ANNUAL GENERAL BODY MEETING 2023

Date:24.11.2023 -26.11.2023

Venue: PROGGALOY, Pastoral & Development Centre of the Archdiocese of Calcutta.

Report of the 13th AGM.

The day began with the morning prayer conducted by Karnataka region at 6.30 am in the chapel of PROGGALOY, Pastoral & Development Centre of the Archdiocese of Calcutta. The Inaugural Holy Eucharistic celebration, presided over by – Most. Rev. Shyamol Boss- Bishop of Bariupur, Calcutta at 7. Am gave a grand start to the 13th AGM of Amrat. Thanks to the north East region who animated the liturgy. The Inaugural session commenced at 9. am in the conference hall, moderated by Sr. Vimala Paul AC, and Sr. Sherly Joseph FMM. Prayer dance of FMA Postulants and a Amrat short prayer led by the West Bengal region invoked the blessings on the 185 sisters and the dignitaries of the day, Bishop Shyamol, Fr. Issac, Dr. P.M Nair IPS (Rtd),

Sr. Jyoti Pinto BS, Sr. Meera RGS President, Ms. Angela representative of Arise, Sr. Seli SMI W.B Regional Coordinator, Fr. Robin, Director of the Pastoral centre. The Inaugural Lamp was ceremoniously lit by the dignitaries after which Sr. Theresiamma Philip introduced Most Rev. Bishop Shyamol, and Sr. Meera RGS felicitated him with a shawl and a garland. Sr Seli SMI introduced and Sr. Judy felicitated Dr. PM Nair, Sr. Beena Thomas CM introduced and Sr. Vimala Paul felicitated Fr. Issac SJ. Sr. Lavina Crasta BS introduced and Sr. Dhanam felicitated Fr. Robin Sr. Sherly Thomas FMM introduced and Sr. Arthi Roba felicitated Ms. Angela, Sr. Philo Manimala felicitated Sr. Jyothi BS, Sr. Sinthiya felicitated Sr. Meera.

Sr. Meera Rgs the President of Amrat, in her welcome address briefed about the history and purpose of Amrat. Further she threw a challenge to the participants and

the religious in India, to take a stand on Prevention, protection, and Rehabilitation of Victims of Modern - Day - Slavery, Human Trafficking. Most. Rev. Bishop Shyamol Bose in His inaugural speech, enlightened the group on the background, reasons, target group, and the purpose driven agenda for the trafficking in persons.

In his Keynote address Fr. Issac SJ appreciated the initiatives and rescue operations taken up by Amrat members in India. Citing the example of Jesuit migrant network in India and their interventions to prevent the intensity of the issue Fr. Isaac urged the members to work for the dignity of the victims and build resilience in them.

Ms. Angela ensured that the Arise Foundation will continue to support Amrat

members by raising funds in-order to capacitate and create a world without slavery.

The Inaugural session ended with a vote of thanks by Sr. Crina followed by a group photo and tea break.

At. 11 am, Mr. PM Nair’s input session on an in-depth search for practical dynamism to combat Human Trafficking in the context of India today gave practical ideas and

good knowledge as he shared many of his rescue operations and work with victims. All admired his expertise and vast knowledge which revealed many facts and hidden realities in the world of trafficking. He used his authority along with his strong willpower to save many lives. Like him we too are invited to go beyond the normal frameworks and act in times of need. As Pope Francis says, He set our hearts on fire, and feet on the move". Sr. Neeta Lopez–Fdcc applauding his courage invited the gathering to salute him while she proposed a vote of thanks. After this we disbursed for lunch break at 1.30 pm.

Post lunch session began at 2.30 pm Ms. Angela and the team from ARISE Foundation briefed on their institute with their approach and the strategic plan of the foundation in 2024- 2026, while working to prevent slavery and human

trafficking in some of the worst areas in the world. The main thrust of the foundation is to capacitate the local groups and their network by grant giving, training, mentoring, research applications, and advice. The time was allotted for the sharing of the trainers and the trainees on the opportunities laid in the year 2022 to capacitate the members. The session ended by filling out the review and suggestion document provided by Arise.

After the tea break, region wise action plan for the year 2024 was discussed at the places allotted for the groups. The day was called off through the review and thanksgiving prayer led by the North region during the evening adoration. we were grateful to Sr Arpan BS for judiciously moderating the whole day.

Day: 2, Date: 25th November 2023

The second day began with prayer led by Tamil Nadu Region, The Eucharist was celebrated by Rev. Fr Isaac SJ. and the Gujarat region accompanied the liturgy meaningfully.

