August 2013 Rally

August 2013 Rally

August 2013 Rally

C. Joe

WHY WOULD anybody want to explore a movement like AICUF and “Expect the Unexpected”. The naively

simple question expresses the perplexity felt by men of yester years, whose well-intentioned desire to assist,

protect and steer such a spirited youth. Young blood for ever and a day is bubbling with veracity and on the

hunt to revolutionize the desolate society. But, such transformation is often stymied by power politics, mistrust,

misunderstanding and manipulation. As an upshot young mind languishes any frontward advancement.

AICUF ...Gearing up for a better tomorrow.

Well, the struggle for a better tomorrow has somehow screwed up the Present.Every AICUFer ought to pose this exigent question. What, Where, and How is AICUF?

What is AICUF?It is not a physical structure. It is nothing but broadcast of our true and unique identity. The immediate

echo that disturbs us is Do we have one such? If so, how are we safeguarding this only one of it’s kind?

Where is AICUF?Are we trying to sound aloud to the rest of the world the geographical location? On the contrary we are so

concerned about carving and colouring our history. This question of where is AICUF should trigger every

person and in unison we all should voice out that AICUF is here, there and everywhere. Will this be feasible?

Will it flower into a reality?

How is AICUF?Could we sing our own praises of by gone years? What AICUF today is because of it’s sacredness of the

past. We hail them as Stalwarts, steamroller stars, powerhouse, stouthearted and valorous. Would this be

attributed to the present members? The age old dictum ‘when I was in AICUF’ is still the voice of the past. What

would the present day AICUFers come out with?

New challenges are real temptations since they exact and provokev

Every limb to do something, especially to take part

To pose questions and to create a dispute

To make demands and to stimulate challenges

To order, to halt and to identify the unidentified

Not to be blind but to object formally

What, Where, and How is AICUF?“WHEN WE LEAST EXPECT IT, LIFE SETS US A CHALLENGE TO TEST OUR COURAGE AND WILLINGNESS TO

CHANGE; AT SUCH A MOMENT, THERE IS NO POINT IN PRETENDING THAT NOTHING HAS HAPPENED OR IN SAYING

THAT WE ARE NOT YET READY. THE CHALLENGE WILL NOT WAIT. LIFE DOES NOT LOOK BACK. A WEEK IS MORE

THAN ENOUGH TIME FOR US TO DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT TO ACCEPT OUR DESTINY.” - Paulo Coelho

Cruz Baskar Joseph S.

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To draw attention even when one is not recognized

To cry out first at encountering a social evil that disturbs the conscience

To inject newness, freshness and bid farewell to age old traditions

Re-visiting is keeping alive the PastWhen we forget the past we lose the anchor that keeps us from drifting. When we forget the sacrifices

made for our present glory we start taking that yeoman service for granted. And when we forget our roots we

begin to drift and wither away.

As a movement we have tried to keep our past alive by faithfully following the footsteps of forerunners.

We think, speak, share of them at all possible moments. We have occasions to owe our respect to such

towering personalities. This is precisely to ‘keep alive AICUF’ as a living and not a dead movement. There are

a few questions seems pertinent like: Why we need to remember? , What we need to Remember? , andHow we can remember more effectively?WHY WE NEED TO REMEMBER

Remembering people of past and events associated are viable signs of freshness and gratitude. This

occurs since we have selective memories. The human psychology goes to the extent of remembering things

very selectively. We conveniently by pass the noble work done by our elders and try to spotlight all that we do

today.

We forget the hardships they met

Forget the amount of sacrifice done by them

Forget to remember people who kept alive the identity of AICUF

Forget since our lives have turned cozy

The second reason we need to remember the past is because it reminds us of Our Blessings. The present

AICUF is able to blow its trumpet because of the breath that been passed on. Their blessing is what keeps us

steady and moves us forward. It is a precious thing to look through the photo albums and remember the people

who have touched our lives and the events that enriched us? It’s hard to look at those things and not be grateful

for the blessings we’ve had. The only thing that is demanded of us is to bear that torch faithfully and pass it on

our posterity. When we lose track, look aimless, go astray we need to constantly remind ourselves that we are

not alone in our journey.

Third, we need to remember the past because it Spurs Us On and Keeps us Focused. Remembering what

our elders did remind us of the obligations we ought to carry out. Never to lose heart or to shun away from

doing and giving the best will keep us steady and single-minded. Distractions are bound come but our focus

must be directed towards our target groups.

Re-building is having a blue printAll said and done it is our turn to create the uncreated, to muster courage and march ahead keeping our

head on our shoulders to a new frontier. That would be a reality when each AICUFers

Dares to dream and dream the dreams

Summarily working for and with the target groups without rewards

Keep oneself abreast with changing trends and flexible enough to change

Casting into the sea the dissection of caste, creed, power, position, etc but to manifest humanness

Being ready for anything at anytime and being available without ifs and buts.

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Mission SuperiorJesuit Chennai Mission

Loyola College CampusChennai - 600 034

With immense joy I congratulate all AICUFers, both former and present, who celebrate theSilver Jubilee of its National Council. AICUF is a dynamic movement of students with a vision ofcreating a just and humane society. AICUF is known for its social concern and imbibing the spiritof social involvement in the young minds.In the context of today’s globalisation, religious fundamentalism and patriarchy, AICUFers shouldemerge as students with a difference, inculcating the values of social justice, human rights andhuman dignity.The National Council of AICUF has greater opportunities to have the scientific analysis of theIndian scenario and link the various students’ movement all over India for their deeper involvementin the social issues having concern for poor, dalits, tribals, women and the other oppressedgroups.I am sure that the National Council of AICUF will march forward preparing its students for greaterresponsibilities to combat and conquer the distorted society to create a just world.

Dear members of AICUF National Council and my Young Friends,

Greetings and Congratulations on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee of AICUF National Council!

I believe that the future of a ‘Fraternal, Just and Harmonious World’ is in the hands of today’s youth!They have the idealism, energy, knowledge and talents to shape an alternate world free from corruption,conflict, violence and exploitation, a world in which the last and the least will have their voice heardand their rights respected. AICUF has been channelizing the youth power in this direction, buildingyouth leadership and making critical options for the people at the margins who are most vulnerable tothe ill-effects of globalization, economic liberalization and environmental destruction. On the occasionof the Silver Jubilee, it is my privilege to congratulate the National Council of AICUF for their visionaryzeal and commitment to the youth and wish them every blessing of God in their future endeavours inguiding the youth to complete this unfinished task.Best wishes,

Edward Mudavassery, S.J.Provincial of South Asia

Edward Mudavassery, S.J.

WISHES AND PRAYERS FROM....AICUF A CHANNEL OF YOUTH POWER

AICUF Marching Forwardto Combat....

Mission SuperiorFr. Jebamalai Irudayaraj SJ

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Keep Discovering ‘A New AICUF’

Dear AICUFers,Warm greetings of PEACE and JOY! It is so heartening to hear from Ms. Philomena that AICUF

is commemorating the Silver Jubilee of its ‘NATIONAL COUNCIL’.

Let me, at the outset, congratulate and wish ALL of you on this fabulous occasion. The verythought of National Council instantly brings an image of NEW AICUF in 1989; and it stands outvery tall and deep in my memory lane, capturing the arduous and struggle-filled journey of thenAicufers and their discovery of ‘a new aicuf’ in the company of their senior Aicufers, Full-timers,Animators, Advisers and, of course, with the support of the co-workers at the National Secretariate.

The beauty of AICUFers is that they keep discovering ‘a new aicuf’ in their own inimitablestyles, being inspired by their own experiences and the context, its people and student community.Such discovery, in turn, not only compels them to commit themselves to the growth anddevelopment of their own fellow students, especially the marginalised ones among them, butalso empower them to reach out to the entire nation and to the world. In doing so, they discover,through in-depth readings, reflection processes and involvements, the true meaning and identityof AICUF and its essence, which remain unique and par excellence for all times.

Now, the time has come and it is so urgent at that, for the present day generation of Aicufersto come into grips with the glimpses of the present and the past AICUF, and to courageously andwillingly enter into an exercise of ‘a search and a discovery’ that will enable AICUF and its membersto move forward in order that it ever remains so meaningful, relevant and crucial for the studentworld, the global church and to society at large.

I am sure, this Jubilee National Council will be a stepping-stone to ‘Dream AICUF 2038’ andto discover its very roots right away in this very council. Fearlessly march forward for God hasalready filled you with needed generosity and openness for this formidable mission.

Assuring my support and wishing you Godspeed,

(Former National Adviser: April 1996- Aug. 2003)

Arul Anandar CollegeAutonomousKarumathurMadurai–625 514E-mail:kamalsj@gmail.com

10.08.2013K Amal SJRector

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Introduction: Viewing AICUF through the lens ofcommitted members of AICUf and through the lens ofFr. Peter Ceyrac, Fr. Paul ‘G’ and Fr. Claude D’Souza,one always loves AICUF. With such love, the personmay reflect on the 3 D of the Movement. Some aspectsof these dimensions can be: ‘Context of Culture’(Malinowski, adapted), Context of Life in AICUF andContext of Situation in the World today. The three-fold context, although limited here, may throw light onthe preparation for future AICUF Members and theirMovement.CONTEXT OF CULTURE from the past

An Adviser or Animator is always happy toremember many committed AICUFers who weresecular in thinking, excellent in studies and weregenuine in human aspirations. Without losing sight ofthem, this article chooses to focus on suffering studentswho became AICUF members in the past.

A majority of student-members were uprootedfrom the rural background and they were found at thethreshold of college campuses with Culture of Silence,Culture Shock and Culture Conflict.1. Culture of Silence and its indicators:(i) The students felt suffocated, because, in the

places of their education, many doors were closedto them in colleges and residing places.

AICUF,YESTERDAY

TODAYTOMORROW

Dr. SJA. Packiaraj, Ph. D. Former National Animator

(ii) They felt the need for money acutely.(iii) They felt for the need for friendship and support

to have self-respect and self-confidence that wereat the lowest ebb in them.

(iv) They felt the need for guidance with understandingand sympathy to continue their study that wasready to PUSH them OUT.

(v) They were baffled in the new place with theirsilenced nature and behavior that clung to themfrom childhood.

2. Culture Shock and its indicators:(i) The new students felt shocked in a place of huge

structures.(ii) They were stifled in a subtle way in the place where

alien culture had been predominantly found.(iii) They were silenced and shocked by the language

spoken around, especially in the campus.(iv) They were controlled and suffocated by too many

rules, laws and proscriptions.3. Culture Conflict and its indicators:(i) The new students were made to face unacquainted

urban centers whereas they had had rural ethosfrom their childhood.

(ii) They were, consciously or unconsciously, withfears of loosing what they had had, being replacedby what they were given in the new place.

OUT OF HUNDREDS OF AICUF MEMBERS, FORTY CASE STUDIES WERE RECORDED AND THE PERSONS,TODAY, BELONG TO DIFFERENT FIELDS: PROFESSORS WITH DOCTORAL RESEARCH (12), LAWYERS

(2), EXECUTIVES (4), BUSINESS MEN(2), JOURNALIST (1), NGOS (3), PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANTS

(4), INNOVATIVE EDUCATORS (2), ARTIST (1), IT PROFESSIONALS (3), RELIGIOUS LEADERS (2),SOCIAL WORKERS (3), AND POLITICAL LEADER (1).

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(iii) They were afraid of their mother tongue, beingside-lined by English.

(iv) They yearned for Self-Respect and Esteemwhereas they experienced shame and insult.

(v) They desired to have satisfaction of adequatefood, dress and shelter with dignity, but theyexperienced hunger, want and inconvenience ofspace.

(vi) They wanted to be accepted and appreciated, butthey experienced cold shoulder given to them,exclusion and being labeled.

(vii) They wished to grow as leaders, but the students,who were proficient in English, overtook them orkept them at the back stage.

(viii)They had joined student movements such asAICUF, but felt sad that other forums were morehelpful for their future career, such as B. Ed.

(ix) Women students had had their own struggle andsuffering, owing to male-domination mind-set ofthe members and officials in the Movement.

CONTEXT OF LIFE IN AICUFA few facets of culture, as given above, in the

lives of Student-members of AICUF had been recordedfrom the past. At the same time, this article usesportraits of AICUFers, from a list of about 40 persons,who resolved their problems and have achieved socio-economic and cultural mobility in their present days.While sketching the profiles, the process of growthand development in AICUF, with its dynamics andmechanisms is spelt out. How were they as part ofactive UNITS of AICUF?1. Demanding for theoretical understanding of social

issues.2. Insisting on practical involvement and activities

to assist suffering people during the times ofmonsoon and floods or to work on healthawareness in slums with exhibitions.

3. Doing deep studies on educational policies,applying them to campus issues, and becomingpioneers in questioning anti-people customs andexpressions.

4 Committed to group process, adhering to Ex-co-decisions and, being firm even with student-

leaders.5. While facing enormous hurdles in studies, being

almost ready to drop out of college, but striking ahealthy and interactive relationship with theadvisers, and becoming consistent in efforts soas to reach doctorate level and professional jobs.

6. Keeping extra-ordinary communication withoutside scholars with political, cultural andlinguistic expertise, and growing in humanconsciousness substantially.

7. Being very insignificant at the beginning withreticence and reluctance, but honing skills withtenacity, and achieving self-respect and self-confidence; becoming leaders in academic circles,areas of human rights, and evolving holisticventures in education; and in amelioration andrehabilitation services for children and vulnerablesections of people.

8. Being sensitive and bold to be ready to challengethe mind-set of male-domination and expressionsin AICUF, and thus, enabling the Movement toachieve gender justice in thinking and practice.

9. Refugee students, challenged by situation and byadvisers, beginning to love the host-land, startingto learn the local languages; expressing theircelebrations with extraordinary cultural programsand their national and ethnic food pattern, whilekeeping the yearning fire of liberation alive in their

The future AICUFers need a World in whichthe INNER INTEGRATION of every youngwoman and young man is created so as tohelp each one to achieve UNITY withneighbors in solidarity. This world is to be,at least, at the UNIT level that will flower forthinto the National, through the States. Forthis process, AICUF is challenged tobecome a PHOENIX or the WHEAT GRAINthat dies to sprout in the soil. It is a perennialimperative in the cyclic-spiral evolution ofAICUF Movement.

