Notion of Nation: Indian Republic at Sixty

 On the occasion of celebrating the Sastipoorthy (Sixty years) of Indian Republic on 26th January 2010, it was indeed a matter of great pride and joy for India to celebrate the democratic nationhood within the given parameters of liberty, equality, fraternity, sovereignty and secularism. Sixty years of Indian Republic also coincided with the celebrations of the sixty years of Indian Constitution and the sixty years of ‘Janagana mana…’ as a national anthem, which further strengthened the patriotic spirit of Indiahood among its citizens. Thanks to the contributions of all our great Indian heros and sheros, for their relentless services for the cause of India as a nation and for the proud legacy they have left with.

India as the largest democracy in the world, with an outstanding written Constitution has treaded the path thus far with several ups and downs. After sixty years, an introspection as a nation is required. Have we as India lived up to the values of the nation, which we have been proud of? Have we as India promulgated the values of our Constitution to the generations next? Have we been successful in implementing laws that were written to safeguard its citizens? The list of these questions will keep spiraling, for sixty years as a nation has always been a challenge to live at and live with.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, the architect of Indian Constitution, with his heart for the transformation of Indian society from the clutches of discrimination and oppression was vocal in reminding India what it means to be a nation. As a social philosopher, his commitment to the politics of India remains prophetic and inspiring. At this point, it may not be out of place to recollect the famous words of Dr. Ambedkar said on 26th January 1950 on ‘Are we a Nation?’ Though it has been sixty years since he has said, he comes alive with his words, for his words are challengingly relevant for our times now and here.

Dr. Ambedkar spoke,

“There is no nation of Indians in the real sense of the world, it is yet to be created. In believing we are a nation, we are cherishing a great delusion. How can people divided into thousand of castes be a nation? The sooner we realise that we are not yet a nation, in a social and psychological sense of the world, the better for us.”

Nation Evolves
The idea of nationhood not only has political overtones to it, but also has the social, economic and cultural fabric beguiled to it. According to Ambedkar, the idea of nation is still to be created, which implies that ‘nation’ as such is not static and lethargic, but which is in continuous momentum growing and keeps evolving. Therefore India as a nation is continuously evolving, for there is dynamism in the concept of nation for India. If we are content with the idea of nation, we have been blinding ourselves from the growing realities of our day.

Nation Erupts
He had a strong case at point to argue his idea, the reality of castes in India. People and societies divided into a number of castes and sub-castes cannot make a nation. A nation is one, which is over against divisions of any kind, specially divisions of caste, which is evil and oppressive. Jesus’ prophetic words come handy at this point. For Jesus said “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand" ( Mat 12:25) With the kind of caste hierarchies that exist in India, the divisions caste perpetuate, the discriminations caste flames up, I am afraid can India even become a nation without these divisions and discriminations? Unless caste is completely wiped of, the nation India cannot avoid an eruption, an eruption of revolution for transformation.

Nation Empathizes
Though caste system is an age-old reality in India, unfortunately most of our Indian sociologists have not analysed caste as a factor that determines Indian society today. However when we are re-visiting the notion of nation today, I think it is immanent to realize that caste is the cruelest forms that exist to divide and discriminate people, which makes us India not be a nation in its fullest sense. It is time to overcome caste and all its forms, for only then our sixty years of India as a republic will have its meaning. As responsible citizens of this country we need to empathize with the margninalised, the oppressed, the discriminated and make equality, liberty and fraternity a reality.

At this point, the communiqué of the NCCI on the occasion of India’s sixtieth Republic day, “We the People of India… Missiological imperative for the Church in the seventh decade of Indian Republic” issued by Rev. Asir Ebenezar, the Officiating General Secretary of NCCI found on the link http://www.nccindia.in/resources/view.htm?no=134 deserves immense appreciations. For it has called on the Church in India to work on the collective political activism and to search for new relevant spaces where she can impress on the citizens of India towards a common goal of life to all, with a preferential option to those who are oppressed and marginalized. Institutions like churches should become the channels where issues of political importance are discussed and addressed. Churches should join with other faith based agencies and community based organization to facilitate political activism and strive towards brining a change in our society.

