INDORE: Against the backdrop of the pandemic Covid 19 that killed lakhs of people and devastated the livelihood of millions, the Universal Solidarity Movement (USM) Indore celebrated its 29th Foundation Day online with the participation of 480 people on 16th July from 4.00 to 6.00 pm. The participants consisted of consisting of students, teachers, friends and well-wishers of USM.
“USM could face the crisis situation with positivity and reach out to more students, teachers and principals during the year 2020-21 through online programmes”, said Mrs. Anni Pawar in her welcome address.
Addressing the participants Fr. Varghese Alengaden the Founder made a fervent appeal to all members of USM, particularly the Peace Club members, to focus on the activities related to USM action plan of “Caring and Sharing” and “Healing” in view of the suffering and death caused by the pandemic Covid 19.
“The uniqueness of USM is that it is open to people of all faiths and walks of life, who believe in building a civilization of love”, said Fr. Varghese in his address. “Inclusiveness, transparency, accountability, functioning from rented premises for the last 28 year and not applying to donor agencies and government for funding are the salient features of USM, reiterated Fr. Varghese.
In order to be true to its core values the annual report of 2020-21 and summary of the audited statement of account were presented at the meeting. The audited statement of account of USM is published along with its annual report every year and made available to the public.
While sharing her experience with USM, Mrs. Anuaradha Shankar IPS, ADGP, Madhya Pradesh and a close friend of USM said, “I am very much impressed by the core values of USM, especially promoting conversation and dialogue among different sections of society. Conversation involves listening to each other and it leads to understanding which is an essential condition for peace”, said Mrs. Anuradha Shankar.
Dr. K C Thomas, manager of St. Arnolds School, Jartharang, Odisha, in his sharing emphasized that education without imbibing values is not only defective but also dangerous. He acknowledged the positive changes that took place in the teachers and students whom he had taken to USM for training. “I have become a better human being with increased sensitivity and inclusiveness and devoid of prejudices”, he said.
Bishop Chacko Thottumarickal, bishop of Indore, appreciated USM for adapting itself to the new normal by conducting a series of webinars for students, teachers, parents and principals and heads of institutions.
Sr. Asha Thayil, the secretary presented the annual report and Ms. Neetu Joshy the chief trainer of USM facilitated the webinar. – Report prepared by Jacob Peenikaparambil.
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