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heart and mind.10. A case of the rare of the rarest: A President of the

AICUF Unit, very conscious of STUDENTCENTRALITY in AICUF, meeting one of theAnimators, with much agitation, and asking thelatter to check the AICUF Constitution whetherthe adviser of his unit could be DISMISSED byEx-Co decision.

11. Although the majority of the case studies presentpositive and constructive traits, a few of themwould reveal the differences in behavior. AICUFin the eighties had members suffering fromaddiction of drugs whereas in the nineties, fromdrinking liquor. Whenever some bold advisers hadlearnt about them, they made efforts to challengeand stop them.Out of hundreds of AICUF members, forty case

studies were recorded and the persons, today, belongto different fields: Professors with Doctoral Research(12), Lawyers (2), Executives (4), Business men(2),Journalist (1), NGOs (3), Professional Consultants (4),Innovative Educators (2), Artist (1), IT Professionals(3), Religious Leaders (2), Social Workers (3), andPolitical Leader (1). The persons of the case studies,at the entry point in AICUF, had their Context of Culture,as given in the beginning. They have had theirMOBILITY for the joy of many who have known them.CONTEXT OF SITUATION in the world today

A bird’s eye view may capture certain specificfeatures such as building up structures, bridges, damsand roads, while destroying nature, trees, arable fieldsand waterways; Enhancing technology and

entertainment with glamorized media, while Convertinghuman beings into ‘beasts’ or ‘objects’ or ‘slaves’;Pampering the five senses and the human ‘body’ withcosmetic and commercial peripherals or harmful foodand drinks, while Creating a new ‘civilization’ and anew ‘culture’ to spread mental illness in differentdegrees in children, women and men; and SocialControl and Harmony in society being lost, whileIntolerance and camouflaged corporate proscriptionsmake inroads into the educational campuses.

In fact, serious reflections in a gathering of socialthinkers, activists, educators, members of AICUF, pastand present, and representatives from people’smovements, women and youth movements, appliedresearchers, and rare ‘humanized’ corporate people,if possible, philosophers, theologians and culturalanalysts will shed light to see the temporal signs ofthe Context of Situation in the world today. The wisdomand understanding with truthful knowledge from thegathering and reflection will pave way to prepare thefuture AICUFers and their Movement.Conclusion: The future AICUFers need a World inwhich the INNER INTEGRATION of every youngwoman and young man is created so as to help eachone to achieve UNITY with neighbors in solidarity. Thisworld is to be, at least, at the UNIT level that will flowerforth into the National, through the States. For thisprocess, AICUF is challenged to become a PHOENIXor the WHEAT GRAIN that dies to sprout in the soil. Itis a perennial imperative in the cyclic-spiral evolutionof AICUF Movement.

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“We were born in an unjust society and we are determined not to leave itas we have found it”. This is the driving force, the determined step, thedemanding agenda of AICUF, that is, the All India Catholic UniversityFederation. AICUF as is known to all is a movement of university studentswith a vision for a new and just society. It has been progressing in ahistory of constant rediscovery and re-creation. AICUF as it has lived forthe last 80 years and more, ever tries to link itself to the emerging needsand realities of the university, the church and the wider society. It had aglorious past, it is up-to-date in the present and would be there in thefuture. But the fundamental question is how should AICUF revisit its past,reflect on its present and redefine its future.

AICUF is found in the students, in the youth, in the colleges and theuniversities. It is part of the life of the students who had the privilege ofcoming to know AICUF. It is part of the life of students’ activities,undertakings, approaches and movements. It is a privileged space forthe Catholic students who have the golden opportunity to be associatedwith it. Above all, AICUF is in the hearths and hearts of those rural India,where the members of AICUF have moved with their mandate “Move tothe masses”. It is this slogan and also efforts, “Move to the masses andback to the campus” which has kept AICUF on the right track. Not that ithas been a linear growth leading to great achievements. But it has keptthe healthy tension of moving on in one direction and backtracking inothers.

Over the years, AICUF has gone through many evolutions andrevolutions, constraints and growth, crisis and creative responses. Whileit reminiscences on the glorious past as most organisations andmovements do, it is also raising questions about its present and possiblefuture. Both internal and external forces have shaken and shaped it overthe years. Students and youth as its members, associates and activists,collaborators and coworkers, critiques and well wishers, men and womenof good will have made what AICUF is today. Hence, it is a fact that

Past, Present and Future

Dr. Fr. Prakash Louis, SJDirector - Patna Jesuit Educational Association

Member - NREGA Bihar State CouncilEmail: prakashlouis2010@gmail.com

AICUF is different thing to differentpeople. AICUF is a brand nametoday among the students whoknow it, it is a brand name amongall those who have travelled with itin various interactions.

In the 50s and 60 when AICUFwas rechristened from SICUF(South India Catholic UniversityFederation) to AICUF, independentIndia was focusing on its dualagenda, “Rural Reconstruction andNation Building’. While India wastrying to develop its rural areas andat the same time, engaged in nationbuilding, AICUF was making effortsto provide opportunities for thestudents of universities to engagein their integral development andalso be and become sociallyconscious and committed citizens.It is due to these efforts, AICUF wasable to mentor many students torevert back to rural areas of India

“AICUF is in the hearths and hearts of thoserural India, where the members of AICUF havemoved with their mandate “Move to themasses”. It is this slogan and also efforts,“Move to the masses and back to the campus”

AICUF needs to struggle withthe students and youth andexplore avenues for answers totheir questions or enable themto carry on with theirquestions.

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and engage in rural reconstruction and through that contribute in nationbuilding.

AICUF over the years, had been making efforts to enable studentsand youth partners in development, making youth partners in the dreamfor a better society and country. It is not only a better society but a justsociety where everyone will find their rightful place and play their legitimaterole. For the students of AICUF, this vision is not outside the colleges anduniversities they are getting educated from but it begins from here andmoves to the world outside the campuses and engulfs the globalisingworld. In common parlance one can say this dream begins from homeand moves to the universe.

Irrespective of its limited reach and scope, AICUF has providedcommon platform for students and youth from Christian community. Avast number of students and youth are looking for space where theycould be themselves and by themselves. Search for meaning, message,peers, future etc drives them to be ‘unpredictable’ in the eyes of others.Many are struggling with identity issues, moral questions, social concerns,financial crisis and religious orientations. While many struggle to maintainthe idealism of their age and move ahead without giving up, withoutcompromising, without being dejected, some loose track of themselvesand take recourse to short cuts. Some of them are coopted by politicalparties and are sucked into politics which at times makes them lesserthan their actual self. AICUF needs to struggle with the students andyouth and explore avenues for answers to their questions or enable themto carry on with their questions.

Social analysis was one of the areas of investigation and involvementof Aicufers. There is a rich tradition behind this. But a social analysis thatis based on the 80s and 90s does not render itself any meaning to thestudents and youth. It is not if Marxian analysis or cultural analysis that isthe point of departure at this juncture. But what would be the means andmethods, context and content, orientation and outcome of social analysiswhich needs to be brought under a serious discourse and possibly anuntread path needs to be opened up.

AICUF as a student movement reached its zenith in the late 70s,80s and 90s. This is not an invention of AICUF but it was the outcome ofinternal and external factors and forces which drove it to be and becomea student movement on its own merit. But the situation today is contrary

to what it was then. Maintain thestatus quo, fall in line, do not to rockthe boat, climb up in the ladder atany cost, these appear to be themainstay of our way of thinking andliving today. This is all the more thecase in the families, communities,colleges, universities and thechurch. Idealism of the youth, thatthinks differently and evendiametrically opposed to theestablishment is and would be atlogger heads with the status quoists.AICUF cannot like a trigger happyyouth opt for head on collusion. Norcan it bury its head in the sand likethe ostrich and make itself believethat everything is fine and normal.AICUF needs to learn to live withthis healthy tension. But it has toalso engage in a serious search offinding support structures in thefaith based and secular arenas.

Anyone who has travelled withAICUF over the years, has seen,heard, observed AICUF, alwayscomes up with catchy slogans. Weare aware of the fact that slogansare not for the sake of slogans. Butto ensure internal motivationamong the students and youth tobe relevant, to be contemporary, tobe committed etc. Apart fromsloganeering, it has to convert itsslogans into concretecommitments. It also has to keepreminding itself of the past, be

AICUF cannot like a trigger happy youth opt for head on collusion. Nor can it bury itshead in the sand like the ostrich and make itself believe that everything is fine and normal.AICUF needs to learn to live with this healthy tension. But it has to also engage in aserious search of finding support structures in the faith based and secular arenas.

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relevant in the present and identify its course of development for thefuture. That is to say, that it cannot be the path tread by many others. Ifso, AICUF would decay and disappear.

Social exclusion, discrimination and marginalisation have becomeone of the central focuses of discourses in India today. Exclusion is thedenial of ownership, access and control over resources and right overones labour. As far as the students are concerned, social exclusion is thedenial of opportunity for education, health care, housing, public amenities,recreational facilities and spaces, basic needs etc. Being excluded fromthese basic needs, the students and youth feel deprived and discriminated.When they voice their views and demand their rights, they are oftentermed as anti-social, disruptive and terrorists. AICUF even with its limitedreach should deliberate on the issue of exclusion and work out ways ofinclusion of the youth to their rightful place and where they find theirneeds fulfilled.

It is common knowledge that AICUF was founded for the studentsand youth of Christian community. Though the inspiration and motivationof AICUF comes from Christian traditions and worldview, it is not limitedto students and youth of Christian community. In the last two decades,AICUF has moved towards dialogue with cultures and religions. In theIndian context where the Christian community often takes recourse inthe sentiment of being a minority, student movements like AICUF havegreat potentials to engage in the dialogue of life with other cultures andreligions. It is imperative for AICUF to move further ahead to dialoguewith people of different orientations and dialogue with crosscurrents. Thiswould make AICUF to be true to its original spirit and be and become aspace for students and youth from all religions, cultures and walks of life.

Another concern that AICUF needs to address in the coming yearsis, having rooted and consolidated in southern India, it is time that itmoves to north India and expand and enhance its scope and space to bepart of the students and youth in this part of the subcontinent. Devoid ofappropriate and accommodative space, the youth of north India aresearching for space and scope for experimenting with youth

empowerment. It is high time thatAICUF considers this optionseriously.

Today when corporates areappropriating the commodities,cultures, communities, commonproperty resources, AICUF needs tostand solidly with the students andyouth and enable them to followtheir own course of life. There is thismiddle class myth that there is noalternative to corporatisation andwe need to learn to live with it. Onthe face value this seems to be fine.But search for alternatives tocorporatisation is another agendathat ACIUF has to struggle with.

When on the one hand, all ofus are looking for our comfort zonesand invest all our energy to live acosy life, crisis and conflict seemto engulf us on the other hand.Those ways of living, thoseoccupations, options that wereconsidered to be beyond crisis andconflict are struggling with crisis.Anyone who wants to move awayfrom conflict and crisis, it appearsis all the more sucked into these.ACIUF has to enable students andyouth to learn to live and enjoy lifeamidst conflict and crisis.

AICUF provides an enablingenvironment to the students andyouth to experiment and engage inleadership formation. This has beenone of the overarching contributions

AICUF needs to address in the coming years is, having rootedand consolidated in southern India, it is time that it movesto north India and expand and enhance its scope and spaceto be part of the students and youth in this part of thesubcontinent. Devoid of appropriate and accommodativespace, the youth of north India are searching for space andscope for experimenting with youth empowerment. It is hightime that AICUF considers this option seriously.

AICUF needs to reflect andrespond to leadershipformation demand of thestudents and youth.

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of AICUF. Many men and women in leadership position in all walks of lifecontinue to owe their gratitude to AICUF for inculcating in them leadershipqualities and values of good leaders. When we talk of leadersaccompanied by AICUF we are not only talking of the national level leadersor those in politics but leaders at all levels. While, AICUF savours on thiscontribution, it seriously should examine the question of leadershipformation opportunities it provides to the students and youth in the presentcontext. Moreover, it has to address the crisis of leadership which ismuch more pronounced now than in the past. While lots of people areshirking from responsibilities and want to lead a mediocre life or livewithin a closed circle, AICUF needs to reflect and respond to leadershipformation demand of the students and youth.

Those who know AICUF from close quarters know that AICUF is partof the international movement of Catholic students. Though it is rootedand grounded in the Indian soil, by its nature and option, it is an associateof international student movements. Here lies the twin responsibility ofAICUF. To be true to itself, AICUF has to be fundamentally andfoundationally local and national. But at the same time, it has to be globalso as to draw on the international solidarity. It is in this sense, that AICUFis a glocal movement of the students.

Further, AICUF has the unenviable task of accompanying the studentsand youth in their search to learn, earn and return. One often hears theslogan, ‘Learn while you earn’. This is alright in itself. But today, one hasmoved ahead and gives the slogan, “Learn, Earn and Return”. That is, itis not just learning. It is not only earning while learning. But learn, earnand return has to go together. Students while learning and earning alsoneed to seriously think of returning to the community the benefits theyreceived due to the labour of someone else so that others also learn,earn and return. If this chain is set in motion, then there would be greatchange in the society.

Finally, AICUF, students ofAICUF and all associated withAICUF have the mandate tocommunicate, collaborate andcontribute. In a globalising worldwhere means and methods ofcommunication have increased andmultiplied, communication is beinglimited, curtailed, blocked andpartially shared. AICUF with itsstudent power can ensure a fairamount of communication goes tothe masses who are denied ofcommunication facilities. Based onthe right type of communication,AICUF has to enhancecollaboration with people of goodwill and enable them to contributefor working towards a just societyand world order. If spearheaded bythe students and youth, theseefforts would surely bear fruit. WillAICUF stand up to the test will be aquestion, all associated with AICUFwould be keenly watching in thedays and years to come.

Jai Yuva Jai Chatr

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WE THE AICUF ERS asone family are reflecting ourglorious past with sincerity, andsearch for the challenging future,my heart overflows with joy andgratitude. I remember with prideand gratitude all those who toiledand struggled to give new face toAICUF.

