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Monthly newsletter of the Diocese of Durgapur Donation: Rs. 5/-Vol.: One Hundred and Seven November 2015

CCA Consultation - Human Trafficking WNC Convention 2015 & Trip to Kalamazoo

Shanti Villa Inaugurated

The common man has a notion that slavery is a thing of the past but it is said that presently there are more slaves in the world than at any given time in human history. Human trafficking, trafficking in human beings or trafficking in persons has been unfortunately thriving in many parts of the world today. This trafficking of persons ultimately results in violation of human rights and denial of human dignity. It pinnacles as the fastest growing criminal activity in the world today, whose magnitude is very difficult to quantify.

“Trafficking knows no border and no country is immune to it". Girls, boys, men, women and persons with disability are trafficked within and across national borders for commercial sexual exploitation, labour exploitation, forced labour or service, begging, domestic work, organ harvesting, slavery or practices similar to slavery.

To address this growing concern of violation of basic human right of freedom and dignity, the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) organised a training on "Churches Together for Joint Action against Trafficking of Women and Children" from the 17th to the 19th of November 2015 at Chiang Mai, Thailand. Representatives from churches, church based organisations and NGOs working on Anti Human Trafficking

from the countries of Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Thailand, who are part of the network participated in this training. I was privileged to represent the Church of North India (CNI) at this international forum, sharing my experiences of working in the field of Anti Human Trafficking and bringing forward various initiatives undertaken by CNI to stand up against this heinous crime.

The three days of training focused on worship & Bible study, introduction of participants, presentation of papers, sharing of case studies and group discussions. Papers were presented on topics of; "Human Trafficking, a Modern Slavery: Challenges to Church" by Dr. Mathews George Chunakara, General Secretary, CCA and "International and Regional Instruments and Mechanisms for Combating Human Trafficking" by Mr. Paul Buckley from United Nations Action for Cooperation against Trafficking in Persons (UN ACT).

Five case study were presented on the topics of; "Trafficking of Women and Children in South Asian Context" By Ms. Sanjana Das Singh from Singapore, "Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling - North East Asia Experience" by Revd. Kim Hwang from South Korea and Ms. Chen Wan Ting from Taiwan, "Trafficking of Women and Children from Cambodia" by Mr. Sophy Mong from Cambodia, "Trafficking of Women and Children in Sex Industry in South East Asia" by Dr. Alphinus R. Kambodji and "Trafficking in Persons; Trafficking in Thailand's Fishing Industry" by Dr. Krisanaphong Poothakool from United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UN-ODC).

On the whole the training was of great success. I would really like to thank CCA for creating a common platform for the participating Asian countries to share their experiences, learn from each other and that of creating a solid network to combat human trafficking in the 21st century.

Our short visit to the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina was mainly to be present at Bishop Porter Taylor's last convention and to be able to thank him and his Diocese for their companionship for the past 10 years. Bishop Dutta and the Diocese of Durgapur were given a standing ovation for the excellent work of Children's Ministry undertaken by the women of the DWFCS. Two groups, during the scheduled workshop had the opportunity of watching a video, where the children expressed their progress at the centres and their appreciation of having God parents from Western North Carolina.

Bishop Probal and myself (Mr. Daniel V. Thomas) next flew from Chicago to Kalamazoo in Michigan where we were warmly greeted by Revd. Mary

Perrin and members of St. Martins of Tours Episcopal Church. It was wonderful to see familiar faces and almost instantly we felt that we were at home. A few meetings with groups, were arranged at St. Martin's where Bishop Probal and myself spoke exclusively about the children's ministry and the work undertake by madam Rita Dutta and the women of the Diocesan Women's Fellowship for Christian Service (DWFCS). The short but powerful video on the progress of the children from 2006 to date, left many spellbound and many are planning to be present at the May 2016 celebration. Thank you Revd. Mary Perrin and the folks at St. Martin of Tours, for hosting us and to be able to share, one another's concerns in this globalised world.

Trishikh Dasgupta

Daniel V. Thomas

Shanti Griha Peace and Reconciliation Centre of the Diocese of Durgapur, situated within the Diocesan Bhavan Campus in Durgapur, has grown in leaps and bound over the years. The facility houses a research library dedicated to the Santal Tribals, a state of

the art air-conditioned conference hall, air-conditioned dining hall, full-fledged kitchen, television lounge, 8 double bed Ac room with attached toilets, 8 triple bed cottages with attached toilets and 3 suites with attached kitchen and toilet.

