Thousands from different parts of the globe gathered at the India Social Forum (ISF) 2006 that was organized by World Social Forum’s India Chapter at the Exhibition Ground, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi from 9th to 13th November 2006. The United Evangelical Church in India made its schematic and causal presence at the ISF 2006 in partnership with the National Council of Churches in India. A Workshop under the theme “Youth Ensuring Justice and Liberation for Dalits” was jointly organized on 10th November 2006 where the facilitators and the delegates affirmed that Dalits Rights are Human Rights and thus youth should ensure that their Rights are safeguarded by all peaceful means. The delegates further condemned the recent killing of Dalit families in Bhandara district in Maharashtra that spurred violence and brought the State Government under its knee, and appealed for Justice on their behalf to the culprits. While strategizing to fight against the detrimental forces, the delegates resolved that an inter-faith approach should be initiated in thrust areas such as empowerment of Dalits through education, networking with like minded people and organization and being in solidarity with them. Mr. Franklin Caesar Thomas, Coordinator, National Council of Dalit Christians, Ms. Ratna Mala, Young Women Christian Association and Mr. P. Muralidhar, President of All India Youth Federation National Council expressed their views and encouraged the gathering to stand and raise their voice for this rightful cause.
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