BREAK-IN AND BURGLARY AT ‘PRASHANT’, HUMAN RIGHTS CENTRE, AHMEDABAD (A Statement by Fr. Cedric Prakash sj)

BREAK-IN AND BURGLARY AT ‘PRASHANT’, HUMAN RIGHTS CENTRE, AHMEDABAD

(A Statement by Fr. Cedric Prakash sj)

Prashant          A  Centre  for  Human  Rights, Justice  and  Peace

                                          Hill Nagar, Near Saffron Hotel, Drive-in Road, Ahmedabad – 380 052

                                                  Tel.:  +91 (079)  66522333,   2745 5913  .   Fax :   +91 (079)  2748 9018

                                      Mobile: 9824034536 .  e-mail : sjprashant@gmail.com    .   www.humanrightsindia.in

BREAK-IN AND BURGLARY AT ‘PRASHANT’, HUMAN RIGHTS CENTRE, AHMEDABAD

(A Statement by Fr. Cedric Prakash sj)

On the night of October 7^th / 8^th, 2014, there was a break-in and burglary at ‘PRASHANT’, our Centre for Human Rights, Justice and Peace in Ahmedabad.

On October 6^th and 7^th 2014, I was in Bombay to participate in some important meetings and programmes. I returned to Ahmedabad by a very early Ahmedabad flight and as is customary, I first went to the office building of ‘PRASHANT’ before going to my residence which is just behind on the same campus.  I opened the Centre, went into my cabin and was about to start the computer, when I realized that my desktop computer was missing! I was rather alarmed when I simultaneously noticed that the back door of our Centre (which is adjacent to my cabin) was broken open with a bed sheet just lying on the steps below. I called my Jesuit companions and telephoned some of my office colleagues immediately and also called the police emergency number 100 to register a complaint.

In a matter of minutes, the police arrived and they were there for most of the day till almost 4.30 pm.  In between, they had called in the dog squad, the forensic and the finger-print experts. Besides, the routine inquiry was done with me and with my colleagues.  An FIR dated 8^th October 2014 No. 290/14 was filed at the Ghatlodia Police Station, Ahmedabad under sections 457 and 380 of IPC.

So what was stolen was my desktop PC, the hard disk and my keyboard with all connections to them meticulously cut; besides, another cable of the internet provider which was serving our other computers was also cut and stolen.  The intruders seemed to have moved around in several places of the office (some footprints evidence this) but were careful not to have disturbed / upset anything; besides, nothing else seemed to have been taken away though there was some cash (in a drawer which was opened) which could have easily tempted an ordinary burglar.

What is obvious that what took place in ‘PRASHANT’ on the night of 7^th / 8^th October was no ordinary theft! It was meticulously planned and executed apparently by professionals or with the help of some. The sole aim was obviously to get the data which was on my PC. It is common knowledge that since we are a Centre for Human Rights Justice and Peace, we have been taking an unequivocal stand on human rights and justice very specially on critical issues affecting the minorities, the poor and the marginalized of Gujarat.

It is anyone’s guess at this stage of who is / are the brains behind this break-in! One thing is amply clear that human rights defenders and those who stand up for truth and justice are in for difficult times in the days to come.

We will however, continue to be relentless in our struggle – whatever the obstacles, whatever the intimidations, harassments and other difficulties. We are convinced that truth and justice will ultimately triumph!

(Kindly note: We had no intention to go to the media on this; but since last night some media have been calling us – since they seem to have received news of this incident from some “police source”;  that is why this statement.)

14^th October, 2014

Fr. Cedric Prakash sj

Director

An open letter to all you ABCD Modi-maniacs out there --by Anu Anand Hall

---

An open letter to all you ABCD Modi-maniacs out there

--

(please click on the link below & read the comments posted & the
response from the writer of the blog. All very interesting)

An open letter to all you ABCD Modi-maniacs out there

http://sacredcows.typepad.com/weblog/2014/10/an-open-letter-to-all-you-abcd-modi-maniacs-out-there.html
- by Anu Anand Hall

My parents voted for Barack Obama, presumably because like so many
immigrants in America, they see the Democrats as more inclusive than
the Christian-right-dominated, overwhelmingly white Republican Party.

