Report
Celebration of Policy Transformations; Distribution of Loans under DRI and Mudra Schemes and Felicitation to Bank Officers, Change Activists and Donors
A Program was organised on 17th October 2015 at Press Club, Basheer Bagh, Hyderabad to Celebrate Acceptance of 8 Recommendations of COVA by Government of India for Financial Inclusion; Distribution of 100 Loans to the poor under DRI and Mudra Schemes and Felicitation to 47 Bank Officers from 22 branches, 20 Change Activists from 9 organisations and Donors for making the Project on Financial Inclusion a Success. Chief Guest: Mr.Santanu Mukherjee, Managing Director, SBH and Guests of Honour : M. Prasad, GM, Syndicate Bank, Mr.Iftekhar Husain, Noori Travels, Mr.Safir Adeni, President TiE, Mr.Khalil Ahmad, Chairman & Managing Trustee, Karnataka Zakat & Charitable Trust, Mr.Rizwan Haider, Noori Travels and Rotary, Mr.Nasir Ali Khan, MAK Projects, Mr.Syed Ghouseuddin, Syed & Syed Chartered Accountants, Mr.Syed Mansoor Ahmed, Syed & Syed Chartered Accountants, Mr.Venkateshwarlu, TECCI, Mr.J.Sitapathi Sarma, General Manager, SBH, Mr.R.Asokan, Deputy General Manager, SBH, Mr. A.C. Sethi, Deputy General Manager, SBH.
COVA has been striving since 2013 for creation of an environment conducive to ensure genuine financial inclusion of the poor through a Pilot Project for Financial Inclusion.
In our endeavours Change Activists of the Civil Society Organisations walked with us shoulder to shoulder. The critical role and outstanding contribution of officers from the State Bank of Hyderabad and Syndicate Bank made it possible to achieve this task of making this Pilot Project for Financial Inclusion a success and ensure genuine financial inclusion of the poor.
As a result our Team facilitated access to 512 persons to avail loans worth Rs. 1,06,63,500 till 30th September 2015 with an impressive repayment rate of 99.64% for State Bank of Hyderabad and 99.82% for Syndicate Bank.
To celebrate these successes and to motivate and involve people at large to join in this endeavour we have organized Loan Mela – Distribution of Loan under DRI and Mudra Scheme and to felicitate all the stake holders with whose support and cooperation COVA attained its objective to a large extent.
Further, we are happy to share with you that the Government of India (GoI) has accepted 8 of the 12 suggestions made by COVA in its new policy formulations that would enable genuine financial inclusion and help petty and small businesses to access credit from banks. They are:
1)Single Page Application Forms for small loans; 2) Issue of receipt by banks for loan applications- Single Page Form with Receipt is attached and can also be downloaded from the website of the Department of Financial Services (DFS) at the following link: http://financialservices.gov.in/PMMY%20Form.pdf; 3) Revision of loan limit for petty business under DRI from 15,000 – now the loan limit is up to Rs 50,000 under the Shishu Scheme of MUDRA; 4 ) Revision of Income Limit for eligibility; 5) Over Draft facility of Rs. 5000 to the poor to meet emergencies; 6) Assigning and mandating individual bank branches to attain targets; 7) Using Post Offices as Banking Correspondent to enable people to deposit and withdraw funds from their bank accounts and 8) Using mobile phones to enable people – especially petty business persons -to deposit cash in banks is now made possible by the announcement of Payment Banks involving mobile service providers.
These suggestions have potential to benefit approximately 9 crores (90 million) hawkers, petty traders and micro enterprises across India can benefit if are implemented properly.
Caution: Policies are being put in place- now implementation has to be ensured by the government, political parties, civil society, media and the banks themselves.
Mohammad Turab
Executive Secretary
COVA
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Display of Project Works by School Children on Social Activism
Organised by COVA-ICAN – 10 Dec 2014 -Hyderabad
COVA and ICAN (India Childrens’ Action Network) organized a Display cum Exhibition of Project Works prepared on Social Activism by School Students on 10 December 2014 from 10.00 am to 03.30 pm at Sana Garden Function Hall, Beside BSNL Office, Charminar, Hyderabad.