Time is ripe, for us as citizens of India to comply to that fact that we have not made ourselves to be a nation, with the growing divisions in the name of caste, creeds, colour, gender, regions languages etc. At the same time, this is also the time for us to make a pledge to make India truly a nation defeating all the disparities and divisions. When justice is ensured, liberty is lived out, fraternity is affirmed and unity is ascribed, only then India can and will be a nation. On this sixtieth anniversary of Indian Republic, let us make India to become a nation, a nation free from divisions and discriminations, a nation free from dominance and oppression, into that freedom of heaven my Father, let my country awake.

Lets not be Conformed to this world, but lets Transform this our world

Sankramana Kranthi is Sankranthi
As the New Year has dawn, a new season of joy and happiness ushers every mind and thought and life is celebrated. When Christians celebrated the “Epiphany” on the 6th of January, the manifestation of the divine light to the nations far and wide was reaffirmed. The immediate festival that arrives in the New Year and in the Indian sociological calendar is “Sankranthi”, the festival that is celebrated in all splendor and grandeur all across the country by our friends affirming Hindu faith. The Sun’s entry into each house is called “Sankramana” and “Kranthi” means ‘transformation through light’. Therefore “Sankranthi” is the festival that brings in a change and transformation into every house, as the Sun brings in new smiles and cheer to every household.

When our world today is caught up in several chaotic conditions and situations, which are beyond repair and cure, this festival “Sankranthi” is a challenge to bring in a transformation and change into our life situations.

· In the context of rapid climatic changes to our planet earth caused by our human greed and irresponsibility, the festival of “Sankranthi” is a challenge and a chance for safeguarding our planet with care and brings in transformational light into our earth.
· In the context of phenomenal change in the geo-political axis, where the rich continue to become richer and the poor still further poorer, the festival of “Sankranthi” is a challenge and a chance for breaking the inequality and inequity among the rich and the poor and bring in transformational light into our world.
· In the context of vigorous discriminations and oppressions in the name of caste, creed, gender, religion, region etc, the festival of “Sankranthi” is a challenge and a chance to build in just and inclusive communities, where justice will flow down like streams and peace will cover like calm skies above, and bring in a transformational light into our context.
· In the context of fermenting fundamentalism and fanaticism among religions, where enmity, violence and bloodshed have become the norm, the festival of “Sankranthi” is a challenge and a chance to build friendship among religions, commonly addressing the issues of injustices and violation of human rights and bring in a transformational light into our vicinities.

May this season and festival of “Sankranthi” challenge each one of us to become the beacons of light and transformation. May we be enlightened and join hands in lightening our societies, and may we be the change makers bringing in transformation. Enjoy the festival and live for transformation.

Dalit Liberation Sunday -6th December 2009

Dalit Liberation Sunday (DLS) has become an important feature in the calendar of the Indian ecumenical movement as NCCI and CBCI have been observing it jointly for the last three years. The recently concluded General Body meeting of the NCCI has resolved to observe this DLS in their respective constituencies on the 6th December 2009 to sensitize and to call our Churches to become the channels of liberation. The theme for this year is ‘Crossing Boundaries and Building Bridges: Overcoming Prejudices’. We encourage you to use this theme in your congregations and communities to sensitize, to deepen understanding, develop partnerships and challenge all prejudices and discrimination done against Dalits in our country.

The resources for DLS include, ideas for worship, thematic poster and a postcard so that you can circulate the same among your local constituencies in observing this day. You can also access the resources on the given link. http://www.nccindia.in/webapp/news/File/E__Bharath_Dalit-lib-sunday_DLS-09.pdf

Once again may I take this opportunity to request you to observe this Dalit Liberation Sunday in your dioceses, parishes, congregations and other ecumenical networks. Please keep us informed about your observing this Sunday so that we can share the same with the other members of the Council.

Blessings to you as you prepare for the DLS. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need any further assistance in this regard.