Yet, as nostalgic and devout Hindus who left for the US forty years
ago, my parents are also huge supporters of India’s new prime minister
Narendra Modi, a Hindu-nationalist whose epic efficiency was suddenly
and notably absent when it came to mobs butchering more than a
thousand Muslims in his home state of Gujarat in 2002.

He was banned from visiting the US for a decade due to the horrific
religious violence unleashed under his watch.

I was a cub BBC reporter at the time and door-stepped Mr. Modi in
Ahmedabad as he gathered with other senior BJP leaders to discuss
matters.

I’d just interviewed a Muslim man who’d been set on fire by a mob. He
lay in a simple concrete hut covered in second degree burns in soaring
temperatures, clearly suffering, but too afraid to get to a hospital.

Pregnant women had been disembowelled that fortnight. A senior Muslim
Congress leader had been torn to pieces in public, his multiple calls
to the police and authorities mysteriously ignored.

I showed Mr. Modi the photo of the burnt man on my boxy digital camera
– his skin had become a tight pink mask devoid of hair – and asked the
then chief minister what he would say to him.

Mr. Modi showed no emotion or concern. He simply stated that medical
care was being provided, a fact not evident in the make-shift shelters
for those who’d been violently hounded from their homes.

The site of the same Mr. Modi this week in Madison Square Garden was
quite a contrast from those ugly post-riot days. He was quite the
charmer, championing everyone and everything from toilets, to trade to
Hugh Jackman (?!?)

For me, the sight of adulating Indian-American audiences was far more
surprising and disappointing than seeing Mr. Modi basking in his
newfound global limelight.
It’s not that I don’t want him to succeed in remaking India. Anyone

who can transform this country of 1.2 billion people into a cleaner,
more educated, less corrupt and more equitable place obviously
deserves support.

But the unquestioning – and in some cases – naked religious and ethnic
loyalty shown by Indians in the US is, at best, rank hypocrisy.

How can anyone support the politics of inclusion in the US, while
excusing and even embracing a party and a leader whose power has been
built on exclusion and violence in India? How many Modi-maniacs also
supported the BJP's efforts to send bricks with the name of the
Hindu-god Ram on them to Ayodhya to build a temple on the ruins of a
demolished mosque?

And before you excuse the BJP by pointing to the sins of the
opposition Congress party, itself adept at corruption, violence and
division, let me just say that I’d be writing a not dissimilar post if
the same display of pseudo-patriotism had been trotted out for a
Congress leader.

My point is that Indian Americans ought to look beyond the fig-leaf of
their own economic and academic achievements, beyond language,
religious and caste loyalties to ask how much Mr. Modi mirrors their
own prejudices and moral short-comings?

Frankly, I think the adoration of Mr. Modi by NRIs comes from the fact
that he so perfectly mirrors their duplicity. In public, he preaches
accountability and inclusiveness while privately condoning the
re-writing of textbooks to reflect a Hindu hegemony on history. He
champions social media as a sign of his own engagement, but is
mysteriously silent on current instances of communal violence and the
imprisonment of those who criticize him.

He is, in short, so familiar to NRIs, who have thrived in America
precisely because of equal rights and a certain blindness to ethnicity
and religion... a situation which ironically gives them the right to
practice an absentee fascism when it comes to their home country.

My fellow Indian Americans, if you really do want Mr. Modi (in spite
of his dubious past) to succeed in transforming India to something
more than a global snake charmer, the land of color and stink, then
you’ll have to look into the darkest recesses of your own caste
loyalties and religious divisions.

Stop sending your kids to garba and bhangra nights and instead learn
to discuss with them Ambedkar, Arya Samaj and the guy who killed
Mahatma Gandhi. Take a class in Urdu poetry... and read about
Partition. Maybe take in a UNDP report or two on toilets and caste.

That’s India too.

Like every other tribe or nation on earth which aspires to greatness,
you’ll have to hold not only your self-appointed economic and cultural
messiah, Mr. Modi, to account. You’ll have to hold your own beliefs to
account and decide if you really do stand for transformation.