November 2015 Vol.: One Hundred and Seven 2

The work and ministry of Diocese of Durgapur under the Church of North India has been ever growing under the leadership of its Bishop, The Rt. Revd. Dr. Probal Kanto Dutta and through the blessings of God Almighty. Today the total strength of registered congregational members is more than 22,500 in 181 churches spread across 38 pastorates. "Little drops of water make the mighty ocean"; all of us are familiar with this saying, which has been so apt in the case of this Diocese.

To add to the ever growing number of congregational members, recently on Sunday the 1st of November 2015, confirming their

relentless faith in the Father Almighty through his son Jesus Christ, twenty four individuals were confirmed by the Bishop at St. Luke's Church, Mankar. Among the conferment's were twelve from St. Michael's Church Durgapur, nine from St. Luke's Church Mankar and one each from Christ Church Burdwan, Pargaon Church Dakshin Dinajpur and Paulus Nemu Memorial Church Jargo.

The solemn Holy Eucharist service was celebrated by the Bishop who delivered a powerful and heart rendering sermon, in which he emphasised on that being confirmed increases the responsibility of an

individual as a Christian. He urged the candidates to rise up and take up more responsibilities and duties as a true Christ follower and deliver those towards the church, Christian society and outside the walls of the church towards the broader society on the whole. The candidates and everybody present and hearing the oration of the Bishop were touched to the core of their hearts. Assisting the Bishop in this Holy Confirmation Service was Revd. Amiya Das, Presbyter-in-Charge of St. Michael's Church and St. St. Luke's Church, Mankar. The service was well attended by congregational members from all the above mentioned churches.

We wish all the newly confirmed members all of God's blessings and the guidance of the Holy Spirit and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ as they tread in the trail of the master in this world and shine as true lights of Jesus in this otherwise dark world.

On Sunday the 1st of November 2015, All Saints Church Kharagpur celebrated All Saint's Day with great joy and pleasure. The theme for

this very auspicious service was 'God is glorifies in his saints, in whom we see the riches of his grace'. It is the day, which marked a

remembrance of the saints that gave the doctrine and teaching to sustain our lives in the kingdom of God. It was also a great time for the

Demand for the facility for conferences and programmes has increased over the years. Driven by this need on Saturday the 4th of July 2015 grounds were blessed and broken for a new 20 bed dormitory by

the Bishop, Rt. Revd. Dr. Probal Kanto Dutta. After this in a record breaking round the clock construction spree, the new dormitory was completed within a span of 95 days.

The new dormitory christened 'Shanti Villa' was inaugurated on Saturday the 7th of November 2015, by our honourable Bishop, in presence of Diocesan Executive Committee members, priests and staff of the Diocese. The dormitory is separated into two sections of 10 beds each for men and women with separate toilets, adding a new bed capacity strength of 20 to the existing facility. Shanti Griha can now house 66 plus individuals with good food and lodging facilities. We would like to thank God for His immense blessings on Shanti Griha and the Diocese of Durgapur.

congregation because it brought them together with immense reverence and pleasure. It was celebrated with a Holy Eucharist service and recreation program followed by Garden lunch party. On this day the people of God of

All Saint Church took the oath to rebuild the church tradition and honour back like the old days. Hence making it shine again in the heart of Kharagpur.

The “Youth Olympics 2015” was organised by Diocese of Jabalpur from the 22nd October' to the 25th of October in 2015. Representatives from a total of 20 Dioceses of the Church of North India, participated in this Big Event. Twelve Youths along with Rev. Pankaj Pande (Youth Chairperson) & Ms. Sukanya Mandi (Youth Secretary), represented Diocese of Durgapur in this Olympics 2015, held at the Christ Church School, Jabalpur. The purpose of this Event was to inspire the youth of CNI to participate in sports, adopt healthy habits & have more involvement in church activities. More than 400 youths assembled to witness this Event.