Looking forward for your cooperation in observing the Dalit Liberation Sunday 2009. On the 6th December 2009, wherever you are worshipping, kindly take lead to be the voice for the cause of Dalit liberation. Kindly forward this mail to your contacts and friends so that they all can join with us in observing DLS 09.

"A Violent Sight on a Silent Night" - Book Release

It was a defining moment in my life, when my maiden attempt, "A Violent Sight on a Silent Night - Missiological Discourses in the Context of Violence Against Christians" was released by our NCCI President Bishop Taranath Sagar on the 19th October 2009 at Methodist Centre, Mumbai in our NCCI organised third theological conversation among Churches on "Churches as Just and Inclusive Communities."

This book consists of three sections. Proclaiming Witness - Re-readings of the Biblical Texts, Public Witness -Political Reflections and Prophetic Witness - Appeals and Statements from NCCI and other Solidarity messages from Ecumenical Partners. It is a joint publication of NCCI and ISPCK. The book is a compilation of some of my Bible Studies and re-readings of the texts in the context of violence, some of my political writings written as and when the context demanded and the reports and the statements made from NCCI and other friends. This book is dedicated to the Dalit Christian Martyrs of the Kandhamal, Orissa, for it was they who inspired me to pen down the reflections.

I thank God for this endeavour and am also grateful to you for all your encouragement and inspiration. The book has just come out from the press, and once i recieve the copies, i can post you if you require one.

You can check on this link for the cover page.
http://picasaweb.google.co.in/rajpatta/AViolentSightOnASilentNight#

Dr. YSR – A Synergy of Commitment & Courage

A Tribute to Dr. Y. S. Rajashekar Reddy

On a day when global networking sites across the world celebrated the 40th anniversary of invention of Internet, the State of Andhra Pradesh in India, a well known hub of information technology, recorded a black day for the people of the State were shocked by the sudden missing of Chief Minister Dr. Y. S. Rajashekar Reddy on 02.09.2009, who was subsequently found dead in a chopper crash along with four other men on board.

Dr. Yeduguri Sanditi Rajashekar Reddy, more popularly known as YSR has been a tall political statesman, who had won accolades from all sections of the society across the State and the Country for his people-centered governance and pro-poor schemes. Born on 8th July 1949, YSR was a medical doctor by profession and served the community, healing the poor freely through his medical hospital in a small town of Pullivendula of Cuddapah District in Andhra Pradesh. He has never lost an election in his entire three-decade political career, and has always stood for the values and principles he believed in. His Padha Yatra covering about 1400 kms for 64 days at a stretch attracted global attention and paved way to become Chief Minister in 2004. He has contributed remarkably in the fields of agriculture, irrigation, education, minorities, health, women empowerment, etc. what not, you name it, and you have it, Dr. YSR created an indelible impact on the lives of the people in Andhra Pradesh, and has given leadership on all fronts towards development in the State. He was mainly instrumental in UPA government return to power in 2009 by winning 33 seats to Lok Sabha, the highest from any State.

It may not be out of place to mention that the death of Dr. YSR is a great loss to the Minorities in the State, and specially to the Dalit Christian struggle for justice. Just a week before, Dr. YSR moved a resolution in the State Legislative Assembly urging the Center to grant Schedule Caste status to the Christians and Muslims of Dalit origin. He has been constantly lobbying for this cause at the Center, discussed the matter with the Central Law Minister, Minority Affairs Minister and with several other leaders and officials. With Dr. YSR taking a lead to the Dalit Christian struggle for justice, justice to Christians and Muslims of Dalit origin would have been granted at the earliest. He was deeply committed for this cause, and at any cost would have seen the light of justice to Dalit Christians & Dalit Muslims. On seeing his passion for the cause of justice to Dalit Christians, Mr. Franklin Ceasar, the petitioner of the Public Interest Litigation in the Supreme Court seeking justice for Dalit Christians remarked that, “Dr. YSR is truly a man of God, for his fighting spirit for the cause of justice reveals his commitment to the faith he believes and he is a gift of God to the nation.” His other contributions to Dalit Christians in particular within the State include setting up a Finance Corporation for Christians, assigning an Officer for Christian welfare concerns and has been keen in addressing the needs of the minority institutions and schools. He had deep passion for the liberation and transformation of the marginalized and was thriving for their cause day in and day out. Dr. YSR challenged his opponents boldly in calling him casteist favouring one particular caste and community. He has clarified time and again that he did not believe in caste, community, religion and region, and also declared that there were inter-caste marriages within their family.

