“Socio cultural analysis workshop helped me look at the reality around me with new perspectives”, emphatically said, Scholastic Jaison Joseph, Kerala Jesuit Province. “To engage in social change, scientific, cultural and historical understanding of the society in all its complexities and opportunities is very much needed. As I delved deeper into the society and its structures I truly understood the realities. Indian Social Institute provided me with that knowledge and inspired me to be an agent of change. I’m very grateful for this opportunity”, acknowledged Scholastic Amal Bosco, Madurai Jesuit Province.
The workshop was well planned covering major themes, such as, Structural Analysis and Emerging Perspectives, Contesting Ideologies – Gandhi-Ambedkar-Phule, Adivasi and Minority Issues, Economic, Political and Cultural Analysis, Rights-based Approach and Constitutional Paradigm, Media Analysis, Gender, Child Rights, Migrants and Refugees, Social Movements, Catholic Social Teaching and Environmental concerns. The methodology included inputs and groupwork, supplemented by relevant reading materials and presentations.
“The workshop personally inspired me to commit myself for social action, focusing on justice and reconciliation as I became aware of social issues that affect the poor”, said, Scholastic Ronald Antony, Chennai Jesuit Province. “The course content and the methodology helped me to develop a deeper understanding of social realities in a comprehensive manner and to work towards alternatives realistically. I was motivated with the possibilities of reaching the unreached and downtrodden. On the whole, it awakened my spirit of solidarity and care for the most abandoned”, added Scholastic Amrith Kevin S, CSsR.
The Central Hub of Social Inclusion & Democracy Unit of ISI-B organised 11 days of Socio cultural Analysis Course cum Workshop from 20-30 April, 2022. 34 participants from various religious congregations, a substantial number being the Jesuits benefitted by this course, as it awakened their conscience to open themselves to the current social realities and motivated them to commit themselves to walk with the marginalised communities.
Fr. Francis Balaraj SJ
Head, Social Inclusion and Democracy Unit