The objective of the program was to sensitize School Students to Social Issues and motivate them to undertake Activism to solve Social Problems and enable them to become socially conscious and responsible citizens. This time children selected five topics for project work viz. (1) Global Warming, (2) How to Make India Litter Free, (3) Citizens’ Charters and Their Functioning, (4)Speed Driving and (5) Understanding Begging and its Solutions.
Around 300 Students from 40 schools of the old city areas of Hyderabad participated in conducting study, research and preparation of Projects on the chosen topics. The students showcased their Project Works and explained roots of the issues and possible solutions. Students from different schools as well as parents and general public witnessed works of students and praised for talents showed by the participants.
Dr. Syed Mazher Hussain, Executive Director, COVA gave briefing on the concept and objectives of the program, he highlighted aspirations expressed by children to become doctors and engineers and managers in the third stage and explained how managers are above doctors and engineers. He explained the value and role of social scientists in giving right direction to the society and country and in framing development policies. He advised children to aspire to become social scientists and play a constructive role in a society.
Students shared their project experiences on Speed Driving, Litter Free India and Citizens Charters. They said that their teachers took forward the innovative idea of project works and guided them on the subjects to prepare projects through practical in the field.
Mr. Mohd. Ahsan Abid, IAS from TISS inaugurated the Exhibition, seen works done by students, listening to their explanations, he was mesmerized. He advised students to open up new vistas to make / sensitive and seek possibility of making different and innovative things in life. Goal in life is more important therefore should plan goal well defined, collecting related information to become successful, happy and to make others life happy and easy.
Guest of Honour Mr. Khaja Kamaluddin, Educationist from USA praised and complimented students for their excellent works. He gave more stress to power of speech which plays important role in impacting persons caliber. He advised students to define projects well. He also advised to become polite and responsible sons/ daughters and do good for the society.
Dr. Anand Raj Varma, Member Advisory Council, COVA presided over the function. In his presidential remarks while appreciating the works, he said that such works will motivate other students and school managements to take if forward.
Valedictory Function started with a play “Kachre Wale Ka Tax” staged by Koshish Theatre Group, highlighting 63% indirect tax being paid to the government by the poorest of the poor, sending a message to the government to reduce rates of indirect tax to provide relief to the poor. The Guests appreciated the performance of artists and complimented Dr.Mazher Hussain for his excellent concept of the play.
Mr.Jitender, IPS, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) was the Chief Guest at the valedictory. He witnessed the play, inspected and appreciated project works done by school students. He showered best compliments on the theatre Artists for their best performance and wished Project Work students emerge as research scholars in future. He acknowledged the wonderful job done by students showing the talent taking up many current special issues. He said in our childhood we were not so aware and were very innocent and opportunities were also not available in those days. Now technology developing fast. He asked children to raise hands who have radio or black TV, non raised hands, when asked whether they possessed smart phones, all students raised hands. He said we have to contribute to the society, nothing can contribute better than our hard work, which will also take us to the heights. He wished better prospects for the students.
Mr. Safir Adeni, President Elect, The Indus Entrepreneurs was also guest of honour of the function who praised students talents and appreciated novel initiatives of COVA. He appreciated the amazing work and insight of students that helped them to follow structured methodology in project works. He flagged off the idea of commercializing the novel ideas, with passion and become social entrepreneurs. He wished all to become social doctors.
As a token of gratitude, mementos were given to the School Managements and the Guests. 40 Prizes were given to the winning entries on 5 project works.
Mr. Mohd. Shaker Ali, Coordinator, Children & Youth Programs expressed gratitude to all the Guests for sparing their valuable time that encouraged participants of the program. He also expressed thanks to the school management for their cooperation in making this program a success.
Shaker Ali
Program Coordinator
9704083248
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COVA organised a Training Program for Change Activists and Volunteers on New Pension Schemes of Telangana Government known as AaSARA Pensions on Tuesday 25th Nov 2014 at Hyderbad to help needy people in neighbourhood to get benefit of these pension schemes.
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Henry Martyn Institute & Interfaith Forum-COVA organized Joint Celebration of Festivals Dussehra, Eid ul Adha, and Deepawali on Oct 27, 2014 at Hyderabad and distributed Volunteer Certificates to Peace Activists volunteered at Ganesh Immersion Program.
