Summer Universities, World Conventions, Refresher Seminars, Awards

Celebrating initiatives of bridging the world and formation

Networking, respect for all irrespective of all differences, exposures, encounters with realities, cultures and lives, acquiring better world perspectives, knowledge and wisdom

The Summer University was held in Bangladesh in October 2006. I was responsible, along with others, on behalf of Bangladesh press association and the World Organisation to organize the program. I had confidence after the experience of organizing the international refresher program held in 2004. We were not sure whether the participants would be able to come as expected. After the destruction of the Twin Tower in USA, the security became a big issue. I took it up with our executive committee and Episcopal Commission for Social Communication about hosting the programme. Though the members were in favour, still the concern about security and country’s political situation remained a big issue. Finally, we sought advice of our Archbishop Paulinus Costa. He encouraged and told us to go ahead. The secretary general was also supportive and encouraged us.

We were progressing with the preparation. First, the programme was planned to begin on 22 September. But on September 21 around noontime, deputy director of special branch of Police called me that he wants to talk to me about the programme and foreign journalists coming to our country. With next few minutes he showed up in my office at the college and told me not to have the program as scheduled. Previously, the foreign ministry of our Government asked me to submit the list of participants. We went to the ministry and submitted the list and explained aims and objectives of the programme. Soon after he left, police from three departments came and suggested to change the date. We agreed to have it about a month later. We proceeded with the new date and changed the venue. Due to this, some participants were already on the way had to make new arrangements and the Bangladesh High Commission cancelled visa of two participants. They wanted very much to come.

In the meantime, the secretary general visited us as he was for an important meeting in a neighbouring country. The network co-ordinator had a ticket attached with a visit to Kolkatta in India. The visit of secretary general and co-ordinator encouraged us to go ahead with the program. Finally, the participants arrived on October 21 and a highly useful study and exposure programme was realised in different regions in spite of all obstacles. It helped share valuable experiences.

Here we were about to enter into deeper relationship with the participants. The participants were very friendly and eager to learn and see. My concern was how we could build a community that would be considered as a greater family friendship. Participants and organizers really experienced the warmth of deep friendship that is very rare in international program as such. After coming to this point, the program became very pleasant and all were concerned for each other.

I feel very happy as I recall the program of the Summer University 2006. First of all, I was able to fulfil my commitment to the World Organisation and my dream of having the program. Despite the entire uncertainty and country’s unstable risky atmosphere we were able to have the program. The most memorable thing that I experienced is the good spirit of the young journalists, fearlessness, friendship and concern for the poor and neglected. I believe, with their experience here, they will be able to work more courageously for promotion of human rights, truth, justice and freedom. Let us be united with one mind and heart to build relationship to promote quality of life with brotherhood and sharing.