Youth of Durgapur Participated in almost every event and earned 3 Gold Medals (400 mts boys - Jacob kisku, Long Jump Boys - Deep Raj Mardy and Power lifting Category of 60 kgs - Sudip Singh), 2 Silver Medals (100 mtr Girls - Rinku Hembrom and 400 mtr

Girls - Rajlaxmi Mandi) and 2 Bronze Medals (800 mtr Boys - Sumit Hembram and Shot put Girls - Ms. Rajlaxmi Mandi). It was really an encouragement the Youths, who participated in this event, who never ever went out from their own territory & first time come across the big CNI Family. This was a big opportunity for them to showcase their Talents.

My Heartfelt Gratitude to all the youth who participated and showed so much effort to perform excellently and won the medals for the Diocese of Durgapur. I m very Thankful to the Diocese for its Support in sending us for this event. My Special Thanks to our Bishop, The Rt. Revd. Dr. Probal Kanto Dutta, without whose initiative this tour would not be Possible. Most Importantly I am grateful to God Almighty, who made this tour Blissful & blessed us all through our Journey.

Subrata Gorai

Confirmation at Mankar

Youth Olympics 2015

All Saints Day at All Saint’s Church KharagpurB. K. Raj

Revd. Dn. Sandipan Sinha

Sukanya Mandi

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This is what the Lord says: “for the many crimes of Israel, I will punish them. For silver, they sell the poor who have done nothing wrong; they sell the poor to buy a pair of Sandals." Amos 2; 6-7

Anti Human Trafficking (AHT) is the second largest crime and fastest growing criminal enterprise in the world after drugs and arms. Trafficking in human beings is a $10-billion growth industry. Conservative estimates of the number of people trafficked into forced labor and prostitution range from 700,000 to 2 million people, primarily women and children, annually.

Data says 90% of trafficking in India is internal, through cross

boarder trafficking. Cumulative estimation ranges from 500 to 10,000 girls being trafficked in the country annually. Girls are primarily Trafficked for sexual exploitation in the cities. Mode of operation involves local agents who operates at village

level, next is the area agents and finally the state agents play the role of transporter to the final destination. At times fake marriage, Love affairs are the soft techniques used to bring the girls out of the house. Spates of incidents are reported from different parts of the country, where thousands of children remain untraced, is a symptom of the serious dimension of trafficking.

The church is a religious value based institution/organisation positioned in a society, with a homogenous or heterogeneous congregational nature. The Church preaches and proclaims good news to the faith community to be God's instrument of change in

Editorial Team: Amiya Das, Archana Dey, Trishikh Dasgupta, Prosenjit Chowdhury and Debasish MistriPublished by Rt. Rev. Dr. Probal Kanto Dutta on behalf of Diocese of Durgapur, CNI, Diocesan Bhavan, Dr. Martin Luther King Road, Bidhan Nagar, Durgapur - 713 212 , District Burdwan, West Bengal, India.Ph. & Fax: + 9 1 - 3 4 3 - 2 5 3 6 2 2 0

[email protected]

ditorialE Church's Responses and Challenges to Human Trafficking

November 2015 Vol.: One Hundred and Seven

the society. It stands for Love, Compassion, Justice, righteousness, a torch bearer to establish the 'Reign of God' in this world of injustice. Ideally, all this sound fine and promising to a common man but in reality many of the churches like to preach without reflecting in action.

Most of the church remains silent so far trafficking is concerned. However it has all the advantages; like infrastructure, human resources, democratic organisational (well defined congregation structure) arrangement - pastorate, youth, women, Sunday school. Yet it prefers to remain silent and like to continue with faithless prayers. Primarily, the church and priests has forgotten to discharge its social responsibilities. Jesus was concern for the society, its cruelty, injustices and acted against social evils. That's why people accepted him as the Savior, Lord God. The poor, marginal, neglected and oppressed people found hope and life in Him. Just mere

academic knowledge makes no change until knowledge and faith is set into motion and practice.

The Church/ Diocese needs to respond to Human Trafficking as a profound human-rights concern that's disproportionately impacting the poor and marginalized; the people who are traditionally the churches first priority. Trafficking does not exist in isolation. It is connected to economic, political and social forces that increase vulnerability and desperation of the poor, refugees & migrants and women & children. It is one of the most horrific end results of economic and social disparities that increase the vulnerability of millions of people. Such vast inequality allows many within our societies to be considered little more than disposable commodities.

Trafficking has been described as "the dark underbelly of globalisation." It is one of the end results of rapid economic, technological and social changes

worldwide. Such rapid changes have created or exacerbated people's vulnerability and, at the same time, expanded the opportunities for killers to exploit that vulnerability. It is important to reduce economic vulnerability of the communities while enhancing their capacity to implement protection mechanisms for people at-risk.