I know it was really cool to see a Desi in Madison Square Garden, the
UN and the White House, but more than waving the tricolor, cheering
floodlit Hollywood stars, or even applauding joint op-eds in the
Washington Post, the thing that might really begin to transform India
is a willingness to embrace reality.

anu anand hall

Anu Anand Hall is a reporter based in New Delhi, India. She was born
in Kashmir, but grew up in a motel in Tennessee. Her career in
journalism started at United Press International in Delhi, where she
earned one rupee per word. She broke both American and Indian taboos
when she married an Englishman, who arrived at their wedding on an
elephant.

After discovering (to her delight and dismay) that the British do not
speak American English, Anu joined the BBC World Service, hoping to
polish up her language skills. She particularly enjoyed having her
pronunciation of words such as 'aluminum', 'laboratory' and 'tomato'
corrected by her British colleagues. She's now escaped back to India
with her husband, Tarquin Hall, who apart from needing a tan, is the
successful author of the Vish Puri mysteries; and her toddler son,
Maurya, for whom she has already arranged a marriage.

When not blogging, reporting, travelling or mommy-ing, Anu escapes to
Kashmir - where she was born; and America - where she grew up, as
often as possible.

__._,_.___

The TIMES ARE DARK INDEED!

Pope Francis: Charity in truth is the basis for peace (October 2nd 2014)

Pope Francis: Charity in truth is the basis for peace

53

 

 

80

 

Print

2014-10-02 Vatican Radio

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Thursday met with participants of the Plenary assembly of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. 

Listen to Christopher Wells' report:

In his address, the Holy Father noted the Plenary assembly coincides with the fifth anniversary of Benedict XVI’s encyclical Caritas in veritate, which Pope Francis called “a foundational document for the evangelization of the social sphere.”

Caritas in veritate, the Pope said, drew attention “to the benefits, but also the dangers of globalization.” Pope Francis highlighted the issue of the exploitation of labour markets, as well as the growth of poverty and inequality. Referring to his own encyclical, Evangelii gaudium, Pope Francis pointed out “three basic instruments for the social inclusion of those most in need: education, access to health care, and work for all.”

The Holy Father said “it is necessary to keep alive concern for the poor and social justice,” which must involve the sharing of the riches that are produced and “the universalization of free markets in the service of families;” as well as “the redistribution of sovereignty, both on the national and supra-national levels.”

Caritas in veritate also addressed other current social issues, including environmental concerns, and especially the link between “environmental ecology and human ecology.”

The principles of Caritas in veritate, the Pope said, are extremely relevant today: “A truth-filled love is,” he said, “is the basis on which to build the peace that today is especially desired and necessary for the good of all.”

Below, please find Vatican Radio’s translation of the complete text of the Pope’s remarks:

I greet you with affection and I thank Cardinal Peter Turkson for the words with which he has introduced this meeting. Your Plenary coincides with the fifth anniversary of the Encyclical Caritas in veritate. [It is] a foundational document for the evangelization of the social sphere, which offers precious indications for the presence of Catholics in society, in institutions, in the economy, in finance and in politics. Caritas in veritate has drawn attention to the benefits, but also to the dangers of globalization, when it is not oriented to the good of the people. If globalization has greatly increased the aggregate wealth of the whole and of several individual states, it has also exacerbated the gaps between different social groups, creating new inequalities and poverty in those countries considered to be the richest.

One of the aspects of today’s economic system is the exploitation of international disequilibrium in labor costs, which relies on billions of people living on less than two dollars a day. Such an imbalance not only does not respect the dignity of those who supply the cheap labor, but it destroys sources of employment in those regions where it is more protected. This raises the problem of creating mechanisms for the protection of labor rights and the environment, in the presence of a growing consumerist ideology, which does not show responsibility in the confrontation between the cities and the created world.

The growth of inequality and poverty threaten inclusive and participatory democracy, which always presupposes an economy and a market that does not exclude [people] and which are equitable. It deals, then, with overcoming the structural causes of inequality and poverty. In the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii gaudium I wanted to point out three basic instruments for the social inclusion of those most in need: education, access to health care, and work for all (cf. n. 192).