In the past 89 long years ofAICUF journey I too get a chanceto be part of AICUF for the past 20years. My journey began as an unitadvisor for more than 13 years andas the National WomenCommission co- ordinator for thepast 9 years. I have met manyNational advisors, animators, Stateadvisors, Coordinators, unitadvisors, full timers and exAICUFers. It was a wonderfulexperience to work with people whohave noble vision, challengingmission and with dynamicpersonalities.I have seen many thrilling momentsof AICUF. They are the mile stones

JOURNEY WITH

AICUF

Dr. Sr. Roseline Mary O.S.M.NWC Co-ordinator

“The unexamined life is not worth living.” Socrates

“For true success ask yourself these four questions:Why? Why not? Why not me? Why not now?” James Allen

of AICUF. Indeed this same AICUF has shaped me and sharpened mewith inner wisdom, inner strength and enriched me with new vision andnew mission to create a gender just society. What I have given to AICUFis very little when I compare with what I have received from AICUF.Tamil Nadu as Role ModelThe place where AICUF was born has unique features. It was a rolemodel and source of inspiration for all the other states. Among them Iwas inspired by some issues like Dalit people issues, Koodankulam issue,Queen Mary’s college issue, Refugees of Srilankan’s ,Kumbakonam issue,Law college issue and above all Women issue. Some of them are asfollows...

90 onwards regular Meet about women issues , 93 Women’sForum94 Women’s commission, 95 Protest against fashion showFight for justice of a murdered ex-AICUFer , Declaration ofWomen’s Day as ‘Anti-Cinema Day’, 2000 State Convention atHoly Cross College,TrichyTheme;’Half of Humanity demanding Human Rights’Few Students from A.P, Karntaka, Maharashtra, Jharkhand tooattend the convention

AICUF Her StoryThe path of AICUF has a taken a new turn in the year 1986 by a

question of women. Gender consciousness emerged in AICUF. Mymission as National Women Commission Co- ordinator started with thepreparation of Women convention.

Having the 1st NATIONAL Women Convention at Gujarat the originof genocide was a very big challenge taken by AICUF. The active part of

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August 2013 Rally

Gujarat AICUF is tremendous. Thatwas the convention where the longdream of thousands of womenstudents came true.

Our two summer Camps atRanji and Dumka with Adivasiwomen , the summer camp on thetopic “Women and Trafficking” atMumbai Kamattipura Red Lightarea, Summer Camp at Uttarkhandwhere the Himalayan tsunami hadoccurred recently on the topic “Women and Water” , and thesummer camp at Karnataka withDevadasi women areunforgettable.

The leadership camps invarious parts of India likeVijayawada, Bhopal, Thrissur,Bangalore etc are the places wherewe felt the hospitality and concernof our state advisors. Ourexperience with women studentshas enriched and empowered notonly myself but also AICUF and ourwomen society with newperceptions of life, and humanity.Rally the Spirit of AICUF

Rally shows the standard ofAICUF. It acts as a conscience ofour society. Signs of our time. Itawakens the advisors, students andthe society.Growth of AICUF in the past 2decades

AICUF is alwaysYoung….Alive.. Busy... Active….Smart… Dynamic...Growing...Challenging…Guiding..Warning..Achieving..Understanding..Carving…Cultivating NewLeaders..New Our Stories..New

Visionaries..New Missionaries…New WorldPeople may come. People may go. People may go wrong. But AICUF

always keeps theRight direction...Right Path...

The paradox of our timeToday we have higher buildings and wider highways, but shorter

temperaments and narrow point of view. We have multiplied ourpossessions, but reduced our values. We reached the moon and cameback, but we find troublesome to cross our own street. We have conqueredthe outer space, but not our inner space. We have finer houses but brokenhomes.The spirituality of AICUF is the spirituality of Justice

AICUF always proved its spirituality as Justice Spirituality.To raiseour voice against injustices and to struggle for justice that births peace,we need to have solid spiritual foundations. To have societal change weneed to have change of heart.The dimensions of Justice Spirituality

Deep sense of dignity and commitment , Compassionate involvementwith the powerless, transparency, sharing and special care for needy,discernment and decision- making, Developing a culture of life, cosmicharmony and love with nature, Creating a new gender just society, ensuringan equitable distribution of resources and powers.New Challenges to AICUF

To work for the welfare and well being of farmers, farm labourers,and particularly those who are in the unorganized sectorsTo fight for the fisher folk rights whose precious lives are taken forgranted by the governmentsTo work for food securityTo work for the rights of refugees and displacedTo work for the human rights and liberation of Srilankan TamilsTo take a firm decision to fight against nuclear power plants likeKoodankulamTo be politically alert and prophetically activeTo work for Eco- feminine values and Sustainable developmentTo give more space for women Leadership everywhereTo unite unorganized rural youth like street children, traffickedwomen, child labourersTo work for the transgendersTo counsel the students and liberate them from all theirinner burdens.

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Globalisation of love,Compassion and justice

Our beautiful , culture, humandignity, Identity, wonderful qualitiesof respecting women , nature,children in short human society arelosing their value in the name ofglobalization. Let we AICUFERSmake another revolution which is

I spoke. They were violent;They speak. Now, I remain silent.I spoke. They danced merrily;I remain silent. But, they tremble in fear.

I laughed. Animation came into existence;I cried. Now, animated beings became extinct.I slept. Forlorn years of elation got blossomed;I woke up. But, forthcoming agony withered away.

I spoke. They climbed over my head;I keep silent. Now, they fall under my feet.I wagged my tail. I was honoured with wreath;I barked. But, I was wounded to death.

Like a stray dog, I bray, free me, not free-bee;They only leave me, not to feel me and yield to me.I turned my perceived weakness into praise worthy asset;Only then I could emerge as a prominent peasant.

Globalisation of love, Compassion and justice to change the unjust society.To conclude….

As the word says, “Happy are those who dare to dream and happyare those who dare to pay the price so that dreams may come true”, letus work with subaltern perception, pro- active leadership, to create a newjust society.

If not now, then when? If not we AICUFers then who…? As SwamiVivekananda says “Let us Awake, Arise &sAct “to become witness ofJesus Christ.

Deiva Singh,Loyola College.

IRONY OF LIFE

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THE AICUF is ever young and ever old. It isthe young students, who keep knocking on the doorsof the Colleges and universities every year across thecountry, who lend it its perennial youth and freshness.Although AICUF is young, it can also boast of achequered past which spans two centuries. I ampleased to note that the National Council is celebratingthe silver jubilee of its origin, which is but one solitarythreshold out of the many that AICUF has passedthrough. My memory goes back to the late eightieswhen we had the National Convention at LoyolaCollege, Chennai as the culmination of a period ofintense soul searching as to how we should proceedin the context of the fundamentalist forces that operatein the country, and the directions that the movementshould adopt to be relevant to the times. We revisitedour Constitution and began mulling over the contentsthat were hurting the sentiments of the student bodywith their plural religious backgrounds. Weremembered the strident voice of the AICUFers of theearly 70’s and their memorable and inspiring words:“We were born into an unjust society and we aredetermined not to leave it as we found it.” Thus, wefound the fire within us that could light a new flame oflove and justice in the hearts of us all. We set to workon amending the portions of the Constitution and setright the age-old injustice that kept our non-christianfellow students on the fringes of AICUF. It was a historicmoment no doubt, but it had its potential for a backlash,

Musings of aFormer National Chaplain …

Fr. Leo Tagore, S.J.

as well. We were aware that it could open up aPandora’s box, if not handled carefully. But we wereprepared to pay the price. The Negro spiritual, “Weshall Overcome” underscored the mood of the day.Thus began, I suppose, the beautiful history of theNational Council with its time-honoured democraticmode of elections and functioning.

The documented history of AICUF with itscluster of congresses, conventions, at national andstate levels, council and committee meetings at alllevels goes to emphasize the ever relevant voice ofthe youth of India taking on not only the political leadersof the World and the country, but also the leaders ofthe Church and other religions, in a bid to bring equityand justice in human relationships and between poorernations and the so called developed nations. In theprocess, they have not failed to reflect the moods andaspirations of the people of India or to focus on andabsorb the issues and insights of World bodies likethe UN, the Vatican Council II or the World Council ofChurches or other NGO’s and movements that timeand time again, have voiced with grave concern, theproblems of injustice, inequality and unfreedomsunleashed by dictatorial and authoritarian regimes andcalled for justice and peace based on equality ofopportunities and basic human rights.

AICUF has not lost its student character overthe years thanks to its capacity for self-criticism andre-appraisal of its own programmes, projects and

It is this innate openness to criticism and assessment by others andthemselves, that the movement has sustained itself over the years inspite of severe internal and external divisive forces acting upon it. Ithas seen ups and downs in its history. It has suffered set-backs inseveral states because of the acceptable and not so acceptableattitudes, postures, speeches, actions and life-styles of some of itsleaders and perhaps ex-Aicufers.

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August 2013 Rally

options over the years. It is this innate openness tocriticism and assessment by others and themselves,that the movement has sustained itself over the yearsin spite of severe internal and external divisive forcesacting upon it. It has seen ups and downs in its history.It has suffered set-backs in several states because ofthe acceptable and not so acceptable attitudes,postures, speeches, actions and life-styles of someof its leaders and perhaps ex-Aicufers. However, it hasmaintained its sanity and gone ahead with its student-related activities and programmes. I think it waspossible because of the symbiotic relationship it alwayshad with its “roots.”

What are the roots of AICUF? Well, the historyof AICUF has a lot to teach the students. Hence, itsroots cannot be forgotten. Of course, the documentsof AICUF, nay even the RALLY and its supplementpublished regularly over the years are a healthy signof the life and vitality of the movement. So, go back tothe issues of Rally and absorb the spirit of themovement and savour its life-blood. The documents,proclamations and pronouncements of AICUF atregular intervals have captured the mood and the spiritof AICUF over the years. Hence, you will learn a lot oflessons, what to do and perhaps, even what not to do.

It is an intellectual movement as it operateswithin the university milieu. You cannot wash yourhands off intellectual life taking refuge in activism, inthe name of involvement in people’s lives. Study, notonly academic study but the study of world affairs andsocial reality and an analysis of this reality should formpart of an aicufer’s life and daily time-table. Avoidingthe pitfall of a partisan approach to reality, it is timethat you take a holistic view using all the availabletools of analysis which will certainly include in a largemeasure, the Marxian tools of analysis.

Never forget that your movement owes itsorigin to the Christian tenets as represented and taughtby the Catholic Church and her traditions. Therefore,AICUf in its essence and existence is a Christianmovement, inspired by the life and values of Jesus,that is. Thus, the study of the Bible and the values ofJesus as found in it, have to be an integral part of the

life of an aicufer. There was a time when we turned toLiberation Theology for greater inspiration in our searchfor relevance and meaning in our practice of faith. Inother words, a radical re-reading of the Gospelsbecomes a necessity if the AICUF has to be true to itsoriginal spirit and charism. This year has been declaredby the Church as the Year of Faith. Perhaps, thestudents could be encouraged to deepen theirknowledge and practice of their respective faiths vis avis other faiths in the context of dialogue with culturesand religions.

I wish that the leaders and the members ofAICUF avoid the path of confrontation with theChurch authorities in the future. While retainingour autonomy as a movement, let us keep thechannel of communication open with the Churchleaders and always repose trust and confidencein them and deal with them respectfully.Meaningful celebration of the liturgy could be ofhelp to unify and vivify the student community.

Another very fertile source and repository ofAICUF’s spirit and heritage is the large group of ex-AICUFers who lead exemplary lives as activists,professionals and bureaucrats, religious and priests.They are a powerhouse of energy for the AICUF. Theyhave always been the ideologues though outside, andhave vibrated with the student body and have helpedto infuse the movement with new and neededdynamism. You have to keep the hotline ofcommunication with the ex-aicufers in your area andget their advice and inputs for greater efficacy. Iremember the crucial role played by some of our ex-aicufers in our National Conventions and other nationalprogrammes when we had to hammer out new policiesor forge new directions for the movement. Hats off tothem! Let their tribe increase! May their noble spirit ofenabling the younger generation to grow and to matureemotionally and intellectually, be a shining lamp to ourstudents and other student movements.

I wish the Jubilee celebration and thesubsequent events all success and God’s blessings.

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August 2013 Rally

AS A STUDENT and memberof AICUF, it was always a joyousmoment to mingle with fellowstudents from around the countryand get to know more about theirjoys, sorrows and more importantlytheir struggles as well as theircontributions to build a new society.It was what I learnt at AICUF thatmade me to be concerned aboutthe most marginalized groups inthe society. In this vast arenawhere poverty looms large, I waslucky enough to get a break to teachat the prestigious St. Joseph’s Artsand Science College. The thirst inme did not dry out; the volcanicanger in me would erupt wheneverI thought of injustice andoppression. As a Lecturer in a Jesuitcollege and also being an AICUFAdvisor, I got a chance to meetmany Jesuits of caliber who hadcontributed their bit to the society.On one such occasion I met, Fr.Chinappan Amalraj SJ, a dark,unassuming, a very simply dressedperson. At the first instance it wasdifficult to believe that he was aJesuit. I was told he worked among

Dr. Paul NewmanBangalore.

Cherishing NostalgicMemories and FeelingProud of theAccomplishmentsto come!

the Sri Lankan Tamil refugees inTamil Nadu and he was the newlyappointed Director of JesuitRefugee Service, South Asia. Hewas to address the AICUF studentsfrom all over India who hadgathered at Indian Social Institute,Bangalore for a national summerprogramme.

After listening to him, there wasan inner urge to listen to him againand again as he was so captivatingand every word he spoke came outfrom his heart. On getting to knowhim a little more, I discovered thathe was a voracious reader, giftedwith great oratory skills and couldwield the pen much better thanmany professional writers oracademics. He was an activist-academic who was always ready tohelp the students to understand thesociety better. I had the honor ofinviting him to visit St. Joseph’s fora few lectures on ‘Refugee issues’.The AICUFers and the generalstudents who listened to him wereso impressed that they wanted tovisit the refugee camps in Hosurand Fr. C. Amal made the

necessary arrangements.On the very first visit, it was a

shocker for all as these Sri Lankanrefuges were all huddled into a darkgodown. About 40 families weredumped with each given a spaceof 8 feet by 8 feet, however big thefamily was and the partition had notto exceed 4 feet in height.

