(September 16, 2010) The newly elected head of Conference of Religious India (CRI)
in northeast says helping Religious respond to the challenges of young people in the
region would be her priority. “Unemployment and trafficking are the biggest problems”
young people face in the tribal dominated region, says Sister Milly Fernandes, Ursuline
Provincial and president of the regional unit. The region comprising seven states
remains cut off from the rest of India but for the 20-kilometer wide corridor called
Siliguri neck. Ethnic rivalry, secessionism and underground movements have forced
the region face frequent violence. “We need to make CRI members deeply aware of the
real issues common people face in the region and enable them to meaningfully respond
to it,” said Sr. Fernandes. She said the regional unit would plan a series of meetings,
trainings and workshops to help the 4,000-strong members “understand and be aware
of the issues” of the people. Focus would be to help young people find meaningful
engagement in life. CRI members would be trained to give young people career guidance,
counselling, she said. Moreover, they would also seek the possibility of giving vocational
training and starting self-employment schemes for young people. “Most often young
people look for government jobs, and become disappointed when they don’t get it. That
should not be the case.” She was very confident of the support from diocesan authorities
in the area.