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COVA-People’s Union for Civic Action And Rights (PUCAAR) organised a Planning meeting for Preparation for Forthcoming GHMC Elections on Oct 26, 2014 at Hyderabad
Condemnation of Brutal Atrocities by ISIS on Minorities in Iraq and Syria
Call for all World Leaders to Stop Growing Conflicts Around the Globe
Press Report
Members of civil society organisations, academics, journalists and concerned citizens of Hyderabad demonstrated against the brutalities and atrocities being perpetrated by ISIS (Islamic State in Syria and Iraq) against Christians, Shias, Kurds, Yazidis and other minorities in Iraq.
It is even more reprehensible that these brutalities are being carried out by misusing the name of Islam and for promoting a narrow sectarian ideology. We urge all people the world over to condemn these inhuman actions unequivocally. We specially call upon all the leaders of Islamic faith to come out openly and in large numbers to denounce the ideology of ISIS and expose the satanic character of their actions.
We express our solidarity with all the victims of the atrocities of ISIS and urge United Nations and all countries to initiate appropriate and immediately action to contain ISIS and ensure full and complete protection of minorities and all other citizens of Iraq and Syria.
We also condemn the foreign policy of America that is totally and directly responsible for promoting elements like ISIS and Taliban for its selfish and limited geopolitical and economic interests that is putting the future of the entire world and humanity at grave risk.
COVA Interfaith Forum Henry Martin Institute IFTU POW
PDSU New democracy TRC India Peace Center (Nagpur)
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Press Report
Cultural Protest against Israel Genocide in Gaza
On 9th August 2014 from 2 to 6 pm at Indira Park, Hyderabad, India
Facilitation: Palestine Solidarity Committee, Telangana and AP
Over 80 political parties, civil society organisations, activist movements, cultural groups, artists associations, concerned citizens and others have come together in Hyderabad to organise a Cultural Protest against Israel’s genocide in Gaza through posters, slogans, paintings, plays, poems, cartoons, book readings, video shows, signature campaign and other cultural and artistic activities to express their condemnation of the inhuman genocide unleashed by Israel on Gaza for the past four weeks and to reiterate their solidarity with the hapless people of Gaza.
Some prominent personalities of Hyderabad who participated in this protest meeting are Mr. Mohammad Ahmad of Palestine, Laxman Aelay (Artist),Anjani Reddy (Artist), Gadar (Balladeer) , Shankar Melkote (Theatre Artist), Dr. Anand Raj Varma (Academic), Vara Vara Rao (Poet), Sandhya (POW), Prof. Rama Melkote, Mohan (Cartoonist), Shankar (Cartoonist), Dr. Mazher Hussain (COVA), Dr. Sudhakar (CPI), M. Srinivas(CPM), Maulana Tariq Quadri, Vimalakka, Poet Vimala, Chandana Chakravarty, Govind Akshay (Poet), Dr. Yoiusuf Azmi, Devi and over 250 other prominent artists and personalities expressed their anguish and condemnation through their art and speeches.
Praja Natya Mandali, Arunodaya, Sanskruthika Samakhia, Bala Mitra Network , Aman Vedika and other cultural groups gave poignant and heartrending performances and hundreds of children and youth expressed themselves through posters and drawings.
An exhibition and sale of all the paintings, cartoons, posters and drawings will be organized by 24th August 2014 and the proceeds will be sent for relief of children of Gaza through the Embassy of Palestine in India.
K. Sajaya
For Palestine Solidarity Committee
Contact- 040-24574527
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Sambandh-2014
Remembering Hiroshima-Nagasaki
To Promote Good Relations between Nations
Annual Competitions for students of schools and colleges
On the theme
Present Conflicts around the World
6th August 2014
Program Report
COVA in collaboration with Jawahar Bal Bhavan and Center for People’s Foreign Policy in South Asia organized 12th Annual event Sambandh-2014 to commemorate the nuclear holocaust of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. The program was sponsored by ELICO Ltd. and had support from ICAN, Youth TRAC and CNDP. A variety of competitions were conducted for students of schools and colleges on 6th August 2014 at Jawahar Bal Bhavan, Public Garden, Hyderabad to sensitise students on the reasons and consequences of conflicts around the world. Under the theme of “Present Conflicts Around The World” children participated in Essay Writing, Elocution, One Act Plays, Slogan and Poster making and Quiz on the topics of: Effects of Conflicts on Common Man; Present Conflicts Around the World; Why there is a Conflict in Iraq? Should Countries Disband Their Armies? Who are Refugees? Situation of Refugees; What Problems Do the Refugees Face? A Day in The Life of A Refugee Family; How can they be helped? Incidence sparking Communal Violence and its effects on people of the locality; Impact of Communal Violence on People and Society; 1200 students from 40 schools and 10 colleges showed their enthusiasm in taking part in these competitions.