This visit had a lasting impacton my mind. As a Lecturer, I had16 hours of teaching assignmentper week, the rest of the time I wasfree. I wanted to do somethingwhich would satisfy my inner urgeand give me happiness. I met Fr.C. Amal again and told him of mydesire to work as a volunteer withthe Jesuit Refugee Service; I waswelcomed with open arms as Fr. C.Amal felt that academics couldchange the situation of the refugeesby highlighting the issue at differentforums. The AICUF team at theNational Secretariat comprising ofFr. K. Amal, Fr. Henry Jerome, Dr.Bernard D’ Sami, Prof. Packiarajand Prof. James Sundar too wereinterested in this issue.

I was asked to closely work

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with Fr. C. Amal and AICUF wouldconduct ‘refugee exposureprogrammes’ as well as‘International refugee Day’ indifferent campuses where refugeestudents were there. The responsewas overwhelming. We had refugeestudents from Tibet, Sri Lanka,Bhutan, Somalia, Congo, Rwanda,Iran and many other places whowould be part of the AICUFprogrammes. AICUF also broughtout an annual issue o Freedom AndRefugees (FAR), a magazinededicated to the plight of therefugees and how their rights couldbe protected. It was written, editedand conceptualized by the refugeestudents.

Finally, in 1999 it was decidedto have a refugee commission at

AICUF along with the Dalit, Adivasiand Women’s commissions’. With

the inspiration of AICUF, I had along association with the Jesuit

Refugee Service. My love for theSri Lankan Tamil refugees led me

to explore the reality in Sri Lankaand how the Tamils suffered there

under the brutal Sinhala regimes.The whole issue of displacement

opened my eyes to ‘conflict induceddisplacements’ around the world. I

was a witness to the gory civil warin Sri Lanka where the innocent

victims were Tamil women andchildren. AICUF always gave space

and time to those Tamil leaders whowould visit India to seek support of

the civil society.I was even inspired by these

refugees to write a PhD thesis onthe plight of the Internally DisplacedCivilians in the civil war in SriLanka. The field work in the Tamilrefugee camps in Tamil Nadu andthe war zones of north and east SriLanka connected me to the peopledirectly. As I started writing moreand more, I was recognized asperson who has contributed a bit inmy own way. All this was possiblebecause of the training I got inAICUF and the exposure to therealities. I understood that as aCatholic, if I do not have concernfor others, I would not be fit enoughto be a human being.

Today, I have been travellingto many parts of the world includingthe UN to speak on the plight of theSri Lankan Tamils and seek justice

for the War Crimes and Crimesagainst Humanity perpetrated by

them. Their just demand for theRight to Self determination has

been crushed by the worst genocidethis century has witnessed. As I

write this article my mission in lifeis to get justice for the more than

300,000 people who laid down theirlives since 1983 for no fault of

theirs. These are the people whohad the moral and physical courage

to stand up to state oppression andstate sponsored terrorism and fight

for their rights.As I start remembering those

nostalgic moments, it also becomesour duty to guide the future student

community of AICUF to take upissues concerning the society. This

March the whole world spoke of astudent revolution in Tamil Nadu,not many would know that it wasAICUF which kindled the fire whichspread throughout the state andeven forced the Government ofIndia to vote against Sri Lanka atthe 22nd UNHRC in March 2013. Itis this spirit of inspiring others thatAICUF should work towards.

In this light it is also importantthat we should not lose sight of thespirituality that is the driving forcebehind this movement. It is a divineintervention that the CatholicChurch has got Pope Francis as itleader. A man of the masses weneed to derive inspiration from him.His call to reach out to the massesis apt and timely. Hope it would leadto the crumbling of the ivory towers

in which our clergy safely live andjoin the common man in treading

the path towards salvation!We are leaders and we must

inspire others to become leadersin changing the society forcreating a better world as thereare multiple challenging issueslike displacement, terrorism,communalism, casteism, mining,land grab, deforestation,globalization, privatization ofeducation, commodification ofwomen, migration etc. We areduty bound to respond to thesechallenges to continue thevibrance of AICUF. We have nooption other than marching with the

marginalized!

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August 2013 Rally

AICUF HAS BEEN a life changing experiencefor me. Since I joined AICUF, I have found newmeaning and purpose of my existence. My purposeof life certainly finds strength with the radical AICUFmoto ‘we are born in an unjust society but we aredetermined not to leave it as we have found it’.

When I look back at my days of Full-timership,I have a mixed feeling of satisfaction with somediscontent. I feel satisfied that I have contributedsomething for the movement and discontent that Icould have done much better in terms of motivatingthe young minds to think differently from the majority.Given another chance I would create a brigade ofradical students who will be an agent of change.

I was once told by one of the National Advisorsthat AICUF thinks ten years in advance. Now when Iam working in the field, I find his statement entirelytrue. In 4th National convention AICUFer took thepledge of ‘Marching with the Marginalized’. In 1990’sspecial focus/option was made for development ofAdivasis, Dalits and Women community among theother sections of society. The language that AICUFerspoke ten years back is now being spoken by civil

Niraj LakraEx-National Full-timer

Life at Change

2010-11

society groups, NGOs, progressive political groups andsocial activists across the country. Today peoplebelieve unless the Adivasis, Dalits and Womencommunity attain social, political and economicalrights, India cannot call itself a developed orprogressive society. Now AICUFers have raised theslogan ‘Students to Act and to be Political’. Such astrong statement which AICUFers are saying boldlywill be the slogan for social change in future.

What is it to ‘be political’? Why do studentsneed to ‘act and be political? I was in search of answersfor these questions all throughout my days of Full-timership. AICUF, through the course of its history, hasrealized that change in lives of the marginalizedcommunity can be attained if students have a politicalunderstanding and analysis of today’s scenario. For itto happen, we need to understand first and thenstrategize. Our understanding should not be a layman’scommonsensical understanding, rather it should bemultidimensional. We should understand the differentforces that results in the marginality of certaincommunities. Why are certain communities privilegedand why certain communities are discriminated? What

Through the course of its history, has realized thatchange in lives of the marginalized community canbe attained if students have a political understandingand analysis of today’s scenario.

We should also pierce reality through the realms of philosophy, sociology, politicalscience and geo-politics. We should see the world from the eyes of a researcher.We should regularly read and be aware of all the happening around the world. Weshould read the writings of Ambedkar, Marx, Paulo Freire etc. We must beideologically strong. We must critically reflect everything including religion. Thiswill distinguish us from the rest.

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August 2013 Rally

are the dynamics of power that result in superiorityand inferiority?

It is the ploy of the rich capitalist elites andthe upper castes to keep the students out of politics.They don’t want students to even discuss aboutregional, national or international politics. They saythat it is a waste of time for students and they shouldonly concentrate on their studies. Young students whoare on the verge of utilizing their voting rights shouldhave an understanding of the agendas, ideology andhistory of all the political parties contesting election.They should know what each party or politician standsfor and analyse whether they will be with the side ofthe marginalized community in future. What is theideology of a political party? Is it left, right, or centre?AICUFers should properly analyse the politicalmanifesto of each party and should take a stand.

One of the areas in which I feel that AICUFerslack understanding is that of history. If we need topierce the reality of any phenomena, historical enquiry

and analysis is very crucial. We should learn aboutthe history and genesis of concepts like ‘tribe’, ‘caste’,‘gender’, ‘state’, ‘civil society’ etc. Our socio-political,socio-economical, socio-cultural understanding of anyphenomena should be sharp. We should also piercereality through the realms of philosophy, sociology,political science and geo-politics. We should see theworld from the eyes of a researcher. We shouldregularly read and be aware of all the happening aroundthe world. We should read the writings of Ambedkar,Marx, Paulo Freire etc. We must be ideologicallystrong. We must critically reflect everything includingreligion. This will distinguish us from the rest. `

The course of future students’ movement willbe full of challenges. We should not lose hope inbelieving in ourselves. Young bloods have played andwill play an important role in social change orrevolution. The new breed of AICUFers will lay thefoundation for a new and just society.

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August 2013 Rally

The AICUF National Council is ofutmost importance to themovement, and this being the 25th

year not only makes it significantbut also brings critical challengesthat we are faced with at variouslevels across the movement, whichhas been closely evaluated andunderstood by the studentcommunity that has led to a theme:“New challenges to AICUF: Re-visit the past and Re-build thefuture”

The criticality of the theme isto look at it - the relevance of it inthe context of movement itself,networks, church and larger society- with its dynamic ever changingcontext.

New challenges to AICUF?Is it administrative, direction

for the movement, what is it?

Go BeyondRomance and Legacy!

Every movement when challenged, let us take it in to that it is theright thing that has happened for the movement, irrespective of challengeemerging from within or outside. We for sure today have beenchallenged from both source, which needs an introspection,evaluation and acceptance to take challenges head on to redefineourselves as a movement to be relevant not just in regard to ourprogrammes or activities but in an approach that is more holisticand prophetic.

During the latest convention, it was resolved that the paradigm ofAICUF was not just to be political but also to act, how far have we movedin this journey? How well have we been able to imbibe this paradigm aspart of the movement’s DNA at various levels from animators, advisers,students?

It has always been easy to raise questions, but there is a criticalneed to explore, evolve alternatives and strategies to build the movement,and its activities in a manner that will prepare students to face the realworld and contribute. Most of the time it is believed that we prepare themin a way that they will just be absorbed, accepted in the civil societyspace or provided opportunities for career or academic growth withabsolute ease, but the reality is harsh. Students struggle because thereal world beyond AICUF requires much more than what we expose ourstudents to.

Suman,Bangalore

Can we think of a team of advisers (Religious+ lay people) at state and national level?Can we think of a team of animators (Professors/Teachers+ Social/Media/Political actors)at the state and national level?Programmes that is active politics in nature?Enable our students to associate with political groups/parties to learn the nuances?Run capsules of trainings that will enable students to learn key administrative aspects ofthe state?Run political communication workshops?Make our publications, actively political?

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August 2013 Rally

AICUF as a platform provides us with immense opportunity to voice,lobby, debate, etc. But let us face it that the reality is contrasting, whichonly leaves many of our students confused and frustrated. But let meacknowledge that AICUF is where we owe most of our growth to, but theinitial years after the days with AICUF is tough and depressing. So howdo we rebuild?

Our programmes and activities need to be oriented towardsawareness and political skill building, in the aspects of politicalcommunication, which is the key to create a space for ourselves in theworld beyond AICUF, where we are encountered with different levels ofintellectualism, political and ideological orientation. But how can it bedone?

This can only happen when we are able to initiate the same withinour internal systems, of going beyond the church by involving the laypeople at various levels of our thought and execution. Today with theCatholic Church going through a shift in its style of functioning with thenew Pope, let us believe it is an opportunity to make our voices heard.

Can we think of a team of advisers (Religious+ lay people) atstate and national level?Can we think of a team of animators (Professors/Teachers+Social/Media/Political actors) at the state and national level?Programmes that is active politics in nature?Enable our students to associate with political groups/parties tolearn the nuances?Run capsules of trainings that will enable students to learn keyadministrative aspects of the state?Run political communication workshops?Make our publications, actively political?

The key aspect to embark onthis journey would be to learn fromher story, stop romanticising herstory, break legacy and challengethe movement on a continuousbasis, even if it means investing ayear or two studying, where to headand setting a philosophy of actionin all our efforts.

Go beyond romance andlegacy!

Study, Think, Evolve andEngage, if you don’t wish to leavethe society as you found it.

Our programmes and

activities need to be

oriented towards

awareness and political

skill building, in the

aspects of political

communication

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August 2013 Rally

AICUF - All India Catholic University Federation,proud to be a member! Once you are an AICUFeryou remain an AICUFer for your life. This is what aperson will hear if he/she is endorsing or highlightingAICUF, but do we really mean what we say? Is reallyAICUF the path of hope? The momentum with whichour life moves is really fascinating, how easily wenowadays are able to adapt to situations andhappenings. Reality and Dreams are too vast definedwhere one’s personal being resides. Do we think dowe really need a change? Is AICUF going to bringthe real change or does something in AICUF need tobe changed? This is the real challenge that AICUFand the AICUFer needs to answer straight apart openwide to its family and also to everyone else.

The most important and the dreaded happeningtoday is priority, it’s been prevailing in our world withits greatest impact. Today are we looking forward totrain people out of the box to raise the standard ofsociety, bring a message of equality? AICUFaccording to me is one of the thousand othermovements that requires momentary change withits organizational pattern, come on lets be truthful,how many new minds does the movement ignites,how many students are motivated to becometomorrow’s IAS, IPS who can really challenge theprocess or make a new one. Are we not repeatingthe mistakes over a period of time, are we not beingpartial to our clan. When we say ‘irrespective of caste,creed and race’ we should mean it. AICUF is one ofthe best places for a person to sculpture out his ownpersonality; because I was in AICUF and now anAICUFer I am not going say that I am going to changethe world. I was the National Convenor 2011-12 but

The Path of

Rinaldo BrittoNational Convenor

2011-12

Hope?Our Advisers and Animators too need to understand that AICUF iscollective with AICUFers and not them alone. Students need to alterthe view of their thoughts; they need to ask questions instead ofassuming things, the more the questions the more the need for changefrom the base to the peak.

I daresay I am able to be a convenor or a leaderwhen I am not leading a movement now.

AICUF doesn’t tell me this should be done orthis is the way of doing it, but it makes me capable ofdoing it the right way rather than giving me instructionor the procedures. But I strongly feel that we arelosing the Strength that our movement has, we haveto own this too, not only the good things but also wehave to really own this loss. The path of hope is nomore the question. The question is whether we needto redefine our principles and do we need to constructit in a better manner. Our Advisers and Animatorstoo need to understand that AICUF is collective withAICUFers and not them alone. Students need to alterthe view of their thoughts; they need to ask questionsinstead of assuming things, the more the questionsthe more the need for change from the base to thepeak. We were always referred to be elements ofchange, but we have to start accepting the fact theelements of change for just your activities or ralliesor articles is not going to help anymore, We need tobe elements of change for our own movement. Howmany times do you see that the right thing is notbeen done within our family and how a many timeshave you questioned about it, The AICUF Constitutionis structured in such a manner that there is room fora change from within, there is just lack of finding it.The Journey has just started. We just need to besure of what we want. AICUF may be one amongthousand movements, but it’s the one that reallyovercomes the challenges. Our challenge is weourselves, can we orient towards the need of thesociety, can we ignite the youth towards a long run?Are we really the path of Hope?