With a Hymn to the holy spirit at 8.45 am, Sr Vimala Paul AC, the day’s moderator called on all the members to begin the day with hope and whole hearted participation. The secretaries of the day, Srs. Mary Kumary JMJ, Asha Paul CHF, Cecily Joseph FC presented the proceedings of the previous day which were accepted by the participants.

The resource person of the day Rev Fr Isaac SJ took over the session, quoting Fr. General Artus Sosa SJ. Who said “Networking makes the mission more effective. So, if we work together to attain the whole human person and the society which we live we can dream together and that dream becomes a reality when we network. He posed before us a thought-provoking question what is network? He cited the example of the 8 social centres of Gujarat Jesuits who were doing good work individually, but when they came to the realization that the need of the hour was to listen to the cry of the people. This shaped their difference and enabled them to work locally and globally.

His talk dealt mostly on different aspects of network like types of networks, (formal and informal), structure of workshop, social networks. Importance of communication in network, creativity and innovation, membership, participation and discernment, as well as diversity of structures. Further he said that the web of relationships develops on a personal base and interest, which can be used to obtain and exchange resources and services.

He stressed the importance for the governing structure as AMRAT is a body oriented to a mission that should guide the narrative. FINANCE contribution to be voluntary not compulsory. Respecting each one’s identity, we come on board for issues and know how to get around it. We must become aware of the dynamics that takes place in a network.

After the tea break, Sr. Vimala called upon Sr. Meera the President to take up the session. She briefly narrated about AMRAT Network, its mission, vision identity and role. The AMRAT brochure was distributed to the members in order to give better clarity about AMRAT. She also gave clarity to the questions raised by the floor. Called to action document was printed out and distributed to the Regional Coordinators. Talitha Kum Training Manual was also printed out and given the same to every participant. AMRAT aims at Prevention of human trafficking, Protection, Rescue and empowering those in need through adequate job-oriented Rehabilitation program, building strong partnership and networking processes with likeminded Organisations focussing on Restoring persons to life in Dignity, Leaving no one behind.

Fr. Isaac continued on the importance of capacity building of the sisters (TOT). This idea brought some confusion among the members, like ARISE Foundation ‘s assistance in capacity building and Conrad Hilton Foundation who has graciously stepped in to strengthen AMRAT Talitha Kum India, functioning through the Conference of Religious Women India that we may reach out to many sisters and Congregations at a larger level with awareness and information that we all of us together work towards ending Human Trafficking. The interactions of Sr. Meera and Ms. Angela brought more clarity.

Continuation of Fr. Issac’s session was explained about the network process across India. Stating the facts of 1,20,000 sisters from 282 congregations in India with 780 Provinces are present in 120 dioceses. Our presence is in the areas of source states, transit states and destination states of human trafficking. The purpose of the project is to enlighten the religious women in the network in Pan India level. PAN stands for “Presence Across Nation” -therefore, operating totally across the nation of India. Amrat Talitha Kum India -Nepal aims at this and hence it is a growing Network with quality and strength with Integrity.

To fulfil the above, he presented us with a Project Management table.

1. To hosting national regional convening’s for 500 (50x 100).

2. To provide psycho – social support to 100 sisters in a year,

3. To create awareness among 20000 women religious in India.

   
   

After the tea break the President Sr. Meera RGS, began the 13th AGBM.

The National Secretary Sr. Princy Mariadasan Fdcc, presented the report of the 12th National Convention cum AGBM of 2022 held at Pilar Spirituality Centre, Goa from the 20th – 23rd November. Report was proposed to pass by Sr Judy Varghese BS and seconded by Sr Marie Angela.

There after the National report was presented by Sr Princy and it was proposed by Sr Anna Maria BS and seconded by Sr Arati Rabha FMA. After this Sr. Vimala AC the moderator, called upon Sr Theresa Mascarenhas SCB for moderating the session on the regional reporting. She invited the regional coordinators as per the list below to present the reports as the new shoots of Huge Amrat tree will know and learn from each other.

Sr. Judy Varghese BS	Kerala Region
Sr. Leena D’Costa BS	Karnataka region
Sr. Vincy VT FDCC	Andhra Pradesh & Telangana
Sr. Isabel FMA	Tamil Nadu / Pondicherry
Sr. Myra Handmaids of Christ	Goa region
Sr. Mary Sabita BS	Eastern region
Sr. Cecily FC	Gujarat region
Sr. Sunita BS	North East region
Sr. Sagaya Mary – Sisters of charity of St. Anne	Maharashtra region
Sr. Asha Paul –Holy Family	Northern region
Sr. Seli SMI	West Bengal region
Sr. Kamla RGS	Nepal

Sr. Meera RGS then presented to us the - Journeying Together towards the TK General Assembly 2024, questions for listening, gatherings from the grassroot experience and to get the feedback. The assembly dispersed in regional groups to discuss the above.