The program concluded with valedictory function at Indira Priya Darshini Hall. 180 Participant received prizes and certificates in this function.
Chief Guest Mr. Murat Omeroglu, Consul General, Turkish Consulate Mr. KVSN Raju, President, ELICO Ltd, Ms. Nalini Raghuraman, Political Economy Advisor, British High Commission, Mr. Prem Kumar from Doyen Constructions and Mr. Jean M. Duhaut, Director, Alliance Francios addressing the students appreciated the zeal and enthusiasm of the participants and their expression of commitment to promote peace. The Chief Guest and all the Guests of Honour offered spoke about the different conflicts around the world, its impact on common people specially women and children and the urgent need to promote peace from the local to international levels.
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Donation of Food Boxes to Refugees of Mixed Nationalities Sheltered in Hyderabad By Indialogue Foundation, Kimse Yok Mu Dernegi & Noor Ibrahim Trust
Distribution facilitated by UNHCR Refugees Facilitation Centre, COVA
25th July 2014, – Hyderabad
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Press Statement
By Solidarity Committee for Palestine in Telangana & Andhra Pradesh
To Condemn the Genocide in Gaza
No truck with Israel!
Stop all collaboration and business deals with apartheid regime of Israel
Protest US Support of Israeli War against Innocents
Unite in one voice – India stands in solidarity with Palestine
STOP GENOCIDE IN GAZA
Since the first week of July, Israeli forces have launched a brutal attack on Gaza in which hundreds have died and thousands wounded- a very large number of whom are women and children. Most of Gaza, including hospitals, is now without electricity and water, while the bombs rain down on a helpless population. Once again, Israel shows what it is — a rogue state outside the pale of civilized behavior among nations. Now Israel is following up with a ground attack that is taking an even heavier toll than the air attacks.
This latest attack has to be seen in the context of Israel’s inhuman seven-year blockade that has cut off the life-line of goods and people coming in and out of Gaza, resulting in the severe medical and food shortages. After thousands of homes were destroyed by Israeli attacks, Palestinians were banned from buying cement to rebuild their homes. The sick and injured are still not being allowed to travel outside Gaza for urgent medical treatment.
Israel is able to carry on with impunity despite world- wide condemnation only because of the support and sustenance from the US administration backed and blackmailed by the powerful Jewish business lobby. The US has continually provided deadly weapons, veto and other support in the United Nations. Their friends in the region, primarily Saudi Arabia is also playing a traitorous role against their neighbours, and shamelessly supporting US-Isreali activities in the region.
On 12th July organizations in Palestine gave a call with the appeal and demands that:
“We Palestinians trapped inside the bloodied and besieged Gaza Strip call on conscientious people all over the world to act, protest and intensify the boycotts, divestments and sanctions against Israel until it ends this murderous attack on our people and is held to account.
We call for a final end to the crimes and oppression against us. We call for:
-Arms embargos on Israel, sanctions that would cut off the supply of weapons and military aid from Europe and the United States on which Israel depends to commit such war crimes;
-Suspension of all free trade and bilateral agreements with Israel such as the EU-Israel Association agreement;
-Boycott, divestment and sanctions, as called for by the overwhelming majority of Palestinian civil society in 2005
-Severance of diplomatic ties with Israel
-Trials for war crimes
-Immediate international protection of the civilians of Gaza
We call on you to join the growing international boycott, divestment and sanction campaign to hold this rogue state to account that is proving once again to be so violent and yet so unchallenged.
ACT NOW, before it is too late!”