In other words, the State of social rights – and, in particular, the fundamental right to work – is not to be dismantled. This cannot be considered a variable dependent upon the financial and monetary markets. It is a fundamental good with respect to dignity (cf. ibid.), the formation of a family, and the realization of the common good and of peace. Education and employment, access to welfare for all (cf. ibid, 205), are key elements for the development and the fair distribution of goods; for the achievement of social justice; for belonging to society (see ibid, 53) and participating freely and responsibly in political life, understood as the management of the res publica. Visions that claim to increase profitability, at the cost of the restriction of the labor market that creates new excluded [people], do not conform to an economy at the service of humanity and the common good, to an inclusive and participatory democracy.

Another problem arises from the persistent imbalance between economic sectors, between salaries, commercial banks and banks of speculation, between institutions and global problems: it is necessary to keep alive the concern for the poor and social justice (cf. Evangelii gaudium, 201). It requires, on the one hand, deep reforms that provide for the redistribution of the wealth that is produced, and the universalization of free markets in the service of families; and on the other, redistribution of sovereignty, both on the national and the supranational level.

Caritas in veritate also encouraged us to look at current social questions such as environmental questions. In particular, it highlighted the link between environmental ecology and human ecology, between the first and the ethics of life.

The principle of Caritas in veritate is extremely topical. A truth-filled love is, in fact, the basis on which to build the peace that today is especially desired and necessary for the good of all. It allows one to overcome dangerous fanaticisms, conflicts for the possession of resources, migrations of biblical proportions, the enduring wounds of hunger and poverty, human trafficking, injustice, and social and economic disparities, imbalance in collective goods.

Dear brothers and sisters, the Church is always on a  journey, seeking new ways to proclaim the Gospel, even in the social field. I thank you for your efforts in this area, and in entrusting you to the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I ask you to pray for me, and I bless you from the heart.  

(from Vatican Radio)

          Share

We pray today that TRUTH , JUSTICE & GOODNESS TRIUMPH!!! (October 3rd 2014)

Asatoma Sat Gamaya
Tamasoma Jyotir Gamaya
Mrityorma Anritam Gamaya 

Lead me from the unreal to the Real
Lead me from the darkness to the Light
Lead me from the temporary to the Eternal 

                                  - Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 

Mr. Modi must read ‘Report of the Task Force on Waste to Energy (In the context of Integrated MSW Management)’ and ‘Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index’ (CEPI) Report of 2009, 2011 & 2013 of CPCB.

Mr. Modi must read ‘Report of the Task Force on Waste to Energy (In the context of Integrated MSW Management)’ and ‘Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index’ (CEPI) Report of 2009, 2011 & 2013 of CPCB.

Rohit Prajapati

rohit.prajapati@gmail.com, 0265-2320399

2 October 2014

Mr. Modi launched the “Swachh Bharat Mission” on 2 October 2014 and in his message on his website, he says, “A clean India is the best tribute we can pay to Bapu when we celebrate his 150th birth anniversary in 2019. […] Today, I appeal to everyone, particularly political and religious leadership, mayors, sarpanchs and captains of industry to plan and wholeheartedly engage in the task of cleaning your homes, work places, villages, cities and surroundings.”[1]

I want to remind Mr. Modi that earlier as the  Chief Minister of Gujarat,  Mr. Narendra Modi had also launched similar campaign 'Nirmal Gujarat - 2007'[2]and made tall claims during that campaign. But reality is best seen in Ahmedabad at illegal solid waste dumping site, the ‘Gyaspur-Pirana Dumping Site’ – a Waste Mountain near Sabarmati River adjacent to the main road.

Mr. Modi should know the basic facts as revealed in the ‘Report of the Task Force on Waste to Energy’ dated 12 May 2014 by the Planning Commission of India. This report states “As per CPCB report 2012 - 13 municipal areas in the country generate 1,33,760 metric tonnes per day of MSW, of which only 91,152 TPD waste is collected and 25,884 TPD treated.”[3]

The report further states “Further, if the current 62 million tonnes annual generation of MSW continues to be dumped without treatment; it will need 3,40,000 cubic meter of landfill space everyday (1240 hectare per year). Considering the projected waste generation of 165 million tonnes by 2031, the requirement of land for setting up landfill for 20 years (considering 10 meter high waste pile) could be as high as 66 thousand hectares of precious land, which our country cannot afford to waste.”[4]

Mr. Modi, things are not as simple as you say. This waste generation figure covers only 31.15% population of India. Considering the waste generation figures of all of India, these figures will be even more daunting. The Planning Commission (which Mr. Modi wishes to abolish) of India’s report further states “A study, of the status of implementation of the MSW Rules 2000 by the mandated deadline by the States, was carried out in class 1 cities of the country. It revealed that in 128 cities except for street sweeping and transportation, compliance was less than 50% and in respect of disposal compliance was a dismal 1.4 %.”[5] What about the government’s major roll in policy making for the reduction of waste and implementation of ‘The Municipal Solid Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules 2000’? Your track record in the implementation of these rules in the Gujarat is worst.