An alert and sensitive church only would find itself in the life and aspirations of the people, the special children of God; the Dalits, Adibasies, oppressed, marginalised, neglected and under privileged people. Talking about Jesus and working like Jesus is the challenge. What is Important is that the historical context of old and New Testament needs to be seen in today's context.

“Because the poor are plundered and the needy groaned, I will now arise”, says the Lord, “I will protect them from who malign them.” Psalm 12:5.

On Thursday the 8th of October 2015, a leadership training programme for Tribal men and women was organised by the Barikul Community Development Programme of the Diocese of Durgapur, Church of North India at Barikul. The training programme was conducted by the Government official for Tribal Development and "Cultural Research Institute, Tribal Development, Government of West Bengal".

There was a time in the past when the Tribals of this region did not have anyone to teach them about their Social, political and economic rights. This prohibited

them for getting their reserved rights from the Government. Today the situation has changed. The Tribals have become more aware of their rights. Barikul Development Programme of the Diocese of Durgapur has played a key role in bringing about this awareness of rights among the Tribals. It has played the role of a bridge linking the Government agencies, local NGOs, the community and other stakeholders in this process of development.

Further a hundred women and 20 men from Barikul participated in a "Training Programme for the Schedule Tribe Leaders, Youths & SHG Members". The Training

mainly focused on issues such as; Government schemes and benefits for the Tribal people, the people's eagerness to tap Government schemes, the necessity of Scheduled Tribe certificates, Government schemes for BPL families, schemes for the elderly, facilities for education and benefits to SHGs etc.

Awareness programmes and trainings such as these are very vital for the Development of Tribal communities. We thank the Diocese of Durgapur for taking up such initiatives for the development of the Tribals in the Jangal Mahal area of Barikul.

Khagendra Nath Das

(Mr. Khagendra Nath Das wrote this editorial few days before his untimely demise on 19th November 2015)

Leadership Training at Barikul. . O B I T U A R I E S . .

Anima Hansda

Khagendra Nath Das(1.2.1957 - 19.11.2015)

Tapas Naskar(4.2.1965 - 11.11.2015)Mr. Tapas Naskar, a dedicated evangelist of the Diocese of Durgapur actively connected with the OSL India Healing Ministry passed away untimely

on the Wednesday the 11th of November. He is survived by wife Iva Naskar, daughter Jeasika Naskar and son Gems Naskar.

Mr. Khagendra Nath Das, Project Coodinator of the Diocese of Durgapur was taken to the Lord untimely on the Thursday the 19th of November 2015. He is

survived by wife Mrs. Supriti Das, daughter Basundhara Das and son Akash das.

May their soul Rest in Peace...

The elder generation is forgotten many a times, within their own families and in their communities. With old age descends loneliness. The Women's Fellowship of St. Michael's Church, Durgapur realising this unfortunate plight of the elders in the church, has devised a monthly "Elderly Fellowship" programme some six months back. The aim of this programme is to rejuvenate the talents of these elders, provide them with a time of meaningful companionship & fellowship and in the process learn from their rich treasure of knowledge.

Recently on Saturday the 21st of November 2015, nearly 20 elders were invited to the church to participate in this interactive and innovative programme specially designed for them. Revd. Amiya Das, Presbyter-In-Charge of the Church, Mrs. Santa Toon Das, President of the Churches Women's Fellowship, Mrs. Pritri

Dukuria, Secretary along with other members of the Women's Fellowship conducted this programme. We wish the St. Michael's Church for taking up this beautiful initiative in taking care of the elders, who feel themselves alienated in the sands of time.

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Children's Day at Purulia

Jesus is My Hero

Sunday the 15th of November 2015, St. Michael's Church, Durgapur witnessed a new morning created by the Father Almighty, which was overflowing with cheerful faces and laughter of 40 Sunday School children, their teachers and guardian who congregated in the church for a whole day Programme on the theme “Jesus is my Hero”.

Children from the St. Michael's Church, Durgapur, St. Luke's Church, Mankar and Wesleyan Methodist Church, Raniganj assembled in the church

for what was going to be their once in a lifetime experience. The day unwrapped with a solemn Holy Eucharist service celebrated by our Rev. Amiya Das, Presbyter-In-Charge, St. Michael's Church, Durgapur, who conveyed an influential sermon on the subject of a Generous Spirit, which touched one and all who attended the service.

