The “Human Fraternity Movement for Children” organized its first state convention at the Multipurpose Social Service Society Hall in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, on 15 May 2025. Approximately 80 attendees participated in the event, including students, parents, and teachers.
This movement is inspired by the Human Fraternity Document co-signed by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of al-Azar, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayyeb, which calls upon all people of good will to work toward peace, social harmony, and justice.
The movement focuses on two important points: helping children to understand and respect the beliefs and practices of those who adhere to other religions; upholding the principle of religious freedom.
The initiative began three years ago in Devakottai through the efforts of Rev. Fr. Cyril Antony SJ, the coordinator of the movement, and so far has spread to a network of schools in the southern part of Tamil Nadu, attracting veteran teachers as volunteers to guide the students in this endeavor.
The youth learn about the faith of others by hearing the testimonies and experiences of peers from different religious traditions and by visiting their respective places of worship.
“Our efforts are like sowing seeds of peace in the hearts and minds of children in the context of growing religious hatred being disseminated in India”, Fr. Cyril said during the proceedings.
The state convention was also addressed by Dr. Fr. Victor Edwin SJ, Secretary of the Islamic Studies Association (ISA) at the Vidyajyoti College of Theology and RSC Senior Fellow, who highlighted the urgent need for peace-building initiatives to be promoted across the country.