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A GLIMPSE OF THE PASTWHEN THERE IS A NEED we will find a friend indeed. Exactly when there was aneed to form a student body Fr.Carty came up as a friend who will guide and unite thestudents. Through prayer and working and education Father preached them the needfor the students to be socially active. Then came a stage when Fr Ceyrac and FrClaude gave a new dimension to the student group. The students were burning withthe fire to make a drastic change in the society and leaving a mark telling about theirpresence. This was the era when the students practiced what was preached to them“love thy neighbour as I have loved you” . AICUF was formed to show the society thatthe world is alive when students are alive, the world dances when the students danceand the world also fights when the students fight back.

The motto of AICUF was framed by the students at Ponamallee considering the past and reconsideringthe future of the society in which they are living. Student believed in the continuous fight to be a part of theunjust society and make a change. They debated and discussed on the needs of the society and how effectivelystudents can be a part of the effective change. During the formation of Commissions of AICUF as mentionedin our history that it was by the students themselves who fought during the councils for the existence of thecommissions. Later over the years when the issues related to the commissions became a greater challenge,the students once again decided to give more relevance to the issues but now in our last NT meeting the teamdebated and decided to recover the commissions back and reach out to more.

In the days to come I am sure there will again be a need when students will be agitating to be a part of thesociety. In AICUF we are trained and taught to be future leaders through camps, programmes, exposure butisn’t it not necessary that we are allowed to be a part of the protests, agitations, rallies and be with the peoplewho are suffering? I feel in future AICUF should be marching with the students hand in hand to help them be apart of the grass root people. AICUFers should be allowed to be a part of many more situations and circumstancesthat will give them a practical and fruitful training for the future.

NEW CHALLENGES TO AICUFAICUF IT’S LIKE a synonym to challenge, from its inception it keeps on challengingthe students and students challenging the society. From the time of Fr. Carty to the timeof Fr. Selvin it has seen many changes and challenges, changes for good and challengesfor adaptation & survival.

The time has changed as well as the society, as well as the challenges and thestudents as well. Earlier AICUF found itself among the study groups and prayerful, as thetime passes by it brought new challenges in the society, the students came up dedicatingtheir whole one year for AICUF trying to make a difference and to bring change in thesociety. Then again during 80’s student felt the changing pace of time and they came

The Dream We Dream:As envisaged by NTs

Complied by Philomina GomesNational Full-timer

Franklin Fernandes

Chandan Kujur

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L.S. Vidya

back into the campus. Since then they worked on bigger platforms, more organized extending its arms andreaching out to more and more states, they came up with new and different ideologies like forming thecommissions for focusing targeted thrust areas they were walking with the marginalized, came up with newconstitutions, became more political by thoughts.

But as the time changed AICUF started facing very new type of challenge, this time not from society butchallenge within the movement. Commissions started suffering as states too. Most of the time it is felt as if theprograms is being done just to present a report. Students are coming up doing the program within themselvesand go, not a word from “POONAMALEE DECLARATION” can be seen. The essence of student centrality isbeing missed by the students nowadays. It’s like some higher authorities came into existence over the students.It’s the time students are again feeling for a change. At all a new and refreshing work has to be done as we re-visit the past we can see the students coming up with very new and youthful ideas to tackle the problems whichhelps the movement to keep on moving. 25th Council – it’s not very GRAND but it’s a CONCRETE ONE as theAICUF is trying to RE- build the future.

WHY THE FIRE IN US DOESN’T BURN????“WE WERE BORN into an unjust society and we are determined not to leave it as wehave found it” is a declaration which all the AICUFers would have heard and discussedat least once in their many camps. Being an AICUFer I myself had many a times becomeinspired and motivated by these lines which were made by young students like us. Beinga national organization we are always proud that we are creating young minds all overIndia who can raise their voice against injustice, can be more critical towards variousissues related to the society and who can be people who take initiatives for social change.We are also proud that through our actions and deeds we are supporting and bringing uppeople belonging to the thrust areas of AICUF like women, adivasis, dalits and refugees. But when we analyzethe actual needs of today, we will realise that AICUFers today are lacking something. Some people may wearthe “mask of maturity” and say that today’s situations are different from that of yesterday’s when AICUFersvigorously acted for the betterment of the society.

With all due respect to their “mature comment” I would like to ask something to them. ‘Isn’t our countryfacing troubles in our times? Are we not facing corruption? Do you feel that our women are more safe in ourtimes? Do you feel that nature is being protected very well today?’ When we analyse these things, we will beable to find that the “need to act” is very much alarming today than it was yesterday. And the possibilities aremore in our time than during the period of our Ex-AICUFers. The problem is that we are not able to burn theflame which is within us and many a times we become accustomed with our chilled state.WHAT ACTUALLY IS HAPPENING???

When we analyse these situation, we will automatically ask our self what actually is happening to us. Wecannot completely say that we are in a frozen situation. We are having the flame in our minds which knowinglyor unknowingly is not given fuel. This may be because of many reasons. First of all an AICUFer with trueburning spirit in him won’t be able to sit idle within the four walls of a classroom. She/he will be alwaysdisturbed by the wrongdoings happening around her/his surroundings. Even small troubles which others mayface would result in their blood to burn up. The undeserved injustice will be always unbearable for them.Second reason is almost connected with the first one. Becoming such a person will bring to us the hatred ofmany others because they are then swimming against the flow of the water. This task demands risk and evendemands a lonely journey in which there may be no one with us. These are the two major reasons why the fire

Albin Thomas

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in the minds of AICUFers remain unattended and is not glowing properly. The methods to regain this spirit isactually subjective matter to each and every AICUFer.WHAT CAN BE DONE BY US???

The question here is what actually should be done so that the real spirit of AICUF can be regained. I feelthat this question should begin personally in the minds of each and every AICUFer. It is of no use if eachAICUFer does not possess the real ideology of AICUF. During the evaluation session of all the camps we hearstudents commenting that camp as very good, had good friends, enjoyed a lot, got much knowledge and so on.Due to excess emotion of happiness of getting new friends and of good fun, students frame out beautifulsentences which may in one way or other please the coordinators.

The real point is not these exterior experiences. The point is what we experience in our interior self. Whatspirit we attained and what is going to be the after effects of each AICUF camps and programmes. Eachprogramme should lead our actions deep towards it. Not only our words but also our actions also should berevolutionary. By teaching solidarity with the poor, if we are leading a posh life (by not considering the poor inour neighbourhood), by teaching about women-men equality, if we are considering women as incapable thanmen, by teaching solidarity with adivasis and dalits if we are not even able to look at them with a smile, thendear friends it’s the time to rethink about where we are.

We should be more value added in our own self. The only solution is that an AICUFer should be anAICUFer not only during the time of camps but she/he should bear that identity always and everywhere in theirdaily life. They should be courageous enough so that they may not fall down when they are left alone becausethey speak the right thing at the right time without being bothered about the after effects. Simply an AICUFermeans a prophet in the society. A prophet should be courageous enough to indicate what is right and what iswrong. Without being bothered about the person, she/he should be able to speak the truth and should be readyto shed blood for the well-being of their fellow beings. May all my AICUF friends (including me) be able to leada prophetic life and let all of us be able to keep the fire of love, patriotism, care, courage burning in our mindsand let that fire remain in us forever. JAI HIND!

EVERY CHALLENGE TEACHES A PERSON A LESSON.IF THERE IS NO CHALLENGE in a person’s life then his life is meaningless, unless aperson faces a challenge he cannot make his position in the society. The person whofaces more challenges will be more accomplished in the art and way of living. In thissociety if I present myself as an AICUfer then I will be seeing a number of challenges.As an AICUFer entering the new age, new and different types of challenges are waiting.If I put myself in different AICUF states I will find totally different types of challengesthere similarly if I put myself in this society I will find many odd and contrasted challenges.

We know in all age categories youth are the ones who can bring change in thesociety. In every state the students are facing challenges. If we talk about a student, hewants to clean & get rid of all types of evil from his society. Even whether the challenge is from social economicalor religious. It’s better that we should not talk state- specific here because in every state such things are takingplace which is creating unique and acute challenges in front of the students. That is as the new age is comingthe new challenge keeps on challenging the students. Just the students’ needs to understand and use theirinner power to fight against the challenge of new age. Students must come forward for the struggle andparticipate in huge numbers. Students now should show the leaders in them.

Amross Tigga

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TAKE CHALLENGE TO BRING CHANGEONE SHOULD POSSESS the ability to accept the challenges in life. If I was askedwhat is the quality of a good leader, I would say that he/she should be able to think byoneself, to be able to relate to others meaningfully, to understand the world and societyand among all, one should be capable enough to take challenges, these are the importantqualities that every able leader should possess. And here the purpose of AICUF is tomake student capable and competent in other words a strong leader for our society.

AICUF always tries to build a just society by inspiring the students. And I feel thatone of the important challenges for AICUF is to make good leaders who can stand against the unjust societyand try to bring changes. To bring changes one should know what happened in past, and we can only awakenothers, when we ourselves are aware of our society. We should be capable enough to relate our past andpresent in order to bring changes.

Now here lies the main question HOW???We all live in an unjust society, where people are selfish and wish to fulfil their needs alone. Even though

everybody knows this, there is only a small group of people to raise their voice against this injustice andselfishness. And from this small group of people few act and bring about changes in the society.

We never take action for the betterment of the society. We are never the ones to take that extra steptowards lending a helping hand for a social cause. All because it asks us to ‘sacrifice’… all because it will askus to give up something that someone else hasn’t even seen or dreamt of having! But, we fail to realize thatonce we all start thinking of the less privileged and selflessly give ourselves for a worthy cause, inequality andinjustice shall be problems we’ll face only in a History book!! This will pave the way for the creation of a pure,happy, truthful and united society. Many a times we only THINK and TALK about the betterment of society, butwe fail to take any concrete steps towards this goal.

Social welfare institutions and other organizations organize seminars, camps to bring about awarenesstowards these social issues, where we think and take strong decisions for the betterment of society. Whatusually happens is that we fail to enforce the decisions we’ve taken and go back to living lives of “zero-sacrifice”.

As a result, the unjust society remains the same— no change!!My friends, it is important to take a stand and firmly abide by the decisions we take. A strong-will and the

guidance of the Almighty is all we need to further ourselves. Taking action and not remaining passive is whatmakes life worth it. Just taking decisions satisfies us temporarily. But what about the society that needs ourattention and help?

Let’s devote some of our time, which is so valuable in today’s fast-paced world, to do something for thegood of the masses. Let’s stand together in unity; a strong unity which is full of zeal and enthusiasm and takeaction against the unjust and indifferent society. Let us be the change that many eyes wait to see.

WHEN I ENTERED AICUF I was different from what I am now. I can see the confidencein me and my speech and language has improved. One thing I learned it is most importantto make friends because without support man cannot do nothing AICUF is a platformwhere students share and spread their own innovating idea. There were lots of thingscoming which is important in student’s life like relationship with nature and god and human.When time is running situations change, students change but rules and norms never changebecause that is the spirit of AICUF.

Sam Jacob

Jitendra K Lata27

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There are 14 states join with AICUF and that all states economics, social and natural condition is differentand one thing is language but when they come togather in AICUF that time all state are same for AICUFbecause AICUF does not believe in discrimination. Student come together and discuss about social or burningissues and talking with a practical approach. AICUF is always doing good work but student need to be a part ofit constantly. There are so many student coming together and living together and working together. AICUF isworking on special issues and there were studentsgetting new knowledge and experience from AICUF. AICUFis provide not only booklets knowledge but it provide social and natural knowledge. In all these things the mostimportant object for the change which is also a challenge is the students and their changing time frame.

OVERVIEW OF AICUFAt a point in time the students along with the National Advisor realized that there has tobe a kind of discipline brought into the system because it includes students who are youthand tomorrow’s citizens & leaders. That is when the work for the national council startedtaking place and the First National Council took place in the year 1989. Today we stand at25 years of successfully running councils with different student leaders from differentstates with diverse ideas.

Students or rather “WE” have gone through thick and thin in AICUF and yet wemanage to complete our work with a smile. We at AICUF are leaders who make thingshappen. The Ponamalle Declaration-”We are born in an unjust society and we a determined not to leaveit as we found it”. This declaration is like a tattoo on all the AICUFers hearts. We surely wouldn’t let anyoneget away from a situation that we find difficult. We will face it with courage. I feel in the future of AICUFstudents will be as agitated and aggressive as the students of today are. Not to cause destruction in the societybut to be able to bring a change.We are AICUFers and we are determined not to leave the society withoutchanging it’s dirty ways!

MAY I SUGGEST...AFTER SPENDING one year in AICUF as a national team member I experienced thatAICUF is known as a student centred movement and students can develop themselves init. You know there are so many problems, coming as new challenges and hindrances thatare affecting the society. But so many problems were solved because of AICUF and itsactivities. I mean solution came after dedication of each AICUFer.

I’m going to mention some of the challenges :

• AICUF is still facing the problems of representatives, in order to conduct the movemental work.• It seems that some state representatives like some state advisers & animators are not taking interest

because of lack of ability.• Lack of money in states that may be due to poor collection and thrift habit leads to acute problems in

conducting programs• Migration is one of the big problems and still state AICUFers are sleeping• Some states have no representative of commissions. Talking about my state, though we are a tribal belt

yet we do not have AYCM!As we know that AICUF is one of the big plat forms where we work and develop ourselves. AICUF has

done big job for the welfare of human society. So many problems have been solved energetically as the four

Natalia Fernandez

Mangal Lakra

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commissions stand for those people. But still some of the problems becoming harder and harder, main reasonis having lack of knowledge and not awakening of AICUFers. Unless and until we don’t awaken ourselves, cantawake others. So we can’t rebuild the future.

So I suppose to say that until and unless AICUFers, advisors, animators etc are interested, nothing can bedone. At the end I want to say my opinion for rebuilding the future:• State adviser should call all representatives once a month.• All representatives should know their responsibility and keep a constant touch with the Nationals.• State adviser should know the report of each unit and also mandate his unit visit. Firstly to his state then

if he feels necessary to other states.• Report should be given in time.