In India the erstwhile Narasimha Rao government had started the process of turning its back on the cause of the Palestinians whose land has been occupied, a cause which India as part of the non aligned world had earlier always supported. The current government is unwilling to criticize Israel with whom India and some states in the union have many business dealings. India is Israel’s biggest weapons buyer. Telangana government also has an ongoing business relationship with Israel.
No citizen in the world can turn his /her back when there is genocide against an unarmed people by a heavily armed army. We as Indians and as citizens of Telangana cannot be silent spectators. Palestinians need our support. Hence the formation of the broad front called Solidarity Committee for Palestine in Telangana & Andhra Pradesh
We the undersigned demand the following:
That India must
– End the arms trade with Israel
– Stop any trade agreements and investment involving Israel
– Sever all diplomatic ties with Israel until they stop the genocide and the siege of Gaza.
– Protest US support to Israeli aggression
– Extend humanitarian aid to the besieged Palestinian citizens of Gaza
– Stand firmly with the International community which opposes Israeli occupation, and its policy of apartheid
– Support the demand for Israel to be tried for war crimes
– Stop any kind of collaboration or exchange programs
– Support the boycott and disinvestment campaign against Israel
We call upon all peoples organisations in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, including political parties, trade unions, students, social, cultural organisations and concerned citizens to become signatories to support these demands of the Palestinian people.
We, concerned organisations and individuals in Telangana and AP, are coming together in solidarity with the Palestinian people and will organize the following programs in Hyderabad to protest the genocide in Gaza:
– A Protest Rally will be organized from Sundarayya Vigyan Kendram to Indira Park, Hyderabad on Saturday 26th July, from 11.00 am
– Representations will be made to the UN Secretary General, President of USA, President, Prime Minister and Minister for External Affairs, Government of India and the Governor and Chief Minister of Telangana, Chief Minister of AP and other authorities demanding sanctions against and boycott of Israel and Israeli business, exchange programs and diplomatic relations.
– On Aug 10th Cultural Protest against Genocide in Gaza will be organized at Indira Park, Hyderabad from 10 am to 5 pm. There will be exhibitions, display of different art forms, painting by artists, children’s art forms, plays, poetry reading, to express solidarity and also to bring awareness among the people of Hyderabad about the genesis of the conflict and the atrocities being committed against the people of Palestine by Israel for decades.
– Mass emails and communications of all kinds will be directed to the White House, to the President of the USA, protesting US support to Israeli war crimes.
– A Human Chain around necklace road in Hyderabad is being planned, the date for which will be announced shortly.
SOLIDARITY COMMITTEE FOR PALESTINE
(Telangana and AP) Hyderabad
M. Laxmaiah – TVVV M. Srinivas – CPM
Dr. Sudhakar – CPI B. Rama Krishna Raju – AAP
Venkat Reddy – AAP Prof. Rama Melkote – HFT
Mazher Hussain – COVA Meena Rukmini – CRIC
Prof. Kodand Ram V.Sandhya – POW
K. Sajaya – CCC J.L.Goutham Prasad – PDSU
Muneer Mujahid – TKU A.Narender – IFTU
Degala Janardan – AAP BIlal – HRF
P.Sankar – DBF Anjaneyulu – CDS
Aziz Ahmed Khan – AWAAZ Mallesh – CITU
S.Basheer – AILU K.Prabhakar – TRC
G.Anuradha – IFTU Govardhan – CPI
B.Venkanna – ARUNODAYA M.Srinivas – IFTU
M.Hanmesh – CPIM Abdul Sattar – AWAAZ
Amer Akber – IND Ashalatha – RSV
Contacts: M.Laxmiah- 9705566213; Mazher Hussain- 9849178111
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Welcoming the Strangers!
Interfaith Dialogue on Altruism in Religions for Refugees and Migrants
5th July 2014
A Report
COVA in association with Indialogue Foundation, Kimse Yok Mu and UNHCR organised Interfaith Dialogue on Altruism in Religions for Refugees and Migrants on 5th July 2014 at Hotel Fortune Park Vallabha, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. Renowned religious leaders from seven major religions shared teachings of their religions on the subject with the audience. Elite from diverse backgrounds, friends of refugees and refugees from different countries were invited to this program.
Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani started his discourse saying there is close relation of the subject with Islam. He narrated the instances of migration of Prophet Muhammad SAS pbuh and his associates from Mecca to Medina where people of Medina treated them like their family, offered them equal share in their homes, agricultural lands and property as a matter of entitlement and did not treat them as destitute to be offered charity. This is an ideal and unparallel example that the world can emulate in treating not only refugees but all those in need. The need of the hour is to establish peace and without equal rights and justice to all peace will cannot be established.
Bhikku Khemachara in his discourse shared teachings of Lord Buddha and said there are 10 perfections in Buddhism. One of the perfection is to donate something to the needy. This virtue keeps us free from greed. Hence we should share whatever we have with the people in need. He also described beauty of life in multi-religious and multi-cultural society and appealed to share love and kindness with each other.
Shobha kosa said that she is a practitioner in the field for providing help to refugees. “Altruism” means something to be done; to provide help for needy. She quoted reference of Prophet Abraham and Issac who also migrated from one place to another place for search of economic security. She told that “god loves migrates” god commands us to extend hospitality, love and care to foreigner or guest who come to our house or to our State. If only we can imagine ourselves as migrants then we can become empathetic and understand them better. Church is providing help to refugees who have fled from many war affected countries and migrated to other countries. They are providing them with food, accommodation, jobs, teaching in schools and empowering their women and children.
Dr Anand Raj Varma said that there was no concept of refugee in Indian religion. There is concept of”Atithi” – Atithi Deva Bhava (guest is equal to god) is a precept of the Hindu culture. According to him first refugee to India was Vibheeshan, brother of Ravana, from Sri Lanka. And during Qutubshah’s rule when his brother was forced to leave Golconda he went to Vijaynagarm as a refugee and received hospitality, love and care from the rulers of that kingdom. Parsees came to India as refugees. Indians provided them traditional hospitality and space to establish themselves. Now they are world famous industrialists.
Shri Nanak Singh Nishter spoke about altruism in Sikh discipline and cited the practice of Langar in Gurudwaras where everyone without any discrimination is offered food and shelter. Through history, not only refugees, people in need and travelers but even kings including emperor Akber enjoyed the hospitalities of gurudwaras. Sikhism believes in love and care for humanity and the ultimate example of this was exhibited by Bhai Kanhaiya Singh when he offered water and balm not only to the wounded soldiers of his own army but also to the wounded enemy soldiers purely on grounds of compassion and humanity. Paper presented by Shri Nanak Singh Nishtar is attached.
Omim Maneckshaw Debara narrated that Parsees came to India as refugees 900 years ago and landed in Sanjan, Gujarat. He local king Jadav Rana and people welcomed them and offered refuge with the conditions that they would give up arms, speak the local language, wear local dress, have their marriage ceremonies in the evening instead of at mid night(as was their traditional custom) and will not convert locals. The Zoroastrians, who later came to be known as Parsees, accepted all the conditions and still continue to live in India in harmony with their identity intact. As benefactors of local hospitality, they learnt to provide every comfort to anyone who comes to our house. He advised the refugees to respect culture and traditions of the place wherever they go.
Osman Kayaoglu speaking about the philosophy of Maulana Rumi and Fatehullah Gulen said that altrusim is a behavior where benefits to others are provided without expecting anything in return. There should be a passion of giving and not accepting in return. It is the essence of humanity. We feel bad if we hear somewhere a boy is dying because of lack of food, a girl is not getting education because there is no school. This is happening because there is no love and care in that country. We need to change the strategy to change the world; we should concentrate more in our practices rather than on just talk.
Kasturchand Jhabak reached the venue at the concluding point of the program. For want of time he could not speak to the gathering. However, he was welcomed and received on the dais and as a token of gratitude felicitated with a memento along with other speakers.
Dr. Mazher Hussain moderated the program and made a power point presentation on the situation of refugees in the world today and the problems and difficulties by them and initiatives by different agencies including UNHCR and COVA to mitigate their suffering. He stated that there are 51 million refugees in the world today, more than the number of refugees during World War II and ever before in history.
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Summer Mela for Opportunities in Vocational Trainings and Employment- June 2014
COVA and Magic Bus India Foundation in association with ICAN, Youth TRAC and Koshish Theatre Group organized a Summer Mela for Opportunities in Vocational Trainings and Employment along with Valediction of Theatre Training and Social Activism Program program for youth on 21st June 2014, from: 10.00 am to 4.00 pm at Hyderabad.
