The Impact of Globalization on Youth
at ECC
August 29th – 31st, 2011.
Introduction :
The Indian
school of Ecumenical Theology organized a seminar on “The Impact of Globalization on Youth” at ECC from August 29th
– 31st, 2011. Around 35 delegates from different corners of India
participated in the seminar. Delegates represented the states of Gujarat,
Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Kerala, Maharashtra, Nagaland,
Punjab, and West Bengal. Rev. Dr. Reji Samuel, Dean of the ISET welcomed the
delegates. In his speech, he briefly defined what Globalization is all about
quoting from some of the prominent personalities. It was followed by the
inaugural address made by Rev. J. R. Paul Singh, Acting Director of ECC. In his
address, he laid the positive and negative aspects of globalization, and the
challenges that the Indian Youth confront in their day to day life. He also made
a remark about how globalization affects the traditional, culture, and value
systems. He dealt with the changes in value systems related to sex, identity
crisis, rise in youth crime & social hegemony. Then Rev. Polson Chitranjan
briefly introduced the work & function of ECC.
Session 1 :
The seminar began with the key note
address by Rev. Dr. K C Abraham on ‘Understanding
Globalization’ which was moderated by Rev. Polson Chitranjan. He mainly
emphasized on how globalization functions, its impact in all realms of life,
making use of the opportunity it offers for our development. The impact of
globalization on cultural invasion, ecological crisis and ethical challenges
were highlighted and concluded by saying that there is a need for people-friendly
markets, commitment to otherness, concern for justice and commitment to nature.
Session 2 :
The second session was led by Rev. Dr.
Sham P. Thomas on the topic ‘Globalization
& Media’. This session was moderated by Mr. Prathish George M. The
session revolved around 3 major aspects:
1. What Globalization is and its dialectical connection with media.
2. The three perspectives of media (Utopian, Dystopian and
Critical/Prophetic )
3. Challenges and possibilities
Rev. Dr. Sham emphasized that we should
not runaway or jump into the band wagon of Globalization rather we should look
at globalization with a critical and creative approach by initiating media
literacy.
Session 3 :
The third session was moderated by Rev. Dr.
Swami Raju, where the resource person Dr. H. Chhungi explained about the ‘Changing attitude to spirituality/Religion’.
She began by elaborating the changes and impacts in the society because of
globalization in different areas like education, employment, IT and BPO sectors
and in Cultural aspects. All these changes have also played negative effects in
the family, the society and in the spiritual life of people. As a solution to
this condition, she emphasized that everyone has the freedom to choose the good
and the bad and need not move as the whole world is moving.
Session 4 :
This session dealt
with ‘Globalization: Youth Leadership’.
Dr. Neherujin initiated the session by giving primary importance to the
“Leader”. He elaborated on the qualities that a leader should possess. A leader
has to always keep in mind—the task, the team, and the individuals s/he is
leading. This session was moderated by Mr. Temsuyanger.
Session 5 :
Mr. Saju Kurien
took a dynamic session on ‘Globalization
and Technology: Impact on Youth’. The base of the session was the two
fundamental qualities of integrity and humility that any leader must have in
them while moving towards impacting the youth. He concluded by laying four
absolute standards of (Absolute Purity, Absolute Honesty, Absolute
Unselfishness, and Absolute Love,) in order to attain the basic qualities. He
also emphasized that when individuals change the society will also change
accordingly. This session was moderated by Mr. Ravi.
Session 6:
‘Rural youth: Challenge of Globalization’ was moderated by Ms. Hemeema James in which Mr. Noble Miller was
the main speaker, who led an interactive session. He explained the negative and positive impacts
of globalization on rural youths. The rural youth should be equipped to be
competent and not hesitant or resist globalization, for their upliftment. It
should be our responsibility to create awareness and opportunities by thinking
beyond boundaries.
The tradition
that ECC followed in celebrating most of the festivals of India irrespective of
religions included the delegates to celebrate the festival of Id. Maulana Abdul
Aleem Kazmi, priest of the Whitefield was the chief guest of the celebration.
Session 7 :
Fr. Dr. Shaji K, DVK, .
dealt with a burning issue bearing the title understanding of sexuality in a
globalized world. This session was moderated by Rev. Shaji Baby. The drastic
change in the perception of sex over the recent decades was an aspect of
fascination. The rising emphasis of individualism and the consumerist attitude
are the highlights that globalization brought forth.
Cultural Program
The second day
ended with a light note by conducting a cultural program by the participants
and the members, especially the children of the ECC community. The children
beautifully presented choreography,
The third day
commenced with an Eco-friendly worship led by Rev. Shaji Baby. The highlight of
the devotion was “in giving there is life and in sharing there is joy.” The worship
was followed by a symbolic act of planting a sapling as part of our commitment
to Nature.
Session 8:
Mr. K. C. Raghu
took a very informative session on Globalization, Consumerism, and Food Habits.
He elaborated on the snares and dangers of the globalized markets. The
manipulation of media and technology towards consumerism and unhealthy eating
habits were also emphasized. This session was moderated by Rev. Dr. Reji
Samuel.
Seminar Statement
We as
participants of this seminar, acknowledge that:
1.
Globalization is here to stay
2.
Creative and Critical approach
to globalization is vital
3.
Snares and Dangers of
Globalization
As a result of
the sessions and discussions, we are challenged to:
1.
Critically analyze and
creatively respond to the rise of globalization and be agents of change from
the individual to the society
2.
Enlighten and empower the
victims of globalization by making them literate about globalization and media
3.
Preserving and sustaining cultural
values and traditions rather than yielding to consumerist culture
Drafting
Committee:
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