The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Vijayawada News : To Germany with an atheist message

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jul 23, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Vijayawada

To Germany with an atheist message

By Our Staff Reporter

VIJAYAWADA, JULY 22. A team of youngsters is all set to fly to Berlin on July 27 for a two-week youth exchange programme being sponsored by the Atheist Centre of Germany. Dr. Samaram will head the five-member group representing the Vijayawada unit of the Atheist Centre.

The members selected to represent the local unit of the atheist centre include Hasil, an Intermediate student from Vijayawada, Bhavita, an engineering third year student from Hyderabad, Soni Chandrasekhar of Coimbatore, pursuing a bio-engineering course in Manipal, Hema Krishna from Elur in West Godavari doing his MCA and Olos, a physiotherapist from Vijayawada.

"This should not be mistaken for a pleasure trip. The main objective is to promote the universal concept of Vasudhyva Kutumbakam. Young participants of both the countries would find a perfect platform to exchange their views on cultural, social and most importantly, humanist approach of the associations working for the cause across the country," said G.Vijayam of the Atheist Centre, Vijayawada.

"We don't have to preach about the banes of war to a country like Germany. The young ones are on a mission to spread the message of peace and tranquillity and promote the spirit of fellowship," he added.

Youth carnival

The team members would have an added advantage of being a part of this unique forum on the International Youth Day, scheduled to be celebrated in the first week of August. A youth carnival expected to be attended by some 20,000 youngsters would be the highlight of the event.

"The movement of atheism is gaining momentum across the world. In Germany, about 41 per cent of its population is atheist, according to official statistics. However, the kind of effort put in by them in spreading their ideas is different as they do not have to bother about social security which we lack here. We are forced to concentrate more on career-oriented factors," Mr. Vijayam said.

The team members in Germany would be taken care of by the host families.

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