The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Peace without justice not possible, says World Alliance of YMCAs chief

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Aug 26, 2005

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Peace without justice not possible, says World Alliance of YMCAs chief

Special Correspondent

Members told to achieve Challenge 21 goals

TRACING ITS ROOTS: Prince of Arcot Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali presenting a memento to Caesar Molebatsi, president, World Alliance of YMCAs, at a function held in Chennai on Thursday. Bartholomew Shaha, secretary-general, World Alliance of YMCAs (left) and P.J. Vincent, president, YMCA Madras, look on. — Photo: Vino John

CHENNAI: : "Peace with justice" should be the principle guiding the activities of the Young Men's Christian Association, Caesar Molebatsi, president, World Alliance of YMCAs, said on Thursday.

"This is a very serious call... You cannot have peace without justice," he told a meeting organised here by the YMCA Madras to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the movement.

He called upon the YMCA members to achieve the goals of `Challenge 21,' a vision document for the 21st century prepared by the YMCA after eight years of deliberations.

He said the association had debated where the celebrations should be organised. There was a view that Paris was the right place, as it was there the organisation was founded.

"But then some of us felt that it would be inadequate. Going back to the roots is important. But it has got to reflect what we have become. There are many more legacies around the world as a result of the work of YMCA. There are so many nations where the YMCA exists that have given so much to the world."

All these contributions had to be acknowledged. Hence, part of the celebrations was held in India.

Prince of Arcot Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali, who was the chief guest, lauded the work of the organisation and said with 30 million members, it could do wonders. Members could educate people to live in peace and harmony. Violence was not a solution to anything. "We are human beings first. Then comes religion. I really feel sad that the name of Islam is being targeted today in the world as a religion of terrorism. Islam is not a religion of terrorism... Islam means submission to God... Once we submit ourselves to God, where is the question of violence or bloodshed," he asked.

Bartholomew Shaha, secretary-general, World Alliance of YMCAs, said that the YMCAs across the world were living up to the challenges of today. The ultimate goal of the organisation was to enable the people to grow in spirituality.

Samuel D. Stephens, president, Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs; J. Alexander, president, National Council of YMCAs of India; T. Thomas, general secretary, National Council of YMCAs of India; P.J. Vincent, president, YMCA Madras; and G. Ebinesan, general secretary, YMCA Madras, highlighted the activities of the organisation.

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