ICICI Academy for Skills, Australian Retail College, GMR Varalakshmi Foundation, FM Tech Mahindra Foundation, Community Institute of Technology (CIT), Princess Esin Women’s Educational Centre, H.E.H The Nizam & Alladin Technical Institute, Magic Bus India Foundation, SETWIN put up their stalls, gave information to the visiting people on their programs and counselled in training options and employment opportunities. Over 800 people visited the stalls.
The Chief Guest of the program Ms.April Wells, Public Affairs Officer, US Consulate Hyderabad gave valedictory address and appreciated the efforts of COVA and enthusiastic participation of children in Summer Activism as well as theatre training. She said that such programs should emulated by all not only at local level but also at global level to make a change in the society.
Presentation on RTE Act was given by Mr.Rajendra Prasad, from M.V.Foundation and on Citizens Charter by Mr.Mohammed Turab. Dr.Mazher Hussain explained the objective of the programs. School children who participated in Summer Activism gave detailed presentation on Parks and Playgrounds and presented their demands to be taken up with the Government. Koshish Theatre Group performed a play on Right to Education.
Guest of Honour Mr.Arun Arvaind from Magic Bus India Foundation gave a PowerPoint presentation on their activities. Certificates and mementos were given to guests and participants by the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour.
Summer Camp for Social Activism and Theatre for School and College Students: 1st May to 10th June 2014
ICAN-COVA organized a summer camp for social activism for students of schools and colleges during May 2014 at Hyderabad. At the outset Koshish Theatre Group entertained the participants with a hilarious but message giving play “Praja Nahin, Naagrik Hain Hum” on rights of citizens.
COVA and Koshish Theatre Group organised a Free One Month Summer Theatre Training Camp from 1st May 2014 for children and youth between 10 and 35 years. Selected candidates will continue to receive free theatre training twice a week throughout the year by Dr. Gopi Krishna, Doctorate in Theatre Arts and other experts.
Koshish was started 14 years back by COVA and members of the group have performed hundreds of plays on social issues in Hyderabad and other cities of India winning national awards.
Monthly Meeting of Change Activists- April 2014
COVA-PUCAAR organized Meeting on Constitution of Integrated Multipurpose Community Welfare Centers for Change Activists 0n 13th April 2014 at Mini Conference Hall, COVA, Hyderabad.
International Women’s Day Celebrations- March 2014
COVA-UNHCR Refugees Facilitation Centre organized a day long International Women’s Day Celebration on 10th March 2014 at Hyderabad. There will be fun and recreation from 10.00 a.m to 1.00 p.m. Refugee Women and adolescent girls from 9 countries along with local women folk participated together in different competitions.
India Pakistan Culture Connect for Union of Hearts- February 2014
COVA and Centre for People’s Foreign Policy in South Asia In Association with South Asia Partnership, PILER-Pakistan organised India Pakistan Culture Connect For Union of Hearts!!! Kathak, Bharatanatyam and Odissi on Indian and Pakistani Poetry By Tehrik-e-Niswan, Pakistan.
In February 2014, a group of 16 Pakistani Delegates comprising of 8 dancers, 3 actors and 5 activists visited Hyderabad and New Delhi from 10-21 February 2014 as part of India Pakistan Culture Connect for Union of Hearts Program. Their Kathak, Bharatnatyam and Oddisi dances on the poetry of Indian and Pakistani poets like Rabindranath Tagore, Amir Khusro, Faiz Ahmad Faiz and Sarojini Naidu broke many stereo types about Pakistan and Pakistanis with over 5000 people enjoying the performances in 5 auditoriums -Hyderabad University, Osmania University and Ravindra Bharati- in Hyderabad and India Habitat Centre and JNU in New Delhi.
Face to Face Program- February 2014
COVA and ICAN organised a Face To Face Program with Little Citizens on 4th February 2014 from 10.00 am to 01.00 pm at Hyderabad.