The executive Body then met for an evaluation and planning for the next day.

At 7.00pm the participants gathered in the Chapel for thanksgiving adoration as the Eastern Region led the prayer.

Day3: 26.11.2023

The day commenced with the Morning Prayer organized by Kerala Region at 6 after which a procession from the gate to the Chapel was taken, marking the feast of Christ the King. Rev. Fr. Isaac officiated the Holy Eucharist while the Goa Region assisted the liturgy.

After a group photo and breakfast, the 3rd day’s session began at 8:30 am, facilitated by Sr. Isabella, FMA. Sr. Isabella invoked God's blessings on the assembly, and the previous day’s recap was presented by the secretaries Srs. Sherly Joseph, FMM, Lovita D’Souza FDCC, and Leena D’Costa BS. Srs. Vimala and Celin highlighted missing points, and the moderator praised the secretaries. Sr. Meera, the President, invited Sr. Beena to present the financial statement for the year- 2023.

After the presentation of the local and FC accounts, the assembly requested for the clarification on the closing date of the New Delhi account. Sr. Arpan responded that it was operated by her as she was president earlier. Since she was transferred and Sr. Meera became president the amount is transferred to the current president’s account. With this clarity the financial statement was proposed by Sr. Dhanam and seconded by Sr. Olivia, thus it attained unanimous approval from the assembly.

The President thanked Sr. Beena for obtaining FCRA. Sr. Judy Varghese BS moderated the action plan presented by the regional coordinators as per the list below.

1. Kerala - Sr. Regina Lukose

2. Karnataka - Sr. Helen Moras

3. Tamil Nadu & Pondicherry - Sr. Isabella

4. Andhra/Telangana - Sr. Vincy

5. Goa - Sr. Vanaja

6. Eastern - Sr. Sabitha

7. Gujarat - Sr. Ciliy Joseph

8. North East - Sr. Mavis

9. Maharashtra - Sr. Saghaya Mary

10. Northern - Sr. Monica

11. West Bengal - Sr. Seli.

Sr. Judy Varghese BS thanked the coordinators, and Sr. Isabella thanked Sr. Judy for her facilitation. Sr. Beena requested travel details for travel allowance and invited participants for a group photo before the tea break at 9:50 am since the earlier one was not clear.

After the tea break at 10 am, the participants recited the preamble to mark the Constitution Day. Sr. Jyoti Pinto BS, enquired about those staying after the seminar to arrange for their requirements. Fr. Isaac's session at 10:40 am focused on self-judgment, AMART planning, and project execution details. Fr. Isaac emphasized FCRA compliance, proper billing with GST, and regional coordinators’ responsibilities. Sr. Jyoti BS, clarified on personal accounts, and Fr. Isaac highlighted sending bills to St Xavier Social Service Society. Regional coordinators' roles were specified, and Sr. Jyoti announced FCRA maintenance training in regions. Requirements, including participant’s lists, proper invoicing, and documentation, were outlined. Sr. Hema Hilda proposed vote of thanks to Fr. Isaac SJ. After this the executive members were introduced on stage. Sr. Arpan discussed AMRAT bylaws, deciding on Trust registration. Membership fees, eligibility, and executive members’ roles were explained.

Sr. Meera suggested Rajasthan or Lucknow for the next AGM venue, considering Diwali holidays. Sr. Meera also proposed as there was requests from few of the regional coordinators to have change of coordinators, hence, it was suggested to have elections and choose the coordinators according to the constitution and the bye-laws of Amrat Talitha Kum India. Sr. Selli was honoured for anti-human trafficking efforts, and Sr. Selli received an award for significant contributions in West Bengal. Sr. Isabella thanked Sr. Jyoti and Sr. Meera for the felicitation. Sr. Beena evaluated the AGBM by distributing the questionnaires highlighting strengths, improvements, and suggestions for future AGMs.

Sr. Meera listed executive members for regional support. Sr. Princy Mariadasan the National Secretary of Talitha Kum India delivered a general vote of thanks, appreciating all contributors. Thus, the AGBM was concluded with a prayer conducted by Andhra region.

After the sumptuous lunch the sisters dispersed.

Sr. Meera RGS

President

Sr. Princy FDCC

Secretary

Sr. Meera Mathew RGS

Sr.Princy Mariadasan Fdcc