An exemplary leader, leader with courage, leader with commitment, leader who worked on behalf of the poor and marginalized and a leader with bold vision and charisma, Dr. YSR had truly lived up to his calling as a leader and as Chief Minister of the State. His faith in God was a great asset to him, for he always believed in prayers, be it for rains, be it for governance or on any other matter. He had always requested his people to trust in God for God’s grace and favour. His strength lay in holding together different groups within his party.

As a man of actions, he always had a cheerful disposition and had won the hearts of several people in the State and in the Country though his vision, mission and leadership. His untimely death, at this critical juncture is a great loss to the entire nation in general and to Andhra Pradesh, in particular. He left a void and his demise is an irreparable loss in the polity and governance. May God be with the members of the bereaved family and the people of Andhra, and I pray that God consoles them at this difficult time. Dr. YSR surely is an inspiration to many young people and I hope that his rich political legacy shall be carried forward to the coming generations. Let us all thank God for the life and witness of Dr. YSR, and hope the leaders across party affiliations in the State and in the Country learn from his character and rise up to the occasion in serving the poor and the marginalized. Amar Rahe Dr. YSR Amar Rahe.
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Just one week ago on the 26th August 2009, my last write up on my blog was on Dr. YSR moving a resolution urging Central government to grant SC status to Dalit Christians & Dalit Muslims. Now after a week, with pain had to write a tribute on him. We miss you Dr. YSR.

Andhra Pradesh State Assembly Resolves to Grant Scheduled Caste (SC) Status to Dalit Christians & Dalit Muslims

Observing the gravity of genuineness in the struggle for justice of Dalit Christians and analyzing the deep need to address discrimination done against Dalits, the Andhra Pradesh State Assembly,on the 25th August 2009 adopted a resolution urging the Central Government to extend the benefits of Scheduled Castes (SC) to Christians and Muslims of Dalit origin. The Chief Minister of the State Dr. Y.S. Rajashekar Reddy, moved the resolution seeking the Center to amend the Constitution by granting Scheduled Caste (SC) status to Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims, for they have been facing discrimination like other Dalits. All other political parties in the Assembly, including the Telugu Desam Party, the Praja Rajyam Party, the MIM, and the Communists supported the resolution. The BJP and the Lok Satta party who have two members and one member respectively in the State Assembly objected the resolution.

The sensitivity of the Andhra Pradesh Government towards the struggles of Christians and Muslims of Dalit origin deserve appreciations for such a resolution moved by Dr. Reddy would further pressurize the Central Government to act swiftly and prudently in granting Scheduled Caste (SC) status to Dalit Christians & Dalit Muslims. The struggle for justice by Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims has been a long battle, though several political parties at the Center expressed their deep concern to the cause. Due to lack of political will in taking a decision, justice has been delayed.

Dr. Reddy is the third Chief Minister in India who have moved a resolution in favour of Dalit Christians struggle for justice in a State Assembly. Prior to him, Mr. Laloo Prasad Yadav the former Chief Minister of Bihar was the first one to move a resolution in his State Assembly and later it was Mr. Mulayam Singh Yadav the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh who moved a similar resolution in his State Assembly regarding Dalit Christians. We welcome the move of the Andhra Pradesh State Assembly, and hope that justice is not too far away for Dalit Christians & Dalit Muslims.

These resolutions in the State Assemblies will garnish support for the cause and shall exert pressure on the Central Government to act justly in granting SC status to Dalit Christians & Dalit Muslims. On the sidelines of a Public Interest Litigation hearing in the Supreme Court of India seeking justice for Dalit Christians, and in the light of the recent statement of the Minister of Minorities Mr. Salman Khursheed expressing his willingness to grant SC status to Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims, it is time for us as Churches to intensifying our advocacy and lobbying for this cause.