50 Students from 20 schools of Hyderabad have been trained by their school teachers and by COVA rigorously on the issues of Child Labour, Junk Food and Garbage. In the past 3 weeks they have undertaken research work including field studies and interviews with different stakeholders to understand these three issues. They have explored the strategies and options for the redressal. These students of classes 8, 9 and 10 from these schools in and around the old city came in large numbers to participate in the face to face with local officials from GHMC and Labour Department.
Monthly Meeting of Change Activists- January 2014
COVA-PUCAAR organized Training Program on Opportunities in Vocational Trainings: Scope For Youth Employment on Sunday, 12th January 2014 at Hyderabad.
Display cum Exhibition of Project Works– December 2013
COVA and ICAN (India Child Action Network) organised a Display cum Exhibition of Project Works on Social Activism by School Students on 24 December 2013 at Hyderabad. 250 students of classes 8th and 9th from 35 schools took part and displayed 130 Project Works undertaken related to issues of Parks and Playgrounds, Garbage Disposal, Junk food, Child Labour and Government hospitals.
Teachers Orientation Programi- December 2013
COVA-ICAN organized Teachers Orientation Program on Preparation of Students for Social Activism on 23rd December 2013, Hyderabad.
Consultation of NGOs of Hyderabad on 18th December 2013 at Hyderabad
Awareness Program on “Understanding Alzheimer/Dementia, Issues of Old Age People: Tips to Care for Elders”- November 2013
COVA and ARDSI in association with PUCAAR and Senior Citizens’ Forum, Shah Ali Banda organized an Awareness Program on “Understanding Alzheimer/Dementia, Issues of Old Age People: Tips to Care for Elders” on 12th November 2013 at Hyderabad.
Monthly Meeting of Change Activists- November 2013
COVA-PUCAAR organized Training Program on Preparing to become Members of Area Sabhas & Ward Committees and Maintaining Accounts for Small Business & Availing Bank Loans on Sunday, 10th November 2013 at Hyderabad.
Joint Celebration of Festivals Dusshera and Eid- October 2013
PUCAAR – Interfaith Forum – COVA organized Training Program on Peace & Conflict Resolution and Joint Celebration of Festivals Dusshera and Eid on Sunday, 20th October 2013 at Hyderabad.
State Level Workshop on “Challenges of Voluntary Organisations in the Changing Scenario”- 18 October, 2013
VANI, New Delhi in Collaboration with Confederation of Voluntary Association (COVA), Hyderabad organized State Level Workshop on “Challenges of Voluntary Organisations in the Changing Scenario” on 18 October, 2013 at Secunderabad.
COVA facilitated Experience Sharing Session on Social, Economic and Political Empowerment of Women for The Civil Servants of Afghanistan on Oct 1, 2013 hosted by MANAGE.
Press Conference for “Condemnation of Terror Attacks- September 2013
Interfaith Forum-COVA organized Press Conference for “Condemnation of Terror Attacks on Church in Peshawar and Westgate Shopping Centre in Nairobi – Demand for Protection of Minorities wherever they are” on Sept 26, 2013
General Health Camp for Refugees- September 2013
UNHCR & COVA in collaboration with Safa Baitul Maal, Hyderabad organized General Health Camp for Refugees on 23rd September 2013 at Hyderabad.
Monthly Meeting of Change Activists- September 2013
COVA-PUCAAR organized Change Activists Monthly Training Program on “Understanding Alzheimer/Dementia, Issues of Old Age People: Tips to Care for Elders” and Welfare Programs of GHMC for Senior Citizens” on Sunday, 8th September 2013 at Hyderabad. Dr. Suvarna Alladi, Neurologist, NIMS & President, ARDSI Hyderabad Chapter and Mr.Mohd Abdul Sattar Khan, General Secretary, Aasraa Central Committee of GHMC were Guest Speakers at the program.
Public Hearing on the issues of deserted Women and Victims of Communal Riots- September 2013
COVA-Kasturba Gandhi Peace Centre, Hyderabad Facilitated Public Hearing on the issues of deserted Women and Victims of Communal Riots before Ms. Shamina Shafiq, Member National Commission for Women, Govt of India on Sept 7, 2013.
Joint Celebration of Festivals Ramzan and Raksha Bandhan- August 2013.
COVA-Interfaith Forum & UNHCR Refugees Facilitation Centre – Joint Celebration of Festivals Ramzan and Raksha Bandhan on 17th August 2013.
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