Guwahati: Sr. Betsy Devasia SCC, the director of Women Development Centre (WDC), Guwahati, Assam, was conferred with 11th International award, ‘Ambassador for Human Rights & Peace 2021’for her contribution to women development in the Northeast region by the International Human Rights Council, Delhi on December 10.
A felicitation programme was organised by the staff and well-wishers of WDC on 13 December at Guwahati Press Club.
Speaking during the felicitation programme, Sr. Betsy said, “I am deeply honoured to accept the award to bring recognition of the work being done by all my friends and associates. Such work is crucial at this moment when countries are speaking in terms of war, when socio- economic inequality is growing. The causes of resentment and unrest are felt; communal tensions are growing and ethnic communities are in conflict prone situations around the whole world. These challenges should be addressed with greater sense of justice. I am happy to dedicate this award to all those who are committed to work with justice among the people, particularly the poor people of North-East India, because this land has made me what I am today.”
“All what I could say is with Mary our Mother “The Lord has done great things” (Lk.1.46-55). I am only a teacher in the footstep of Jesus, and I find joy in my commitment. I could reach out to people due to the support of my Congregation, provincials exceptionally Sr. Annie the present provincial, Bishops of the region, particularly Archbishop Emeritus Thomas Menamparampil, my staff, collaborators, village leaders and Government officials. I thank you your for your support for the cause of our people,” Sister Betsy concluded.
Sr. Betsy belongs to the Congregation of the Sisters of the Cross of Chavanod. The congregation began in a small village of Savoy, in France in the year 1838. The situation created by the French revolution and the industrialization of Europe affected much the socio-economic and political conditions of France. During this period in Chavanod, a devoted person, Claudine Echernier together with Fr. Peter Mermier, the founder of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales, deeply moved by the poverty and illiteracy that prevailed among the poor in the society sought for ways and means to remedy the situation began this congregation. The Sisters of this congregation work in several parts of the world and in Northeast India.
Sr. Betsy was born on July 1, 1947 as the second child of Devasia and Rosamma Pulippara in Kerala. In the year June 5, 1984, she made her final commitment as religious. She has served as a teacher, headmistress, manager and sister in charge of the community .and delegation superior in Northeast.
Women Development Centre, Joypur, Guwahati began in the year 2000, is the Millennium Gift to the Women in North-East India. It was the dream and inspiration of Archbishop Emeritus Thomas Menamparampil to have a training centre for the women of North-East India.
WDC is the social work wing of the Sisters of the Cross of Chavanod Guwahati Province. One of the major thrusts of WDC is to help complete schooling of “school dropped out young girls through NIOS. Over the years it has have helped more than 680 girls from Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Mizoram and Assam, 94% of them passed out, 70% of them have gone for higher studies and are living exemplary lives.
WDC has formed, nurtured and trained 750 WSHGS – around 7000 weavers and have enabled them to link with banks and government services in Assam under the most backward and left-wing extremist districts declared by Government of India in 2012. More than 1000 women in five areas of Joypur Kharghuli are breadwinners of their families. WDC has also trained 330 women leaders from the year 2000 to 2011 from the West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. Their leadership qualities and business skills have helped them to become successful social entrepreneurs. Over the years, the progammes of WDC has reached out to 16 tea garden villages of Jorhat & N Lakhimpur districts of Assam. Altogether 6000 temporary workers are selected to increase their living conditions through alternative livelihood along with the impetus to educate themselves and their children.
Human trafficking is a serious concern. WDC focuses on anti-human trafficking and safe migration. Their efforts are geared to give alternative livelihood to prevent human trafficking. 515 widows and 52 senior unmarried women who have a difficult life in their families are helped in Dibrugarh and Tezpur area. They are enabling them to live a dignified life through skills in candle and broom making. Over 900 physically challenged persons are provided support in Chirang districts. Over 2000 farmers are on the way to food security in Morigaon and Dhemaji.
Congratulations dear sister for your great service to the poorest of the poor. May God be praised.