The consistent follow up by the pollution-affected people, people’s organisations and NGOs regarding the increasing pollution levels in the industrial areas of India forced the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the State Pollution Control Board in 1989 to initiate the process of indexing the critically polluted areas. At that time 24 industrial areas, including Vapi, Ankleshwar, Ludhiana, were declared ‘critically polluted’. In 2009 the CPCB and IIT-Delhi, in consistence with the demands of the people’s organisation’s working on environmental issues decided to use a new method of ‘indexing the pollution levels’ of these areas, which is now known as the ‘Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index’ (CEPI). The CEPI includes air, water, land pollution and health risks to the people living in the area. However, our demand has been to include the health of the workers, productivity of land and quality of food / agriculture produce in the index since the presence of high levels of chemicals and heavy metals in food produce has severe health implications. This is affecting not only people living around the industrial area but anyone consuming it – hence not restricting the impact to the particular industrial area.

In December 2009 the CEPI of 88 polluted industrial clusters was measured; it was then that the CPCB and the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) of Government of India were forced to declare 43 of those as ‘critically polluted clusters’ and another 32 industrial areas as ‘severely polluted clusters’.[6] Following this study the MoEF on 13 January 2010 was forced to issue a moratorium (prohibition on opening new industries and/or increasing the production capacity of the existing industries) on the 43 critically polluted areas.  Similar reports were prepared by CPCB in 2011 and 2013 but these reports are completely ignored by past government and also by Modi Government.

As the very first step after assuming power as the PM, Instead of improving the environment of these 88 industrial clusters and taking the remedial measure in these area for clean up after moving to the Capital, Mr. Modi Government instead started lifting  of the moratorium of industrial cluster like Ghaziabad (UP), Indore (M.P.), Jharsuguda (Orissa), Ludhiana (Punjab), Panipat (Haryana), Patancheru – Bollaram (A.P.), Singrauli (UP & MP) and Vapi (Gujarat) as a first order of business on 10 June 2014. Mr. Modi, Vapi’s track records demand more ‘stringent action’ against the polluting industries of Vapi & concerned officers of Gujarat Pollution Control Board and definitely not lifting of moratorium from Vapi.[7] The murky politics and economics of ‘GDP growth’ continue to prevail over the cause of ‘life and livelihood’ of ordinary people and ‘environment & conservation.

In 2009, the Ankleswar’s industrial area, with 88.50 CEPI, topped the list of ‘critically polluted areas’ of India.

In 2011 and 2013, Vapi industrial area, with CEPI of 85.31, topped this list.

Thus Gujarat is able to top in 2009 in ‘critically polluted areas’ in India and continues to maintain its position in 2011 & 2013.

The Government of Gujarat deliberately ignored to comment or engages ever on these issues.

Mr. Modi what about the clean up of these industrial clusters of India? Do you have any plan to clean up this CRITICALLY and SEVERELY POLLUTED INDUSTRIAL CLUSTERS OF INDIA?

_______________________

---

[1] http://inbministry.blogspot.in/p/canvas.html

[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2iXFAIOtVo

[3] Report of the Task Force on Waste to Energy (Volume II) (In the context of Integrated MSW Management) - http://planningcommission.nic.in/reports/genrep/rep_wte1205.pdf

[4] Report of the Task Force on Waste to Energy (Volume II) (In the context of Integrated MSW Management) - http://planningcommission.nic.in/reports/genrep/rep_wte1205.pdf

[5] Report of the Task Force on Waste to Energy (Volume II) (In the context of Integrated MSW Management) - http://planningcommission.nic.in/reports/genrep/rep_wte1205.pdf

[6] As per the agreed upon measures, industrial areas with a CEPI of 70 and above are considered ‘critically polluted’ areas while those with a CEPI between 60-70 are considered ‘severely polluted’ areas. In our opinion, those industrial areas with CEPI between 40-60 ought to be labelled as ‘polluted areas’.

