Saher
Diversity is the only common thread across all of us. Let us celebrate it everyday so that PEACE does not merely become the absence of war…confined to ghettoes of the mind.
Bala’s story
Bala, living in a Hindu dominated settlement held up a paper bag he had just made out of newspapers. “I plan to use this to carry my Karate uniform instead of the plastic bags I’ve been carrying so far”. The lanky 19 year old was part of a group of around 40 young boys and girls from Hindu and Muslim communities engaged in understanding issues related to environment and sustainable development. They went for a camp at an organic farm in Panchgani, returned to script a street play on the hazards of using plastic and their efforts culminated in a campaign on “Volunteering for Our Planet” on 5th December 2009. Now, Bala has his closest friends among Muslims and is a regular volunteer SAHER’s Community Centre.
Saima’s story
Saima, an 18 year old from Tolani college says “I used to think that Hindus and Muslims must live within their own distinct communities. After working together with people from different communities when I volunteered for the Sports Meet made me realize that it’s much more fun to know different people and their views. I feel comfortable with everyone”. Saima has been a part of the youth and active citizenship programme as a volunteer in events organized by SAHER and has participated in sessions on identity and diversity, diversity rally, camp on sustainable development and discussions on community work.