Registering their names the children were treated with a healthy and nutritious tiffin. Starting the programme the children were again treated with a surprise

It was a pleasant evening to celebrate Children's Day with the children of St. Martin's Hostel, Purulia. On arrival of The Principal – Mrs. Archita Sen of St. Peter's School, Purulia accompanied by the Teaching and Non-teaching staff at the hostel, the children were extremely excited and happy. This was a real sight of merriment that we witnessed.

A programme of song, dance and recitation was performed by the children with utmost enthusiasm and glee. The St. Peter's family, Purulia enjoyed and admired the energetic performance of the children. After watching a wonderful performance, a sumptuous dinner was

served by St. Peter's family, Purulia to the children of St. Martin's Hostel, Purulia. It was our pleasure and satisfaction to see the children having a marvellous time.

We extend our thanks and appreciation to Mrs. Mamata Kashyap, Centre In-Charge and Mrs. Kalyani Bansriar, Warden of St. Martin's Hostel, Purulia for their warm welcome and hospitality during our visit to St. Martin's Hostel, Purulia on Children's Day – 14th November, 2015. We give thanks to God for giving us this wonderful opportunity to spend time with such special children on the occasion.

Archita Sen

when they were taught a totally new song for children based on the theme for the day. This completely new song “Jisu aamar hero, Jisu tomar hero…” has been composed and given tune by Rev. Amiya Das.

The entire programme was aptly conducted by Mrs. Santa Toon Das, Secretary, Diocesan Sunday School Committee. Educative and entertaining sessions with strong messages pertaining to the theme for the day were shared by Mrs. Susmita Kobiraj, Mrs. Shipra Tirkey, Mrs.

Priti Dukuria and Mrs. Santa Toon Das. What was diverse in this programme was that the children, for a single moment, were not tired of something. Like other programmes, they did not have to just sit and listen to the oration of the speakers. Children were always doing something or the other – be it drawing, performing skits, singing or writing down their thoughts.

The energetic and blissful day for the children drew to a close through a scrumptious

lunch which was loved by all. Following lunch the children were given a platform to showcase their talents, which were beyond everybody's expectations before bidding farewell and promising to join in further programmes. Church thanks the youth and the members of the church for their support towards the smooth running of the programme. We hope for more programmes like this in the future with much more sparkle and gusto.

Church Elders Fellowship

Priti Dukuria

Shipra Tirkey

Rasam is a south indian curry/soup usually had with rice. It is made with tamarind, tomatoes, pepper, cumin, garlic, lentils etc. It is called saaru or chaaru in telugu and kannada. In the traditional 3 course south indian meal, it is usually had as a second course with sambhar being the first course and curd being the grand finale.

Ingredients Tamrind - lime sized Tomato - 1 (finely

chopped or crushed) Garlic - 3-4 cloves

(crushed) Green Chilly - 1 Turmeric powder - 1/4

tsp Water - 3 cups Salt - to taste Oil - 2 tblsp Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp Curry leaves - 7 leaves

Asafoetida powder - 1/2 tsp

Coriander leaves (cilantro) – handful (chopped)

Rasam Powder ingredients

Black Peppercorns - 3 tsp

Cumin seeds - 2 tsp Corriander Seeds - 1/2

tsp Toor Dal - 2 tsp Red Chilly - 2

Method 1. Dry roast and grind

everything under ‘rasam powder ingredients’ very coarsely. This is the Rasam powder.

2. Soak the tamarind in warm water for 5 minutes to get tamarind juice.

3. Heat little oil in a pan, add the garlic, green

chilly and tomatoes. Let the tomatoes cook for while, until they become soft and juicy.

4. Now add tamarind juice, turmeric, salt, cilantro and water.

5. Bring it to a boil then reduce the flame.

6. Add the rasam powder and asafoetida. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Do not let it boil.

7. In the meanwhile, heat oil in pan, add mustard seeds and curry leaves.

8. Once it splutters add it to the rasam. Garnish with some fresh chopped cilantro. Tasty rasam is ready to serve. Plain rice with rasam and paapad is an excellent combination.

RECIPE RASAM

Lorraine Kabiraj

November 2015 Vol.: One Hundred and Seven