HINDRANCE TO GROWTHOVER THE YEARS the movement has shaped itself with the voice raised by the students.AICUF was functioning pretty well in the last decade but just like a change has a good sideit has its own side effects too. Every step and every person can be a hindrance to thegrowth of the movement. With vast number of youth groups and movements coming up ourChaplin’s having so many wings under one umbrella that they forget this 89 year oldmovement. So many students wish to do a lot of work but due to lack of motivation andfalse reasons nothing works out. The problem in my state and many neighbouringstate is not only the accompaniment of the advisors but also no motivation or support. Be it with relation tofinance, program, dialogue or importance… etc. how can we think of even rebuilding a new AICUF if theseproblems are not addressed. How will a new dawn come in the movement if the birds are not allowed to fly.When we do not see the support, as students we feel rejected and thus we step back. Over the years theconcept of student centrality is diminishing from the movements be it at any level.

THIS IS THE 25TH YEAR of National Council of AICUF. Before 1989 CCM meeting werecommenced but later in the year 1989 when the new constitution of AICUF was presentedthe relevance of National councils was also mentioned. It is to give a more democraticand fundamental structure to AICUF. The states function autonomously always and at theend of the year during the council meeting state leaders along with the accompaniment ofadvisers come to understand one another in the movement, to analyse its involvement,activities and also challenges one another in their ideological clarity and experiments.Every council is commenced with a unique experience. All the 25 councils have adifferent reason, issue, motive etc behind and with it. It is an inspiration to new students to move ahead andmake a difference in their society with their own ideas and adding to the history with remarkable changes. Theconstitution is something that takes a lot of effort and understanding which is also reframed or decided to bereframed during the council if deemed necessary.

It is to recollect the work done through sharing of state reports and activities by the students. It gives aplatform to each one to question and answer questions which provides a better clarity in their state activities inthe mere future.

It is to be renewed with new members who represent their state executive members and be a part of thecouncil. Each year the council sees a new set of students who go back to their states with a renewed mindsets.

Innocent Ekka

Philomena Gomes

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It is to rejoice with the oneness of all the AICUF states during the council proceeding, unity that themembers share, glorious history and also it rejoices the student centrality of the movement which is the mostimportant pillar of AICUF.

It is to replace the old mindsets with a new one, old traditions with a new one, old methods and practiceswith innovation and creativity and the former National Team with the new National Team during the council.

It is to revisit the past through the nourishment of the new members with the historical importance ofAICUF and the better understanding of the Constitution of AICUF for its democratic growth in the state andnational level.

It is to rebuild the strong framework of AICUF through the NT members in their states who form the pillaron which the National AICUF is based. It rebuilds the networking and collaborative spirit of the movement.

It is to reform the strategies, means and ways to cater to problems and issues at various levels togetherfor the betterment of the movement and the student’s community at large.

Over the years it has been the connecting force that connects all the members together working for theupliftment of the society. We look forward to add to the society and be active change makers. We are born intoan unjust society and we are determined not to leave it by marching with the marginalised to create a betterworld along with students who can act and be political in the times to come. As mentioned by the NTs, it is notonly the students but each and every being in the movement can be a boulder if they chose to be one. It takesyears to build a strong state but if takes 2 years to completely destroy it. Thus with the theme this year we wishto reflect and make members reflect over their state and its current status for a renewal which is the need of thehour. Its time when we seriously need to start the process of revival in many areas of concern.

Remembering...

Fr. Gabriel Ekka, SJ

Fr. Walter Ekka, SJ

Fr. Babu Becker, SJ

Fr. Gueriviere, SJ

Fr. Ceyrac, SJFr. Guy Bergeron, SJ

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“After climbing a great hill, one finds that there aremany more hills to climb. I have taken a moment hereto rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista thatsurrounds me, to look back on the distance I havecome. But I can only rest for a moment, for withfreedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger,for my long walk has not ended” – Nelson Mandelasaid. AICUF – ninety years young and still going! It isnot a mean achievement in itself.We have a long glorious past to boast, a long roadtravelled that will make others envy, questioned andunsettled the status-quo that will make power-housesshiver, and foretold yet to come that others still lookfor AICUF’s prophetic words. Pages may not sufficeto blow our own triumphant past, but we shall not dwellmuch in it for it might intoxicate us forbidding fromseeing the realistic future. True to the words ofMandela, we can’t linger longer on the past glory, ratherwe need to move ahead with an attitude of ‘we havemiles to go’. That is what prompted me to write thiscolumn. Crazy people get wild dreams. Sometimes Itoo get wild dreams with my eyes wide open withrespect to AICUF.National Perspective!Is Missing! AICUF as a movement of catholic universitystudents is still mostly confined to Jesuit colleges evenafter 90 years of its existence. Still it relies upon themanpower and physical resources of Madurai Jesuitprovince! Whyhasn’t spread itswings? The CBCIapproved anddeclared it as the

Ninety Yearsand

Still Going StrongDr. G.John

National Animator

only catholic movements of university students in 1949itself and our constitution says that the National Advisoris appointed by the CBCI. If so, by now we should bepresent in all the states, and in all the colleges ofCatholics at least!Have we become ‘truly representative’ of all thecatholic students in India? Of the 28 states, and sevenUTs, we are present only in 13 states, for record sake.Of these, our movement is present sparsely in threestates. It is active only in ten states. But we havecatholic university students throughout the length andbreadth of this country. When are we going to givethem opportunity of being part of this ‘only movementapproved’ by the CBCI and affiliated to IMCS. Are wenot committing a serious error in failing to provide equalopportunity for all the catholic students of India to bepart of IMCS? It is only through AICUF our catholicstudents can get connected to IMCS.Also, the present political scenario mandates thepresence of strong union of catholic university students.It is not an option but a compulsion. That is whyAICUFers in their 5th national convention decided tobecome political and act political. In politics, numbermatters. There is an increasing tendency of curbingand subversion minority and religious rights. Humanrights violations against women and Dalits are rampantas ever before. Churches and missionaries becomeeasy targets of rightwing politics. People are easily

polarized on thebasis of religion andcaste. LPG policiesof governmentsfailed to ignore the

Are we not committing a serious error in failingto provide equal opportunity for all the catholicstudents of India to be part of IMCS?

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plight of the farmers and the poor. All these require astrong civil society activism which is possible onlythrough the presence of a strong student movementacross India. We are capable of and our need is greaterin this respect. Otherwise, people of this country willhave to solely rely upon movements hosted by AnnaHazare likes. Civil society activism is being hijackedby people of vested interest!AICUF can do that, but why hasn’t done? Do we haveto wait till another ‘Khandamal’ to happen? When ithappens, we struggle and make strenuous efforts toeven to register our protest. The protest ought to havebeen spontaneousthroughout the country, butit was not so. Why? Thoughwe have well establishedinstitutions throughout thecountry, there is nomechanism wherein all thecatholic students or students studying in catholicinstitutions to bring under one umbrella. The very factthat catholic students are united and they are large innumber present all over India will act as deterrentagainst rights violation. If AICUF has to become aNational Movement with wider impacts, we need twochanges:1) Changes in the administrative structure of AICUF,

and2) Changes in the modus operandi.Though we have the stamp of CBCI and IMCS, doesour church treat our movement as theirs? There areseveral reasons for this. First, AICUF still remains achild of the Madurai Jesuits. And every one sees ourmovement as that of the Madurai Jesuits’ and not thatof catholic university students. It is a fact. AICUF ispart of STAND trust under the control of Madurai Jesuitprovince. The main trustee of STAND is the provincialof the Madurai Jesuit province. Anyone who owns theresources controls the organization, rightly so. Otherscan’t and the owner only should. Who have been theNational Advisors and National Animators so far in theninety year history of the movement? All have been

Jesuits, and most of them are Madurai Jesuits or linkedto Madurai Jesuit province.This should not be construed as belittling the effortsand role of Jesuits of Madurai province. AICUF cannever afford to do so even if it becomes completelyindependent and autonomous. It will be like weakeningthe foundation. AICUF was a revolution and onlyJesuits can cause that revolution. They are radicals,and think differently, Jesus way. But movement shouldhave gone beyond in these ninety years. The mainimpediment is unwillingness to part with what is dearto us. Human weakness!

Let me think aloud. Aftersometimes, the entireJesuits (POSA) should havebecome the owners ofAICUF resources (Man andMaterial) and after that theChurch (CBCI) should have

become the owner(owner may not be a right word).When that happens, the entire church would feel thatAICUF is her movement. But it is not without a danger.Can we sustain our ideology with these changes? It ispossible to a larger extent. May be, in the new Trust,in place of STAND, CBCI is the man trustee, and themanaging trustee is a Jesuit and there could be severalmembers giving proper weightage to lay participationand sexes. The accountability/ownership could be withCBCI and AICUF could be an autonomous movementunder it. If that happens, AICUF can truly become arepresentative movement of Indian catholic studentsand each and every catholic university student willhave a fair chance of becoming a member of it, andthey can eventually become connected to IMCS. Willthat happen and can that happen? Yes, if people aregenerous and come out of their comfort zones. Notjust this way! Any other via media of providing everycatholic university student a fair chance of becominga members of AIFUC movement and thereby IMCScould be explored.First, National Secretariat was at Trichy. When it startedspreading its wings, starting from southern states, it

a) If you don’t know ask,b) Ask the right person, andc) Don’t presume that you know.

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was shifted to Chennai. But when it reached northernstates, as far as Manipur, logically National secretariatshould have been also shifted? Now, Chennai is notstrategically suitable for having a National Secretariatfor a national movement. Bhopal or Hyderabad couldbe better options. But we can’t think of this alternativebecause AICUF secretariat is the property of MaduraiJesuits. AICUF belongs, and depends on thebenevolence of Madurai Jesuits. Thanks to them andbut for them a movement can’t sustain and grow. Butthis should not be the constraint for AICUF to becometruly a National Movement.The above table would give a crude understandingthat it would be proper and more strategic if theNational Headquarters is situated centrally. Just I triedonly Bhopal and there could be another logisticallybetter place. We can try different possibilities likeHyderabad or Mumbai and so on. But distance alonecan’t be a deciding factor, for there are otherconsiderations like availability of space and building,and the kind of changes we infuse in the Trust to whichthe movement is part of.

The Distance to AICUF States from the National SecretariatSl No AICUF States

1 Andhra Pradesh-Hydrabad 790 9762 Bihar-Patna 2729 11193 Chhattisgarh-Raipur 1393 6894 Dumka 1852 12675 Gujarat - Ahmedabad 1891 6416 Jharkhand - Ranchi 1762 5387 Karnataka-Bangalore 362 17058 Kerala –Trivendram 922 30149 Manipur- Imphal 2654 175510 Madhyapradesh-Bhopal 1481 ——-11 Maharashtra-Mumbai 1279 84312 Rajasthan-Jaipur 2184 79013 Tamilnadu-Chennai ——- 148314 West Bengal-Kolkatta 1662 1490

If AICUF has to become truly a National Movement ofcatholic students, then it has to seriously considerhaving the headquarters more strategically. By locatingcentrally, we achieve economy in cost and time. Bestexample would be Tamilnadu State secretariat whichis situated at Trichy-the birth place of AICUF. This isthe most ideal place given that the entire state can bereached within a travel time of seven hours and is wellconnected by road and rail transport.Look at the states like Dumka, Chatishgarh,Jharknhand, Rajastan and Manipur: they need moreoxygen and infusion of fresh blood to make thembecome stronger states. They are farthest from theNationals. Also, movement needs to spread in thenorthern states. As stated earlier, if we truly want tocall over selves a National movement, then we mustbe present almost in all the catholic institutions/placeswhere university students are present. That means,you need to cover the entire country. Even after 90years of existence, if our presence is limited, if wehave not thrown open the doors to all the catholicuniversity students of India, somewhere there is a

Distance (kms) to Present NationalSecretariat at Chennai

Distance (kms) If NationalSecretariat is situated at Bhopal

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failure of collective wisdom. If you need to be reallypolitical, we need to be strategic.Those who are complacent with the present status mayput forth the following arguments:1. If CBCI or the church becomes the mail player,

we may lose our identity and may have to sacrificeour ideology. Church will control the movementand we may have to do what pleases the Church.

2. AICUF movement is a radical movement and if anon-Jesuit assumes leadership then, vitality ofAICUF will be lost.

3. We have four commission (DRAW), and in thenew structure their relevance will be lost.

4. It will become more of Christian movement or aprayer group.

5. Let students decide, if they want we can…..All these and other argument are very much true.

It doesn’t mean that we should not aspire. AICUF canfunction as an autonomous body definitely if we makethe statue in clear cut terms. We can compare thecost and benefit, if benefit scores ahead, then it isworth trying.Leadership Issues in AICUF: Lay and Religious

Various researches in the realm of managementhave provided comprehensive conclusions that ‘TopLeadership often decides the destiny of an organizationand its course’. Our movement is not an exception toit. Leadership (Advisors and Animators at the helm ofaffairs) with impeccable character, integrity and ethics,with vision and zeal, at all levels, is the need of thehour. As these leaders deal with student community intheir adolescence, they can’t escape the watchful eyesof students. These leaders’ life is under constantscrutiny. Nothing escapes the watchful eyes of thestudents, even the minute little things that you mayconsider trivial. Any deviantbehaviour, incongruity betweenword and deeds, and bias andpreferences, make a serious dentin their perception of themovement. Credibility andtrustworthiness of these leaders

are debated, discussed, and disseminated and theyseldom come to the knowledge of the leaders, unlikeyesteryears. Ignorance is bliss!

Advisors and Animators are the firsts among theleaders in AICUF. They have to not only show the way,but walk the way. Some of them are not fit outright!Some of them are not properly formatted and preparedto take up leadership positions in AICUF. Worse is,some of them are not only convinced of AICUFideology but act against the very basic tenens of AICUFmovement. All of them were failures. By the time theyleave the movement, they would have taken themovement several years backwards. Often I havefound them wanting in their knowledge about themovement and constitution. It is not a big issue at theunit level, but when it comes to State and Nationallevel, they stand exposed. There is no proper induction:they are simply catapulted in the movement by theirrespective provincials.

