While some of the SAPI delegates attended the WSF workshops, some others attended the Jesuit organized Ignatian Day at CCFC. The day started with a prayer service leading to the miniature experience of Spiritual Exercises. The call of the King to the frontier mission was brought clearly by Fr.Vaniode S.J. by his sharing on his mission among the indigenous population. We recited and sang together “Take and Receive” and prayer on generosity. Fr. Martino led the group into the exercise based service which gave us a rhythm.  

Twenty ninth of January was an important day for South Asian Peoples’ Initiatives (SAPI) and for the Jesuits of Belem who were attending the World Social Forum (WSF).  There were three programmes on that day organised by the Jesuits.  In the morning the Jesuits of Belem organised a workshop to share the deliberations of the Pre-forum.  At noon SAPI organised a seminar on the Indigenous people and the Dalits and the Jesuits connected with Fe y Alegria had yet another programme on education in the afternoon.  Hence it was a heavy day for the Jesuits who were attending the World Social Forum.

The SAPI delegates left the house at 7.30 A.M. for the scene of world Social Forum in The University Ground situated on the banks of the Contalma Bay. The first day is a day of discovery of the stalls, auditoriums and group activities. The first day of the World Social Forum 2009 was especially dedicated to the cause of Amazonia and has been called “Pan-Amazon Day”. The challenges faced by the indigenous people in Amazon were definitely debated and deliberated in the huge auditoriums of the main campus and also the small halls and workshop venues. 

The activities of the WSF were conducted in two campuses. One in the main university campus known as (Federal University of Para) UFPA and the other in the campus (Federal Rural University of the Amazon) UFRA which houses the departments linked to rural development. Distance between these two campuses is three kilometers. Walking in a beautifully planned UFPA and standing by the side of the bay we could notice the crowds thronging various halls and auditoriums. Many of us also noticed that youth outnumbered others. It was indeed a forum for youth. For many of us it was an educational experience and a cultural shock too. 

Pradeep Tirkey S.J. from Ranchi says, "To me, experiences from talks and faith experiences shared by the Amazonians, African and Asian countries were quite revealing as the cry for Justice was either articulated by affected themselves or those who have committed themselves for the good of indigenous people. Zeal to establish a new society by removing the conspiracy of capitalist society and by challenging the mindset of people who hold capitalist ideas was very touching. During the presentations the need for justice and freedom was powerfully articulated in the form of skits and so on. Participants of the WSF coming from across the globe, forgetting the socio-economic and political differences, particularly people hailing from developed countries like Britain and Japan were ready to understand our problem and challenges were really experience of grace and joy."

Ms. Esther Xess from Chattisgarh says, Pre-forum “Fe Amazonia” –In defense of faith and life was an eye opener for me. As a tribal coming from Jharkhand and working with the struggling masses, I could vibrate with their anguish and suffering. Jesus was walking, accompanying, and journeying with the suffering masses of his time. His life is an example for me to be in solidarity with the struggling masses. Amazonian tribes captivated my heart and led me to see my own people’s suffering as part of the universal suffering of Indigenous people. WSF 2009 is a cry for hope in a New World where Indigenous people will without fear own their land, sustain the resources around them. This hope is celebrated by the Amazonians; their faith is strong and their faith in God of justice will keep them going ahead in their struggle. Our struggle will not stop and being in Jharkhand I shall always be in solidarity with their struggle. Jai Adivasi and viva Amazonia !