 research, teaching and mentoring in the field of medicine spans 40 years in Asia (India & Japan), Europe, and the United States, including the Intramural Research Program of the US National Institutes of Health, and the US Department of Veterans Affairs. During this period, Dr. Kishore did impactful research with seminal discoveries in kidney diseases, obesity, and related conditions, and obtained patents for the development of novel therapies. In recognition of his innovative work in academics, Dr. Kishore has been inducted as the Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors, Washington DC.He has been inducted as a Fellow by professional organizations such as the American Society of Nephrology (FASN), Royal Society of Biology (FRSB), American Physiological Society (FAPS), American Heart Association (FAHA), the International Society of Nephrology (FISN).

In September 2023, Dr. Kishore received Nelson Mandela Leadership Award from the NRI Welfare Society of India. Founded on the life and principles of the Nobel Laureate in Peace, Nelson Mandela, who emphasized that education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world – the NRI Welfare Society felicitates those who matter from various fields for their outstanding services, achievements, and contributions.

Dr. Kishore is also a decorated editor of medical journals, being the Founding Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (JAAPI), and recipient of Outstanding Editor Award from the Frontiers in Renal Physiology and Pathophysiology, a Switzerland-based peer-reviewed journal.

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After directing an internationally recognized kidney research program as a Principal Investigator at the US Department of Veterans Affairs Salt Lake City Health Care System for about 20 years, where he received a Superior Performance Award and News Release local radio broadcast of his research, in May 2020 Dr. Kishore moved out to build ePurines, Inc., a startup drug development company focused on developing innovative purinergic signaling-based therapies for obesity, metabolic syndrome, and kidney and liver disease. Currently, he is an Adjunct Professor of Medicine (Nephrology)  at the University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Dr. Kishore believes that Passion, Perseverance, and Patience (3Ps) are the only ingredients anyone needs, despite his/her status at the start of career or life. If these three are there, everything will fall in place one day or another. It is just a question of time. Dr. Kishore says that there are still plenty of opportunities to grow in this world and do meaningful work, provided we prepare by changing our attitude and recognize and follow our priorities in life whether they are pleasant to us or not. He says that people fail often not because they are not smart or intelligent, but because they chose wrong priorities in life and pursue them without thinking where they will lead them.

Dr. Kishore adds, a purpose-driven life is far more superior than a success-driven life. Because, a purpose-drive life expands our consciousness and horizons, whereas success-driven life narrows our consciousness and options. By putting together his philosophy and experience in life, Dr. Kishore has written and published two books Tamasoma Jyothirgamaya and Life is Creating Yourself to benefit aspiring students and youth seeking direction and guidance in life beyond the academics. These books are available freely to download as PDF copies by clicking on the hyperlinks. Dr. Kishore considers that academics only prepare us to earn livelihood, but not teach us how to lead our lives. He hopes that his books will provide much needed insights to the youth to shape their lives and thus lead purposeful lives.

Dr. Kishore is a freelance writer and composer in Telugu ad English. His recent poetical tribute, Pandemic Gitanjali on COVID-19 aptly reflects his unique skills as a writer and thoughtful leader.

Dr. Kishore has been active in non-profit and service organizations both locally and at the national level. He received accolades and awards from organizations, such as AAPI, NATA, TANA among others. Please visit his website for more details: https://www.bkkishore.online/

Pope Francis’ Unyielding Commitment to Social Justice and Global Issues

Pope Francis is known for his outspoken stance on critical global issues, ranging from war and migration to climate change. According to Cardinal Michael Czerny, who leads a Vatican department focused on social justice, the Pope’s motive is to caution world leaders against making “suicidal” decisions. Czerny emphasized the moral obligation Pope Francis feels to speak on behalf of Catholics, acknowledging potential criticism but asserting that the Pope is driven by the commitment of the faithful.

Cardinal Czerny explained, “I speak out because there are millions of Catholics and other Christians and other believers and other people of goodwill for whom or in whose voice I’m speaking. And we’re trying to say to the world’s decision-makers that their decisions are anti-human, short-sighted, suicidal” (original quote).

The Pope’s dedication to responsible journalism was underscored during a meeting with reporters at the Vatican on January 22. Pope Francis likened journalism to a vocation, akin to that of a doctor choosing to heal humanity. He expressed the journalist’s role in addressing societal wounds and the importance of their work in today’s world.

Since his election almost 11 years ago, Pope Francis has been a prominent figure, gaining attention not only for his modest lifestyle in the Vatican but also for addressing pressing global issues. His willingness to discuss topics ranging from the death penalty to Artificial Intelligence has solidified his position as a Pope with a significant voice on the international stage.

In an interview on Nove, owned by CNN’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, Pope Francis addressed concerns about his health. Despite recent health challenges, he asserted his commitment to remaining in office “as long as (he has) the ability to serve.”

Pope Francis’ impactful communication extends to the core of his papacy, notably his consistent support for migrants. His first visit outside of Rome was to the Italian island of Lampedusa, where he decried “global indifference” to refugees. Cardinal Czerny, working closely with the Pope, emphasized their efforts to galvanize Catholics to welcome and support migrants in their communities.

Cardinal Czerny, echoing Pope Francis’ perspective, emphasized that migration is about individuals, not just numbers. He shared his personal connection to the issue, recounting his family’s migration from Czechoslovakia to Canada when he was four years old. Highlighting the importance of sponsorship, he noted, “I wouldn’t be here talking to you if a family in Canada had not sponsored us.”

The migrant crisis is a crucial test of humanity, according to Pope Francis, and he views the developed world as largely failing in this regard. Cardinal Czerny urged the Church in the United States to address the issue, evaluate the validity of anti-immigration rhetoric, and guide their community in making informed decisions.

Another significant concern for Pope Francis and Cardinal Czerny is the rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence. Pope Francis has called for a treaty to regulate its use, emphasizing the need for global collaboration to prevent it from becoming a new risk for human life.

Despite the Pope’s commitment to addressing pressing issues, he faces criticism, especially regarding his critiques of capitalism and his stance on climate change. Cardinal Czerny acknowledged this resistance, attributing it to the Pope challenging the interests of both financial and political elites. He drew a parallel to Jesus, noting that criticism is inevitable when the core message goes against prevailing interests.

The Pope’s recent move to authorize the blessings of same-sex couples intensified internal opposition, particularly in Africa. Despite potential criticisms, Cardinal Czerny highlighted Pope Francis’ priority to include, console, bless, and reconcile those who are suffering.

Pope Francis, despite his age and recent health challenges, remains resolute in his commitment to addressing global issues and advocating for social justice. His dedication to speaking on behalf of the faithful and challenging powerful interests continues to shape his papacy.

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