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At a Role Play during a student camp, a group of students was randomly selected
from several colleges and were asked to enact the following
conflict situation:
Eid-ul-zuha (Bakrid) and Mahavir
Jayanti occur on the same day. Jain students in the hostel
object to mutton being served in the hostel that day as it is against the
tenets of their religion. Muslim students state that it is a part of their
religious celebration. The hostel warden is unable to resolve
the
conflict. The Principal, who has to intercede, is concerned, as this dispute has led to
violent incidents on campus in the past.
As heated words were exchanged during the performance a shy 18-year old
Muslim girl who was quiet until then spoke up. "The slaughter of a goat is not the most
important aspect of an Eid celebration. It is only a symbol of Qurbani (sacrifice) of a loved son. Surely we
can dispense with symbols and accept the true significance of
sacrifice?" |
CDI students have been quick to respond and are sensitive to the needs of the disadvantaged.
The opportunity to interact with students from rural areas gave the students of Presidency College, Calcutta, a new awareness of the similarities in student aspirations 'and concerns. In many of the colleges, to mention in particular the colleges in Tamilnadu, students have volunteered their time to teach young children in village schools, cared for the aged and destitute and helped in other ways in rural development. This is more than an NSS activity; it is a continuous link between student and rural communities, a sharing that is mutually enriching. One of the alumni of St.Joseph's College, Trichy, told us how he had been chosen by his company, in preference to many senior executives to head their extension work because of his experience in rural community work as an undergraduate.
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It was moving to hear from the CDI
Coordinator in 0rissa, about how students from CDI colleges all
over India responded immediately and came to aid the
cyclone victims in that State. This sensitivity is also apparent among the students
who have attended our student camps. |
CDI alurnni carrying the Initiative forward
 Students from CDI colleges who are now graduates and have embarked on careers, write to describe how their participation in CDI workshops has given them the confidence to take on challenges in their careers and has made an impact on their working relationship with colleagues and employers. Sachin, who graduated from DAV College, Dehra Dun, is now teaching
in a Government degree college in Chamba. With the support of his Principal he has introduced classes on self-development and sensitivity training and is a mentor to his young students from this remote mountain area of Himachal Pradesh. Divya is teaching now after her graduation from Savitri College, Ajmer, and is also a freelance journalist who communicates with sincerity and eloquence the importance of understanding and valuing diversify ERC is now compiling a roster of GDI alumni in order to facilitate their continued association with CDI activities. So-me of them have assisted us in orienting the new entrants to colleges and join us at student workshops and training programs whenever they are able to.
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