INDIAN SOCIAL FORUM (ISF)
9 - 13 Nov. 2006, at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Grounds, New Delhi. 
The third event to be organized by WSF-India, after
the Asian Social Forum in Hyderabad in Jan 2003
and the World Social Forum in Mumbai in Jan 2004.

The aim of the ISF was to showcase the wide spectrum of social and political movements in India, Asia and Africa today, with special emphasis on the role of children, youth and women in taking forward the aspirations of Africa, Asia and India in struggle against poverty, superstition , racism and exclusion,  conservatism and violence against women, huge debt burden, and neo-colonialist policies, for better healthcare and medication particularly in the battle against disease like AIDS.

SAPI (South Asian Peoples’ Initiatives) was promoted by the Jesuits on the occasion of the World Social Forum in Mumbai in 2004. It is the umbrella organization comprising of JESA collaborators: various religious and lay collaborators irrespective of religion but involved in social issues and action.

SAPI had 1150 participants at ISF 2006.
 The Bombay Jesuit Province was represented by 5 Jesuits (Fr.s Florence Fernandes, Neelam Lopes, Konrad Noronha, Oscar Pereira and Br. Maxim D'Mello),  a religious sister and 18 lay participants most being from Talasari and MPSM. Besides the above, our Bombay theologians from Vidyajyoti were present. Sch. Brian D'Souza and St.Xavier’s College student Marina D’Costa also took an active part for the AICUF.

At the ISF SAPI organized 3 seminars, 7 workshops and 20 street plays, dances and cultural presentations on various issues such as: Dalits, Tribals, Terrorism, Trafficking of women, Threats to Higher Education, People’s power, Unemployment and displacement, impact on Globalisation, slum reality, gram sabha, Panchayat Raj, Right to Information, Employment Guarantee Scheme, etc.

Apart from SAPI organized events, Fr. Cedric Prakash was one of the speakers on
‘Gujarat Carnage: is there hope’, Fr. Walter Fernandes spoke on ‘Neoliberal Globalisation, Displacement & Migration’ organized by WSF India.

At seminars and workshops, SAPI encouraged the voiceless to articulate their experiences and feelings. In general it was a forum where the victims spoke, experts enlightened while the tribals and dalits from various parts of the country danced and enriched the ISF and thus transformed their agony into vibrant festive dances communicating unity, strength, hope and joy.

Most SAPI participants left with gratitude to JESA Secretary, Fr. Joe Xavier and team for making it possible for them to participate in such a large number in ISF and go back enriched, enlightened, enthused and empowered.

As Jesuits, we can’t be silent spectators to the various trends that promote culture of death. We have to search for ways and means together with every wo/man of good will to promote culture of life and hope – to all people and in all situations. The ISF and WSFs are efforts in this direction. Let us therefore affirm: Another world is possible! Long live SAPI!