Not knowing is not a big crime, but refusing toknow is. You can still learn and fall in line providedyou show earnestness and eagerness to learn things.For me it took years, sitting along with students,attending ‘n’ number of sessions on AICUF History andConstitutions, and various input sessions by seniorAICUFers. Every Advisor and Animator, before takingup positions at regional or state level, should haveundergone proper formation. Otherwise, they will buryAICUF. That is why it is specifically mentioned in theAICUF constitution that ex-AICUFers should beappointed as advisors and animators at all levels. Buthow many of them are available and willing! There isno quid pro quo!

Lay leadership is always a secondary in AICUF.But they can effectively contribute to the movement,

If AICUF has to become a National Movement with widerimpacts, we need two changes:1) Changes in the administrative structure of AICUF,

and2) Changes in the modus operandi.

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often supplementing and compensating for religiousleadership. ‘Power’ is basic need of every human being.By nature, people don’t like dilution of power, providedyou have a big heart. We need people with big hearts.

Though we have four commissions, (DRAW) towhat extent the commissions are vibrant? When itcomes to accepting, appreciating and promoting Dalit,Tribal and woman leadership, it is far from satisfactory.Still we have to go a long way in that direction. Dalitand Tribal Commissions don’t enjoy as much patronageand acceptance as the Women Commission enjoys.“Mistakes are magnified and merits are belittled” – isthe situation when it comes to Dalit leadership in themovement, at least in some states. It is a seriousconcern. When the leaders make tall claims aboutDalits, my immediate feeling is that ‘they are only forpublic consumption’. Caste system is so entrenchedin the psyche of the some of the leaders that there is amismatch between what they profess and what theypractice. These leaders never stand the test of publicscrutiny.

Unit lever advisors’ role is paramount in buildingand strengthening the units. Without their support it isnot practically feasible to build strong units. We havecompletely ignored this fact in the movement.Something concrete needs to be done in this respect.We have only a handful of committed unit leveladvisors throughout the country. We can’t afford tolose a few who are now available. Are we encouragingand recognize them? There is no system in place tomotivate and encourage such leadership. It is easiersaid than done, I know. But it can be done if we havea holistic outlook and commitment from the top brass.Also, the existing advisors should be properly trained.It is they who often remain as stumbling blocks for themovemental growth mainly because of their ignoranceof AICUF ideology. They need to be trained well, but itis again a mammoth task. There are more ‘push factors’than ‘pull factors’. Every unit advisor should feel thatit is her/his responsibility to prepare future leaders whocan take up leadership after her/him. The state advisor/animator, and the national advisor/animator should

have spent enough time learning and imbibing AICUFspirit and values before taking up leadership positions.

Another impediment to the growth of AICUF is‘lack of religious personnel’. During the Nationalsummer camp in Gujrat, a senior priest taking care ofa mission station all alone said “we have expandedexponentially but without adequate man power. Nowwe have to sacrificing the quality”. True today! This isthe problem of the Church and for AICUF too thatheavily depends on priests to run the movement. Therewere times when Tamilnadu used to have one StateAdvisor and two or three priests as regional advisorand there used to be more than fifty to sixty units.Now we don’t have any exclusive state advisor, weonly have ‘also a state advisor’. Practically no Jesuitprovince can afford to provide a priest exclusively forAICUF. He takes up many responsibilities, and oneamong them is AICUF.

Reluctance to engage, encourage and empowerlay leadership as an alternative in seen in themovement. This is done on the pretext that ‘lay personsdon’t show interest these days in fruitless activities’. Iknow and bear witness that these statements are falseto the core. There was a state council and in it werethe participants who were not entitled to participateand who can’t vote voted. Elections were conductednot in a democratic manner. The state advisor was anew person, and you can presume that he did not know.But he had a state animator with years of experienceand I was (National Animator) available within thecollege premises, but he was completely reluctant tomake use them. May be he considered less respectfulto speak and get guided by a lay person. God savethem!

When Fr.Leonard SJ, assumed office as theprincipal of my college in 2001, he said in his firstmeeting three golden rules that I constantly remember.They are: a) If you don’t know ask, b) Ask the rightperson, and c) Don’t presume that you know. You cantake a horse to the pond but you can’t make him drink.State advisor or unit advisor is always like a sailorsailing a boat. He can sail or sink the boat of AICUF. Itis in his hands, his eagerness to learn the movement

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and its ideology. If a state advisor/unit advisor can’talign with two basic tenets of AICUF viz, target groupand student centrality, you have my word, he will be atotal failure and will be a mole in the history of AICUF.Student Centrality

‘Student Centrality’ is what makes AICUF uniqueand special. It is one of the basic tenets of AICUFideology. But it is often hijacked:

a) By Advisors/Animators: I can say with convictionthat when an Advisor or Animator is not properly rootedin AICUF ideology, she/he will not respect andappreciate student centrality. We have quite a goodnumber of Advisors and Animators at all levels, whohave least respect for ‘student centrality’. They oftenbehave like a capitalist owning and controlling theresources. Their benevolent attitude coupled with thedesire to have an absolute control over the affairs ofthe movement often shuttle ‘student centrality’. Byvirtue of custodian of finance and other resources, theyfeel it is their prerogative to have the final say. I oftenhear this comments from advisors and animators suchas “they (Ex-Co) may propose anything and everything,but are they going to provide finance and otherresources”? This often leads to conflicts. When thereis a conflict between the students and advisor/animator,that is the end of the road. There are advisors who areso prudent that ‘he thinks and students speak’. Theyare clever enough to put their words into the mouth ofthe students. When it comes out, it looks as if it hascome out of the mouth of the students.

b) By students themselves: It has been the fate ofAICUF. Hundred present student centrality is neitherpossible not desirable. Even when I was a unit memberway back in 1986-89, I experienced this. The so calledleaders would not share any information. Theinformation they get form the National, State, and otherunits were never in the public domain. Information ispower and that’s how student leaders wanted to remainpowerful. When I became the advisor in 2004, studentsoften came out with same kind of complaints aboutstudent leaders. Choosing students for participating incamps and meetings was the prerogative of studentleaders; it was not done in an open and democratic

manner. Another disturbing fact is the dominance ofconvent educated students, coming from eliteinstitution that provide ample exposure to students. Inany national meeting, you will notice that students fromBangalore, Bombay and Kolkatta rule the roost.

Students coming from central and eastern part ofIndia often feel out of place because they are notconversant with English. I am afraid a non-Englishspeaking student can never become a NationalConvenor. I had met a group of students who werevery docile and not showing any initiative during anational summer camp. The same students happenedto attend another camp at Gujrat and we decidedeverything could be in their mother tongue. All of asudden I could see them taking up centre stage andthey showed a lot of enthusiasm, managerial andleadership skills. These students would not have comeout had English been the medium of communication.‘Convent – English speaking’ surely is not adisqualification but it is often they who take the centrestage. In Tamilnadu, students from Loyola, St.Joseph’sand St.Xavier’s, in Bangalore students of St.Joseph’s,in WB – the Xaverians, and in Mumbay – the studentsof St.Xavier’s occupy the AICUF space more thanothers. In every National Team, students of these elitecolleges would be in good numbers. Their voice isusually much louder than the others. In the NTmeetings, where we discuss and debate a lot beforechoosing a course of action, it is often English-speakingstudents who articulate much and the others remainmute spectators. Of course, we create an ambienceso that they also feel free to talk in their mother tongue.But still…..AICUF space should be more utilised bythose students who need the most, not definitely thoseelite students!State and National cooperation

The mutual understanding and cooperationbetween the AICUF States and the Nationals has toimprove. There is no binding between the National andStates. If a state advisor is willing, he can cooperateotherwise not. There is no inbuilt mechanism to elicitautomatic cooperation and binding. The National hasno AICUF members (students) on their own. It always

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reaches out to students of different states through theState AICUF. When the state AICUF doesn’t cooperatewith the Nationals, the entire student community ofthat particular state lose the precious opportunity ofhaving national exposure.

Sometimes, the State and National cooperationbecomes highly personal and egoistic. If there is apersonal rapport between the National Advisor and theState Advisor, then participation from that state is good.When there is ego clash between them, it has sohappened that for a year or two, no person from aparticular state has taken part in the National levelactivities. Can there be some mechanism whereby wecan ensure participation of all State AICUF in all theNational programmes regardless of who the Advisorsare? Again, the student centrality takes a severebeating.

There are several reasons that can be attributedto this kind of situation. The National also doesn’t caremuch about this saying ‘in the history we always findthat some states wonderfully cooperate, while othersdon’t. It is always part of our history’. No one seems toaddress this issue sincerely. When we budget and plana National programme to accommodate 40 members,sometimes less than 50 percent turn up from states.When states don’t send students, it is highlydemoralizing. Sometimes we don’t even getcommunication that they are not coming. So sad!Federalism – boon or bane

Federalism is enshrined in our constitution. Itenvisages complete freedom and autonomy to statesand units in their modus operandi. A country with vastdifferences in terms of food, language, culture, castes,religion, dress, and value system requires this

philosophy to promote heterogeneity. Anymovement in social action should notpromote homogeneity and ‘one for all’model. Rather we oppose them, opposehegemony, and oppose centralization ofpower.

This doesn’t mean that there iscomplete freedom to states and units.Different States and units are held by a

string called constitution. We enjoy federalism withinthe ambit of our constitution and latent ideology. Whileconstitution is direct and explicit, ideology is implicitand latent. Our ideology is hidden, like a treasure, inthe constitution. Many a times, when there aredeviations, we are dictated by the words of theconstitution and fail to uphold the spirit of theconstitution. Many a times we forsake the ideologybecause it is invisible and this gives advisors,animators and student leaders, who are supposed tobe the custodians, a free run and kill the spirit of AICUF.

While federalism ensures unity and diversity andit also leads to poor accountability. It is furtherworsened by the hierarchical structure. For instance,a state advisor is appointed by the respective JesuitProvincial and is not even communicated to theNationals. His first obligation is to the province andhis provincial. That means his accountability to AICUFand its constitution is secondary. If he wishes he can,otherwise not.

Federalism also leads to lesser degree oftransparency and accountability. For instance, Statecan’t raise any question (they can but not obliged toget answers) as to how money flows into NationalAICUF and how it is allocated/spent. You can’t interfere.Likewise, the National can’t ask any question to statesbecause ‘you don’t contribute to my kitty, then whoare you to ask?’ You can’t interfere. It is OK if thisstops with ‘finance’. But this trend is often extended tomovemental matters. A state has not participated inany of the AICUF national events for quite some timenow and another state has not sent its participants tothe National summer camps for the last two years.And they have their own reasons to justify and they

If AICUF has to become truly a NationalMovement of catholic students, then it has toseriously consider having the headquartersmore strategically. By locating centrally, weachieve economy in cost and time.

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are not justifiable. Two reasons they always give are:a) we could not find students, b) we don’t have money.There are always other reasons behind these: partiesto the conflicts know, to be honest.Transparency and Accountability

They are the watch words of good governance.Both are conveniently missing in AICUF. There iscomplete secrecy with respect to availability andallocation of financial resources. Sometimes states areassisted but no one knows on what basis and groundsit is done. There is no well laid rules as to how fundscould be allocated among the states. There are certainstates that are financially autonomous and they don’tneed any financial support from the National. But thereare many states that need to be helped. There seemsno arrangement in place for such eventuality. Whenthere are two priests working in the movement together,the one who controls the finance runs the entire showand the other is kept completely in dark with respectto financial matters – I was told a few times. On seeingsome of the expenditures incurred in the movement, Iused to wonder under what head these expenditurewould be written in the books of accounts! I know forcertain that these expenditures can’t be shown rightroyally in the books and they are quite a good amountof money. I guess the person at the helm of affairs hascomplete impunity.

National can’t exist without the support of states,but the states can. For any programme the Nationaldepends on the states to send its members. When thestates don’t send their members, it results in waste ofresources. Sometimes we plan for forty student andonly twenty students turn up. States alone can’t beblamed for this. Could there be more dialogue andinteraction between the states and the Nationals?

The state advisors should and need to be takeninto consideration for the happenings of administrativematters at the Nationals. In fact, the collegiums of stateadvisors should be the highest decision making body(administrative matters) at the National. Each andevery state advisor should be made an equal stakeholder in the AICUF Trust. Decisions that are not in

the domain of students/NTs should be collectively takenby the collegiums of state advisors. Unless we giveownership to states, and until state advisors are giventheir rightful share in the Nationals, we can’t expectaccountability from them.Team of National Advisors

As envisaged in the constitution we must seriouslythink of having in place a team of National Advisors,consisting of a priest, a layperson, and a woman. Giventhe shortage of religious personnel and in the interestof the movement, we must seriously think of thisprospect. It is good for more than one reason. Powercorrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Noone is exempt from this. When there are three NationalAdvisors, one can fully concentrate on programmes,another fully on financial matters, and yet another cantake care of commissions and so on. In that case, onecan be from the North and can take care of activitiesof Northern side, and another can fully devote hisattention in the southern side. A sizeable number ofAICUFers understand only Hindi. Not knowing Hindiis a handicap in AICUF. This problem could be easilysolved if we have a team of Advisors including onefrom North. If it is a team, they need not be availablefull time for AICUF. For instance, a state advisor withoutother responsibilities, can be one of the NationalAdvisors functioning from North.

Well ! All these, I am sure, might have beendebated and discussed by many good souls in AICUF.Certain statements I have made relating to internalaffairs may be not be cent percent accurate. But onething is sure. I have made them with good intentionand in good faith. I have made some stark and bluntstatements, but I will be the happiest person if I amproved wrong for then the movement is the winner.Let us debate, discuss, contradict, and finally agreeeven if it means disagreement for the sake of goodnessof our movement. Only then our movement can marchahead and only then we can truly celebrate the twentyfifth year of National Council. Jai Ho AICUF!

