Student Christian Movement of India

The Student Christian Movement in India (SCMI) provides a platform for students from different socio-cultural, economic, and religious backgrounds to come together and discover for themselves their potentials, skills, and hidden talents; enables students to reaffirm their faith in Jesus Christ through their commitment to helping build a holistic community and society; and enables students to cross the boundaries and barriers of caste, class, and denomination.  Together the students (1) strengthen their Christian Faith through joint study and capacity building activities and (2) address many social issues, including:  human rights, gender issues, privatization of water resources, economic globalization, and inter-faith relations.

Proposed Renovation and Construction

SCMI is in the process of renovating their national headquarters in Bangalore. The SCMI buildings include a conference center, library, national office, hostels and guest rooms, and flats for workers. These have proved to be an important source of income for the movement, providing 60 - 70 perecent of their revenue. The buildings also provide a meeting place for students and other community initiatives.

In addition the SCMI plans to add a Dalit Women's Resource Center to their facility.  The Movement has always been sensitive to the gender issues and is committed to helping bring gender equality and affirming the status of women in the society, particularly in the Church.  Dalits are among the lowest castes in India and Dalit women are doubly discriminated against, because women in general are victims of centuries of social, political, economic, cultural, and religious pressures, and Dalit women are often powerless and exploited - both at home and in the workplace.

The proposed Dalit Women's Resource Center will:

1. Provide resource materials for the studies and research in Dalit Women Issues
2. Provide space for Dalit Women's groups to meet and have small gatherings.
3. Empower women in the patriarchal society.
4. Provide a meeting room to be rented out as practical. The income generated from this project will support programs on Dalit women's issues and also other programs of the SCMI Women's Desk.
5. Empower women/students through effective convergence of existing services, resources, infrastructures.

Renovation expenses include:

Ralla Ram Memorial Building renovation:               $37,500
SCM Program Center renovation                           $60,000
SCM House renovation                                          $37,500
Construction of Dalit Women's Center                   $50,000
Total                                                                      $185,000         

Of the total needed, Global Ministries hopes to contribute $25,000 in years 2007 - 2008, with an emphasis on support for the Dalit Women's Center.

• $40 will help provide resources for the new Dalit Women's Resource Center
• $100 will help furnish the Dalit Women's Resource Center
• $1000 will provide construction materials for the construction and renovation
• $5000 will provide much of the updating of the electrical wiring for the building