“The Gange of rights has its source in the Himalayas of responsibility” doctor Vinu Aram stated during her recent visit to the center of New Families at Grottafferata. With this Indian proverb, doctor Vinu, very well-known in the Hindu world, member of the World Conference of Religions for Peace (WCRP) and director of Shanti Ashram (http://shantiashram.in/), illustrated the ways in which her association operates. It was inspired by the principles of Mahatma Ghandi, and has had a relationship of mutual esteem and collaboration with the Focolare Movement throughout many years.
The stories and experiences that Vinu Aram told witnessed to the fact that even though usually “rights” are associated with “duties”, right and responsibility are the two key concepts that her association bases its innovative and efficient work on in helping infants and young children.
As well as a moment of greeting and joy, it was the occasion for updating each other on the latest developments of our respective Movements. In fact, this year is the 25th anniversary of the founding of Bala Shanti and in 2017, the 50th anniversary of New Families. Our friendship with Vinu Aram has strengthened throughout the years, substantiated by our common commitment to carry out projects of support and development for families and children, in the conviction that in order to build peace we must begin with the little ones. At the present time there are eleven centers of education for young children run by Shanti Ashram with the support of New Families Association onlu (www.afnonlus.org), at Coimbatore and in other cities of India, where young children of needy families can receive an overall education.
The meeting continued with a look towards the future: while we were illustrating the future appointments of New Families (among others the event “Chiara and the family”, at Loppiano on March 11th and 12th, 2017), Vinu encouraged us and promised that representatives from the Shanti Ashram will take part in this and in other scheduled events. She expressed her determination and joy to continue an always stronger collaboration, based on an evident sintony of intentions.
Related article: www.focolare.org/en/news/2012/03/03/india-asili-che-formano-alla-pace
