GUWAHATI, March 4 � The Catholic Bishops� Conference of India (CBCI) concluded on Wednesday with an appeal to young India to wake up to its responsibility of ensuring peace and harmony in a country of diverse culture, language and religion.
The CBCI which began from February 24 for its 29th general body meeting at Don Bosco Institute (DBI), Guwahati was attended by around 157 Catholic Bishops of India to reflect over the theme �Youth for Peace and Harmony�.
The CBCI which has pledged its support towards the integral development of the young people, has observed that several factors including globalization has made an impact on the young generation. �Globalization has contributed to an economic resurgence in general and ushered in great opportunities and possibilities. At the same time, it has left large sections of poor and marginalized young people frustrated by contributing to increasing levels of poverty and unemployment.�
The CBCI has pointed out that collapse of the traditional rural economy has caused an agrarian crisis thereby leading to spiritual, cultural and political unrest.
The CBCI on the other hand has also expressed its concern over migration of young people from rural areas to towns and cities in India and abroad, which has often led to exploitation of the young people and more particularly the young women.
Urging upon the young men and women to get involved in issues of human rights and social justice, the CBCI has opined that involvement of young people in Panchayati Raj institutions and other civil administration and governance bodies will bring the desired change in the country.
The CBCI has enjoined the young brigade with sound moral principles to get engaged in various peace movements and enter into politics to build the nation.
It may be mentioned here that the new office bearers of the CBCI were also elected during the meeting with Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Mumbai as its president for a two-year term.
