XISS and EquiVoice Alliance Foundation organize Vinitika Lal Memorial Workshop & Award 2025

Xavier Institute of Social Service, Ranchi in collaboration with EquiVoice Alliance Foundation organized the “Vinitika Lal Memorial Workshop & Award 2025” on the theme “Before the Violence: Recognising and Responding to the Process of Witch-Hunting” at the Fr Michael Van den Bogaert SJ Memorial Auditorium, XISS, Ranchi on 10 March 2026. The workshop aimed to raise awareness about the social issue of witch-hunting and to encourage collective action toward protecting vulnerable communities, particularly women.

The programme began with the inauguration of an exhibition showcasing paintings and pottery work done by the survivors of witch-hunting. The program began with a welcome dance by the women from the community and ceremonial watering of plants, symbolizing harmony and commitment toward social justice. Dr Amar E Tigga, Dean Academics, XISS, delivered the welcome note, highlighting the importance of academic and community collaboration in addressing social injustices such as witch-hunting.

The opening remarks were delivered by Mr Johnson Topno, President of EquiVoice Alliance Foundation, who emphasized the need for community awareness and stronger institutional support to prevent violence related to witch-hunting. Mr Neelesh Kumar Singh, Executive Director, spoke about the mission and initiatives of the organization in addressing the issue and supporting affected communities. The keynote address was delivered by noted social activist Dr Sanjay Basu Mallik, who highlighted the deep-rooted socio-cultural factors that lead to witch-hunting and stressed the need for education, legal awareness, and collective community action to combat the practice.

A panel discussion followed by an open discussion and Q&A session, was moderated by Dr Raj Shree Verma, Associate Professor, Rural Management Programme, XISS. The panel included distinguished speakers such as Mr Akhilesh Kumar Jha, IG-cum-Director, Jharkhand Police Academy, Hazaribagh, Adv Aruna Prakash, Advocate, Jharkhand High Court and Supreme Court Accredited Mediator, Dr Sachi Kumari, Secretary, Chotanagpur Sanskritik Sangh, Mrs Reshma Singh, Master Trainer at Dhwani Foundation, and Reshma Khatun, Community Worker at EquiVoice Alliance Foundation. The discussion focused on recognizing witch-hunting as process driven crime, its causes and about strengthening legal, social, and community responses to prevent such violence. Representatives from different spheres have shared their firsthand experiences with the audience, especially in the context of Jharkhand

The Vinitika Lal Memorial Award was conferred to Shuhavani Devi, Nandani Devi and Pramila Devi who work towards justice and advocacy against witch-hunting. A two-minute silence was also observed in remembrance of women who lost their lives due to witch-hunting. Dr Anant Kumar, Head of Rural Management Programme, faculty members, students and Mr Neelesh Kuamr Singh and team of Equivoice were seen in attendance during the event.

The programme concluded with an encouraging song performed by community workers, followed by the felicitation of the keynote speaker and a vote of thanks, delivered by Mr Sanjay Kumar from EquiVoice Alliance Foundation.

The programme also featured a theatrical performance on witch-hunting managed by EquiVoice Alliance team, highlighting the human impact of the practice and creating awareness among participants.