[7] The Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar decision to lift the moratorium of 8 critically polluted clusters of the country is inexplicable. The ministry took the decision on June 10 2014 but announced it publicly on July 24 2014 – Rohit Prajapati - http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/industrys-behest

 

__________________________________________________________________

Rohit Prajapati / Trupti Shah 
37, Patrakar Colony, Tandalja Road, 
Post-Akota, Vadodara - 390 020
GUJARAT, INDIA
Phone No. (O) + 91 - 265 - 2320399
Email No: rohit.prajapati@gmail.com
____________________________________________________________________

‘CONSECRATED LIFE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE DOMINICAN SPIRITUALITY’

 

‘CONSECRATED LIFE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE 

OF THE DOMINICAN SPIRITUALITY’

-Fr. Cedric Prakash sj*

Dear Sisters, Brothers,

It is good to be here today and to celebrate the inaugural Eucharist of your Dominican Family Convention on the theme ‘Consecrated Life from the perspective of the Dominican spirituality’. With so many of you from different parts of India present here, it surely is a proud moment for the entire Dominican family and also for those of us who live in Gujarat and feel very privileged to welcome you.

The Eucharist I believe, is the most appropriate way by which you can begin your Convention. The breaking of the word and the breaking of the bread is a fitting dynamic I believe, for deeper reflection and introspection and for deeper commitment in the world in which we live.

I am not sure whether any Jesuit can claim any expertise on Dominican spirituality. But one thing is clear that for centuries the Dominicans have been instrumental in spreading the Rosary and emphasizing the Catholic belief in the power of the Rosary which led Pope Pius XI to state that “the Rosary of Mary is the principle and foundation on which the very order of St. Dominic rest for making perfect the lives of its members and obtaining the salvation of others.” It is fitting therefore your Convention begins just as the Universal Church begins the month of the holy Rosary.

And what better day can there be then October 2^nd, the day on which we in India celebrate the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and of course in doing so, also his twin doctrine of ‘Satyagraha’ and ‘Ahimsa’. As a fitting tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, the United Nations observes today as ‘the International Day of Non-Violence.’ An invitation to each one of us to be the Lord’s instrument of peace in a world which is fragmented because of conflicts and violence!

Above all, we are gathered around this Eucharistic table when the Church celebrates the feast of our Guardian Angels. In the first reading from the book of Exodus, we heard those soothing words “I send an angel before you to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place which I have prepared. Give heed to him and listen to his voice” and in the Gospel of St. Mathew, Jesus categorically states that “unless you become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of Heaven; whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven.”

It is also symbolic that in a couple of days from now, several Bishops and others gather in Rome will begin the extraordinary Synod on the ‘Family’ and finally in keeping with your deliberations, on the first Sunday of Advent, the Church will launch the ‘Year of Consecrated Life’ with the theme “WAKE UP THE WORLD.”

So in more ways than one, this family Convention of yours given the multi-dimensional framework will provide you with new challenges. Hopefully, you will have a roadmap and be able to cultivate both the attitude and the commitment to walk the talk necessary for a consecrated life and from the perspective of your Dominican spirituality.

In keeping with the manifold grandeur of today, I suggest that you use the symbol of the SHIP for your proceedings ahead. The SHIP could be your representation of Noah’s ark by which Yahweh God protects and preserves his people. The SHIP could also be that little boat rocked by the storm in which Jesus insists that his disciples have faith and remain fearless. The SHIP is also an acronym for Spirituality, Humility, Inclusiveness and Peace representing each dimension of today - your Convention, the Gospel on the children (on today’s feast), the Synod on the family and ultimately the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

The SHIP above all is a call to each one of you consecrated people to venture on the ocean of life challenged by the words of Pope Francis when he says: “Today’s religious men and women need to be prophetic, “capable of waking up the world,” of showing they are a special breed who “have something to say” to the world today. The church must be attractive. Wake up the world! Be witnesses of a different way of doing things, acting, living! (Show) It’s possible to live differently in this world.”

