72nd SCMNEI Regional Camp cum SCMI Centenary Thanksgiving Service at Aizawl,

SCM North East India held its annual regional workcamp from 15^th – 17^th October 2012. The program opened with a word of welcome by Principal Rev. Dr. Vanlalchhuanawma (Principal ATC Unit) followed by greeting message from Dr. A .J Anandan (Honorary Treasurer SCMI) and the welcome function ended with a brief orientation of the programme by Mr. Shalom Lalditsak Ralsun (Programme Secretary SCM NEI)

Ms. Sharon Runlel (Secretary SCMNEI) and her team led in the ice  breaking which made the programme meaningful and interesting with the presentation of skit, magic and various games. 

On 16^th the morning Bible Study was led by Rev. Dr.V. S. Lalrinawma (Senior Advisor SCMI ATC Unit) reflecting on the theme ’God the Liberator’ after hearing the word of God from the Biblical Text from Gen.28,John 4,Exd 3:10-12, Exd.6:6-8 and Isaiah 59:1-2 with a challenging reflection based on the story of the Israelites’ from the Egyptian bondage. He also state that Liberation is not only a divine effort but also include human effort. The goal of Liberation in life is freedom and redemption from oppression. It is God who used human as instrument for liberating his chosen people. He also compared Pharaoh’s oppression as the elite and rich oppressive people of today’ context, Israelite as the poor, oppressed, alienated and powerless Dalit, tribal etc. also challenged the congregation by stating that the people of God should have the conviction to liberate the oppressed and the poor . He mention some issue facing today in North East India like the ethnic violence, individualism, consumerism and globalization, drug addiction, HIV/AIDS and ecological crisis.

16^th Oct there was paper presentation on the theme “Economic Justice” which was presided by Mr. Isaac Lallawmkima (President SCM ATC Unit) after reading Biblical Text from Amos 5:24 a short prayer was invited from the resources person.

Rev. Dr. K.Lallawmzuala  (Associate Professor ATC Unit) introducing what is economic Justice  also discuss issue from global context, Indian Context and North East tribal  context concluding  it with vision and mission for the present generation. Digging out the problem faced by the present economic order the presenter suggests few possible directions for fighting economic injustices; philosophy of sharing, nature friendly lifestyle and tribal socio-ethnical principle

Discussion: some of the important concerned raised during the time of discussion are:

1. Root cause of economic injustice in India

2. How to practice economic justice; an example from Mizo society

3. If a person is poor because of laziness and negligence, can we call it as a justice issue?

4. Tribal’s was not selling land before, but the present day tribal sell land and lands seem to be the main issue.

5. It is really possible to have development without economic injustice?

Reflection/Response:

Human nature is in just; we are self centred because of this a system of injustice automatically comes out. The sinful nature of human being could be the root cause of economic injustice everywhere. It is not that we should all be equal, but one should consider each particular context and situation.

From the statement “Development is a better equality of life” it is clear that development of a better society and minimizing economic injustice is possible. Complete and perfect equal distribution of economy may not be possible here on earth but could be pursued and realised in the process.

 After this response the moderator invited the Chairperson Bishop Dr. Geevarghese Mor Coorilos (SCMI) to share a few word and the paper presentation session was concluded with the word of prayer from Ms Sharon Runlel(student secretary SCMNEI).

Later another session started which was moderated by Mr. Nicky Lalremmawia. With the reading the Bible from Psalm 84 and a short prayer the session started with a paper presentation from Rev. Rosiamliana Tochhawng (Lecturer ATC). Rev. Rosiamliana started with a brief introduction and experiences in SCM and shared his thought about Economic justice explain the issue , responses that can be taken, safeguards measures can be made as a Christian today.

Discussion: Why should we stop drinking soft drink? Clarification from justice perspective

Will knowing and claiming our economic justice will really bring justice?

Response: Coco-cola Company came in India with a privilege of giving employment to 1000 unemployed youth but the real sense never was achieved. The North East India even do not know our provision and privileges from the central government due to our ignorance all this fund and privileges were issued by the bureaucrat’s central India. We need empowerment and enlightenment. So claiming what is due and claiming for justice

Economic justice is a challenging issue in our today context and it is faith issue. If we are asked to present about spirituality, prayer etc there are 10 sermons each, but to preach economic justice is a challenges. After a brief discussion and responses from the students the seminar was concluded with the Lord Prayer.

On 16^th evening the SCM NEI region observed the SCMI centenary thanksgiving programme at Sandy hall which was led by by Mr. Banteilang (Honorary Treasurer SCM NEI) followed by a short speech from Rev.Raj Bharath Patta (Gen. Secretary SCMI) and Centenary greeting from Bishop Dr. Geevarghese Mor Coorilos (Chairperson SCMI). Songs and skits by the participants added more glamour and meaning to the celebration. And the programme concluded with a prayer from Mr. Rosiamliana Tochhawng Senior friend SCMI ATC unit

     After the formal programme ATC unit of SCM prepared a Bonfire which was lighted by the General Secretary SCMI as a mark of witnessing the Centenary year of SCMI by the SCM NEI region in a tribal way of celebration.

SCM NEI is indeed glad to announce that the 73^rd annual Camp will be hosted by Union Christian College Barapani, Meghalaya

Shalom L Ralsun

Program Secretary, SCM NEI