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After one year of AICUF’s rebirth at St. Joseph’s College, Bangalore, the college enrolled manynew members. On 4th July 2013, more than 100 AICUFers were briefed about the AICUF. Adocumentary film of the previous year AICUFers’ activities and programmes was screened to giveinsight to the newly baptised AICUFers and burn their hearts to inspire them to be “Agents ofChange in the Society!” Beena Thomas, one of the student coordinators, highlighted all theupcoming events of the semester.The AICUF student movement at St. Joseph’s College kicked off its first out-reach programme on11th July 2013. “Marching with the Marginalized” was the driving force of the 55 AICUFers whomarched on foot from the college to the Old Age Home of Little Sisters of the Poor, Hosur road. Inspite of the sudden and torrential rain fall, the AICUFers continued to march and reached thedestination. The Sister Superior welcomed us and Mr. Krishnamurthy, one of the inmates of theinstitution, gave a brief introduction on the works of the Sisters for the elderly citizens who takerefuge under their loving care. After the introduction, we divided ourselves into groups for somemanual works and interaction with the inmates. The interactions with the inmates helped theAICUFers to know and understand the joys, sorrows and challenges of the aged people. It alsohelped to develop a sense of love and care for the elder and the sick in the society. When the bellrang for dinner, the AICUFers served food and sang songs while they were eating. “I feel likeangels have descended from heaven amongst us!” Mr. Romeo, aged 80, commented on theAICUF choir. After the meals, we washed their plates and spoons. “Your visit to us brings so muchjoy to our life….Come again and again…..” said Mr. George, when the AICUFers bid them good-bye.

P V Joseph Buan SingSt. Joseph’s College, Bangalore

Report

St. Joseph’s College,

Bangalore

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1989: Central Committee Meeting (CCM) approved drafting of anew constitution. National convention was a result of four year struggleunder the theme “New AICUF Constitution” and there emerged 1st

National Council. The council bridged all the states together for sharingand understanding the activities of the previous year.

1990: Preparation of State Policy Document was a burning need ofall the states that would replicate constitution according to the local needs.The SPDs were ratified during the 2nd council. The challenge was to revive,renew and create a democratic autonomy for the states for a betterfunctioning. The focus of the movement was on Dalits, Adivasis, Ecologyand woman.

1991: In June during National Women’s meet, the members feltthat it is necessary that men should also be allowed to be a part of themeeting and that should be regularized and the meetings to follow. After20 years of Poonamallee Declaration the students felt the need to justifythat the declaration was not all of a “sudden” but it was purely influencedby issues at National and International level, Role of Vatican II, differencesthat existed between rich and poor… etc. it was revolutionary and radicalat the same time.

1992-1993: Discussions on hosting the Ex AICUFERS conventionwas initiated by a few ex AICUFers through Rally on the theme “OurResponse to the Emerging Scene”. AICUFers were engrossed in seriousdiscussion and debate on globalization and communalism. AICUFers wereinvolved with Burma campaign and issues relating to BabriMasjid. Thewomen’s meet gave rise to women council at the state and national levelto adhere to the need of women studies and struggles locally. Greatimportance was given to the formation of 4 state tribal pacts.

1994-1996: There arose a need to call for National Consultation toassess the needs of the movement, to evaluate and to understand thechallenges of 90s, to prepare for convention and to lay the foundation forfuture that is “Towards a just society and in solidarity we struggle”. UNcouncil further announced it as the year of Tolerance. Immediately afterthe council there emerged NFDS (National Forum for Dalit Students)and NFTS (National Forum for Tribal Students) along with RSA (RefugeeStudents Association). The movement witnessed that the momentumbegan to water down. Rally was regularized in 1996, August. The focus

Reminiscencesof the Past

turned towards the youth andcampus reality which affectedstudents at large. Finally AYCM,AIDSF and NWC formation startedduring the 1st National Mid Council.

1997- 1999: A call to studentsto rise from being static. 2nd RSAconvention was organized. TheAYCM policy was ratified in thecouncil. Bangalore declaration on“AICUF & Students for Secularism”revived the communism and paveda way towards a secular world. Tomobilize Tribal Youth an alternativejournalism workshop wasconducted in Hindi. The councilstatement stressed on awakening,educating the society to give birthto a new leader. Talks were initiatedfor the Ex NT meet but nothing inconcrete. A serious evaluation ofmarching with the depressed classfor 10 years was done. This pavedthe way for the 4th NationalConvention on the theme “Marchingwith the Marginalized” along withthe Platinum Jubilee celebration ofAICUF.Since the start of 2000

Attempts were made tomobilize students back into themovement hence camps andseminars were regularly infused toinvoke their sleeping spirit. AYCM,NWC and NDC camps were in fullswing with enriching exposure

Philomina GomesNational Full-timer

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surveys. The documentation centre was also given the due focus toorganize a seminar towards a secular India. Seeing the stagnation thenational council questioned the members “Are we awakened???” Boundwithin the periphery of few programmes and seminars that infuriated thestudents and thus the call was questioned in the council. The studentsquestioned themselves as to what meant to be awakened? There was astrange shift from student centrality to hierarchical authority. The focuswas issued related to states and the National centre coordinated to builda proper federal set up.

The following year a call was extended to students to reflect aboutrisks which are culture, politics and society bound. Students felt the needto be trained in journalism thus they were given seminar and workshopon the same. A rehabilitation work camp was organised during the summerfor students that turned as a major change that year. The refugee campon refugee gave a deeper insight to the students on the actual reality.During the 4th National Women’s meet the women AICUFers declared“We the women, working towards women’s liberation, resolve to intervenein a creative, positive and a dynamic manner in the socio- political andeconomic processes affecting us…” followed by a proclamation of theirmarch towards the 1st NWC convention. In the 13th council the studentsunderstood the necessity to be conscientised to serve humanity. Therewas an urge from the students to advisors for an active participationwhich will motivate students to join the movement in full swing.

The 15th National Council on the theme “let us unite and assert ourrights to evolve alternatives towards a just society”. The council memberswere made to introspect and ask, ‘are all our activities issue based?’, ‘isthere an inter-linking with the marginalized or not?’, Is our movementself-centered or other-centered?’. The council also triggered off the sinceresearch for alternatives especially of civil activism, and student-peoplemovement and collaborations and so on. The AICUF national animatoropined, “Alternatives can be evolved only if we decide to collectivelysolve the problems in the perspective of the marginalized”.

The 16th National Council threw a lot of challenges before us, theAICUFers, to increase the capacity to act rather than to speak, tocollaborate and unite rather than to stand alone, to re-collect our pastexperiences rather to dissipate, divide and get divided. The entirely newidea of SECTOR wise division came up in this council very forcefully. TheNational AICUF will be divided into four sectors: Northern, Eastern,Southern and Western, so that the movement will soon identify the areasthat we have not treaded so far. Future plan of action will be carried outon basis of sector that makes inter-state collaborative activitiesmeaningful. Many issues were discussed in council like due importanceto be given to National Women’s Convention, To go for a scientific study

on Dalit students in the campus andaccordingly design a trainingprogramme for the Dalit students,To begin a human right cell in theunits, to foster reunion of the seniorAICUFers, To sensitize the studentson the need to strengthen thecommissions, To train the Advisersand animators, To organise moreInter-state (sector wise)programmes and so on.

The senior AICUFers meetfrequently within our country andoutside that would be good sign forthe future. It was a moment of gracefor the present members tounderstand that the history ofAICUF revitalizes, checks,monitors, directs, controls, helps inplanning and collaborating.

The student leaders broughtout the issues relating to theexistence of AICUF movement.Their active participation, energeticdiscussions, lively interactions weresome of the signs to learn about thecommitment of the present dayAICUFers to the ideals andideologies of AICUF.

AICUF has grown today, withits remarkable experiences, withequally challenging issues andcomplex trends bringing it onceagain to a crossroad. Our leadersfelt that the crisis must be identified,analysed and resolved so that thestudent members would be able toforge ahead with clarity andcollective organizational relevanceand maturity.

After an analysis students andadvisors were able to clearlyidentify the causes and factors

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which they felt posed great danger to the integration of AICUF. As studentleaders from different states of India and as advisers, each had their ownconcerns. They felt angry and frustrated, sad, unhappy, disturbed,ashamed and worried, but in spite of these dark clouds they also feltempathetic, challenged and hopeful. The enthusiasm with which theychallenged, their quest to know more, the stimulation to go ahead, theirenergetic vigour to work as AICUFers was vividly seen. All the concernsvoiced in this session were collectively taken up in the ‘Movement Session.

The 18th AICUF National Council was historical since it was the firstNational Council to be held outside Tamil Nadu, in Bhopal, MadhyaPradesh, as the venue. The sharing of the commission works was anexperience that strengthened and challenged each other. The successstories of the commissions encouraged the student leaders.

In this council AICUFers searched for new answers to the questionof spirituality of the movement. A student spoke on the ‘action-orientedspirituality’. Our spirituality stems from the inspiration of Jesus Christ.AICUF shall never deter from its determination any way, for its spiritualityis grounded and founded in Jesus, the historic Person. The membersspent more than two hours on the three questions: what is AICUF forme?, With whom AICUF as a movement should stay? What is the futureof AICUF for the next five years?. The deliberations on these questionsbrought to limelight that the role of the movement is very crucial andimportant at the present context. It was decided that AICUF would hostthe 5th National Convention in 2009.

The movement went in for a serious deliberation of the presentcharacter and the future direction in the council. This year was achallenging experience for the council members as they profoundlydeliberated on many questions that AICUF faced. At the end of sharing,one could find that the activities of AICUF varied from place to place,state to state. But the perspective was not lost.

2010- 2013: during the 5th national convention the students declaredin the sterling pointers that “We realise that in our march towards justice,liberty, equality and fraternity, we need to co-operate and collaboratewith like-minded groups within the different churches of India, the otherreligious traditions and secular groups. For, as Jesus says, “whoever isnot against me is with me”. We are proud that in the deliberations leadingto the amendments in the AICUF constitution, AICUFers proved timeand again that we are proactively responding to the signs of our times –the amendments with regard to the representation of women and theopenness to extend our membership to the transgender are, but, pointersto the same. We, as responsible citizens, accept our task to carry forwardbills introduced like: Right to Information Act, Right to Education Act, the

Women’s Reservation Bill and allsuch pro-poor, proactive initiativesof the government.” The theme“students to act and be political” wasformed by the students who realizedthat the long march with themarginalised will not bring changeif the students do not understandand be political but not applypolitricks. ‘Being Political’ meantthat we learn to analyze today’spolitics with critical thinking. Thecamps and seminars were moreissue oriented. The NT felt that theissues should be given muchimportance than anything else.Work cum exposure campssurveyed by students for thestudents were actively taking place.During the 2012 council thequestion was raised by the councilmembers if the movement wasdrifting away from the commissionsor its orientation.

The Next teams 12-13 took thematter seriously and were hopingto revive AICUF nationwide alongwith the dormant commissions.Days have come such that theexistence and impact of AICUF isbeing questioned all over. Be itintellect, spirit of communalism &Marxism and the ideology claritycrisis is deeply affecting AICUFeverywhere.

In the 25th National Council NTfelt the need to look into thechallenges: Re-visiting the past andRe-building the future.

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1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1st

National Council

2nd

National Council

3rd

National Council

4th

National Council

5th

National Council

6th

National Council

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1995

1996

1997

2000

2001

7th

NationalCouncil

8th

NationalCouncil

9th

NationalCouncil

12th

NationalCouncil

13th

NationalCouncil

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20022003

2004

2005

2006

2007

14th National Council15h National Council

16th

NationalCouncil

17th

NationalCouncil

18th

NationalCouncil

19th

NationalCouncil

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2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

20th

NationalCouncil

21st

NationalCouncil

22nd

NationalCouncil

23rd

NationalCouncil

24rd

NationalCouncil

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COUNCIL COMRADESNational Advisers

(1) Fr. Leo Tagore, S.J.

(2) Fr. Manuel Alphonse, S.J.

(3) Fr. K. Amal, S.J.

(4) Fr. Henry Jerome, S.J.

(5) Fr. Selvin Raj, S.J.

National Animators(1) Dr. S.J.A. Packiaraj

(2) Dr. Bernard D’ Sami

(3) Prof. James Sundar

(4) Dr. G. John

Motivates and inspiresthe movementAdministrative andfinancial work of thenational secretariatPresents the annualstatements of accountsto the national councilMakes all theappointments in themovement as specifiedin the Constitution.Appointed by the CBCI,after the selectionprocess, facilitated bythe Jesuit Provincial ofSouth Asia inconsultation with theNational Council

Training of the NTAssisting NationalAdvisorFacilitating the Nationalcouncil, NT meeting,Summer programmes.Visits AICUF states tobring ideological clarityin the statesCould be a lay person

With gratitudewe remember all of

them for what they wereand are

(1982-89)

(1989-96)

(1996-2003)

(2003-2010)

(2010-2013)

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August 2013 Rally

1. Tamil NaduFr. A. Samy, SJFr. Maria Augustine, SJFr. Paul Mike, SJFr. Maria Singarayar, SJFr. Arul Ravi, SJFr. Stephen Selvanathan, SJFr. Joseph Igni, SJ2. Andhra PradeshFr. Arul Raja, SJFr. Emmanuel SJFr. Esthaki Selvaraj SJFr. Selvin Raj, SJFr. Kishore, SJFr. Shilendra, SJ3. West BengalFr. Felix Raj, SJ4. BiharFr. Gregory & Fr WalterFr. Antony SamyFr. Leonard LakraFr. RosarioFr. Sabu5. GujaratFr. Xavier Manjuran, SJFr. Alois, SJFr. Erwin, SJFr. Amal Raj, SJFr. Vijay, SJ6. KerelaFr Joy James, SJFr Jose Thachil, SJFr. Pious, SJFr. Stephen, SJFr. Jose, SJ7. Madhya PradeshFr. Gabriel Ekka, SJFr. Fulgence, SJFr. Amrit Kujur, SJ

Fr. Elphinz Minz, SJFr. Sebastian, SJFr. Zacarius, SJFr. Virendra, SJ8. OrissaFr. Bartholomi Bilung9. ChhattisgarhFr. Cornelius, SJFr. Sebastian, SJSr. N. KujurFr. Kalyan, SJFr. Oscar, SJFr. Jacob, SJ10. DumkaFr. Benjamin, SJ11. KarnatakaFr. Ambrose Pinto, SJFr. Francis D’ Almeida, SJFr. Charles, SJFr. Brian, SJ12. MaharashtraFr. Frazer Mascarenhas, SJFr. Roy Pereira, SJ13. JharkhandFr. Walter Ekka, SJFr. Benny Ekka, SJFr. Swarn Tigga, SJ14. ManipurFr Benny SDB15. DelhiFr. Leonard, SJFr. I. Kumar, SJFr. Kishore, SJFr. P.R. John, SJ

Symbols of a bridge between National and State

48

August 2013 Rally

August 2013 Rally