Kandhamal Day in Bhubaneswar on 25th August

[prashanti]

Dear Friends,

Greetings !!

As you may know, August 25th is being remembered as the ‘Kandhamal Day’ in different places. On this day in 2008, the maximum violence took place against the Adivasis and Dalits following Christianity in Kandhamal. Appalling communal attacks on minorities led to many killings, rapes, burning of houses, destruction of churches, schools, hospitals, eviction of thousands of people. While the survivors and victims are still waiting for justice after 8years, the perpetrators and their groups are yet to be brought before the law. Most of those who were booked for direct involvement in the violence are either getting acquitted or out in bail for improper investigation. At the same time, some innocent people are still languishing in jail. Fabricated cases have been slapped on several innocent people. Fake encounters have been staged to kill and frighten innocent adivasis and dalits in Kandhamal.

In this context, with an intention to build up public opinion for justice and peace to marginalized communities in Kandhamal and other areas, National Solidarity Forum organizes ‘Kandhamal Day’ on 25th August each year. The National Solidarity Forum a coalition of artists, writers, film makers, activists, human rights organisations and people's movements had organised a People's Tribunal in Delhi in 2010.

The National Solidarity Forum in association with other civil society organizations is going to organize a ‘Citizens’ Convention on Present Situation and Challenges to Democracy’
on 25th August at IDCOL Auditorium, Bhubaneswar. We, cordially, invite you, those who are around Bhubaneswar to participate in the Convention and contribute with your valuable opinions towards long-term peace and justice for all. If any one interested kindly let us know for logistic purpose.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon,

With warm regards,

Dhirendra Panda and Ajaya Kumar Singh
Coordinator, National Solidarity Forum
Mob- 9437385757

Contact Mob No- Jugal - 8763213213, Gyana– 9439567836 & Smita -9437607822

Tentative Programme Schedule 
25th August, 2016; Venue: IDCOL Auditorium
Time Session
09.30 Introduction and Welcome
10.00 Session-1: Present Situation and Challenges to Democracy
Key Speakers-
Dr.Ram Puniyani and state level Leaders, intellectuals and activists
12.30 Session-2: Caste Discrimination vs. Democracy
Key Speaker – Shri Martin Macwan
02.00 Lunch
03.00 Session-3: Communalism vs. Democracy
Key Speaker – Ms. Teesta Setalvad