Yes, the time to wake up is now! May this Dominican Family Convention truly be a time of deep renewal, fraternal joy and enhanced commitment for each one of you!

May the Guardian Angels continue to protect you, accompany you and bring you to the place which the Lord has prepared for you!  May St. Dominic continue to intercede for each one of you! AMEN.

(This is the homily delivered at the inaugural Mass of the Dominican Family Convention held at the Shrine of the Mother of Forsaken, Vadodara, Gujarat on October 2^nd, 2014)

(* Fr. Cedric Prakash SJ is the Director of PRASHANT, the Ahmedabad-based Jesuit Centre for Human Rights, Justice and Peace)

Address: PRASHANT, Hill Nagar, Near Saffron Hotel, Drive-in Road, Ahmedabad-380052

Phone: (079) 27455913, 66522333 Fax: (079) 27489018  Cell: 9824034536
Email: cedricprakash@gmail.com / sjprashant@gmail.com     www.humanrightsindia.in

Do not leave the elderly behind: Promote a society for all!

Do not leave the elderly behind: Promote a society for all!

-Fr. Cedric Prakash sj*

Today October 1^st is once again the day on which the United Nations reminds us to recognize the contributions of older persons and to examine the issues that affect their lives. In a message for this year’s ‘International Day of Older Persons’ on the theme ‘Leaving No One Behind: Promoting a Society for All’,  the Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon says, “older persons make wide-ranging contributions to economic and social development. However, discrimination and social exclusion persist.  We must overcome this bias in order to ensure a socially and economically active, secure and healthy ageing population.”

If we look around, it is blatantly obvious that as society ‘develops’ materially, we tend to neglect the old more and more. There are of course several contributory factors to this: the traditional joint family in most cases is a thing of the past; unlike yesteryears, a fairly large percentage of married couples prefer having just one or two children; apart from the family going nuclear, in growing percentages, both parents work full-time outside the home; above all, with the advancement of technology and the invasion of the ‘idiot box’ into the sacred domain of the family, family members have less and less time for each other and much less for the elderly.

It is therefore not without reason, we see the growth of ‘homes for the aged’; if one can afford them, some children are all too happy to “dispatch” their parents to such homes.  There is also another reality: when the elderly really have no one and it is they who opt to go to one of these homes to be cared for in their twilight years.  The painful reality is that in several parts of India, old people are just sent out of the homes which were once their own and left to hunger and die on the streets of very lonely cities. A case-in-point is ‘Shanti Nilaya’ in Ahmedabad where the Missionaries of Charity (Mother Teresa Sisters) care for 180 dying and destitute men picked from the streets of Ahmedabad and most of them very elderly.

Pope Francis has condemned the practice of leaving the elderly in such homes for the aged, calling it as a form of ‘hidden euthanasia’. At a special Mass which he celebrated in Rome on Sunday 28^th September for the elderly (particularly grandparents) he praised the values of the older generation to society and their enormous - indeed indispensable - contribution that they make, most importantly in their conservation of hard-earned wisdom and experience.  “There are times," said Pope Francis, "when generations of young people, for complex historical and cultural reasons, feel a deeper need to be independent from their parents, 'breaking free', as it were, from the legacy of the older generation. Nevertheless, if the meeting of generations is lost and not re-established, and a "new and fruitful intergenerational equilibrium is [not] restored, the inevitable result will be, serious impoverishment for everyone, and the freedom which prevails in society is actually a false freedom, which almost always becomes a form of authoritarianism."

So as we celebrate the elderly in our homes and society, let us pledge today to listen, to learn and to love them as never before.  Let us ensure, above all, that we do not leave our elderly behind: but we promote a society for all!

1^st October, 2014

(* Fr. Cedric Prakash SJ is the Director of PRASHANT, the Ahmedabad-based Jesuit Centre for Human Rights, Justice and Peace)

Address: PRASHANT, Hill Nagar, Near Saffron Hotel, Drive-in Road, Ahmedabad-380052                                         Phone: (079) 27455913, 66522333 Fax: (079) 27489018  Cell: 9824034536
Email: cedricprakash@gmail.com / sjprashant@gmail.com     www.humanrightsindia.in