In the process of our mission as advocacy, the Churches in India are encouraged to exert pressure on their State Governments to move similar resolutions in their States, and also lobby with the local Members of Parliament to amend the Constitution specially the 1950 Presidential Order. The Church leadership in India owns this issue of justice for Dalit Christians & Dalit Muslims and are committed to strive to achieve it. Justice is triumphant, truly it is!



26th August 2009

National Kandhamal Day - Challenges

On 23rd August 2008, when some miscreants killed Swami Lakshamananda Saraswathy, it became the occasion for the fundamentalistic forces to take on the Dalit Christians in Kandhamal, Orissa. From the day after, as the news spread, violence spiraled and several Dalit Christians were massacred, their properties were destroyed, their worshipping places dismantled, their livelihoods were attacked, and those fundamentalists were successful in instilling fear among Dalit Christians. Herewith, I bring out few challenges, as we observe this day commemorating the Kandhamal episode last year.

Interfaith Peace Process
The brutal violence and bloodshed for the last one year in Orissa on Dalit Christians, caused in the name of faith, caste, ethnicity, have not gone out of memories in the minds of people. From 24th August 2008, attacks, assaults, massacres on Dalit Christians began and spiraled all along the months in different forms and scores. Some organizations are observing today as National Kandhamal Day by organizing inter-denominational prayer meeting for peace, healing and reconciliation. Thanks for such gestures by all those organizations, in promoting peace and reconciliation. Appreciations to all those organizing this prayer for peace, which is the need of the hour. My only reticence in observing this day as a Christian event, once again makes us parochial, only sensitive to Christian needs. For the last one-year, we Christians cannot forget the solidarity, support and co-operation we received from all corners of civil society. Several responsible citizens came out in public and marched along with us in the journey and demand for justice. The violence in Kandhamal is not just a regional issue, not just a Christian issue but certainly a national issue concerned to all the citizens of India. The violence that spiraled after Kandhamal had several greater effects on the secular fabric of India and on the ethos of community living in India.

Wipe Away the Pages of August 2008
The conditions of people in Kandhamal, still the survivors of that carnage a year ago, are to be resettled, peace & reconciliation are still a distant dream for them, the memory of violence has not passed a year for them, it seems it had happened only yesterday. How would these survivors of violence observe this day? Probably they may not want to think of Aug 23-24, 2008 any longer in their lives, for those days and days after have completely shattered their lives and livelihood. Most of those surviving children will have to grow with memories of pain and bloodshed of their dear ones. Imagine the impact these acts of violence that would have made on the young minds. Fear, conflicts, violence, assaults, injuries, insults, deaths, destructions etc. will all be part of their memory, I bet can never be forgotten in their life time. On what faith can the parents nurture their children in such a context?

A Call for Social Audit
More than just a memory today, I think on this day, the government, the civil society, the inter-faith organizations and the Churches should take a social audit of their peace engagements for the last one-year. What has been their response to the violence, and how have they been channeling peace and reconciliation? How have been the labyrinths of issues addressed? How effective where their advocacy and solidarity roles? Is peace and reconciliation a possibility through their efforts? What have they achieved in countering violence and establishing peace?

Building Peace Communities
This day calls all of us to build communities of peace in our localities. Let each of us give up our exclusivistic claims, and strive for peace and harmony in our area. The Kandhamal is a challenge for all the responsible citizens to be ambassadors of peace. Never ever give up that peace was defeated, that secularism was defeated, but let the challenge be on us to be the channel of peace, building peace communities, where unity in diversity is affirmed. Let us be truthful to our conscience and make peace a reality.

Saluting the Dalit Christian Martyrs
Today, also calls us to salute the Dalit Christian martyrs of Kandhamal, who have been innocently killed, for the sake of affirming their faith openly and freely. These Dalit Christian martyrs will serve as an inspiration, for they as Dalits chose a faith, which was liberating and chose to practice it in all boldness. These Dalit Christians have been massacred for being Dalit and for being Christian. They have left a legacy of liberation and transformation, which I think will have to be carried by us.

Martyr O Dalit Christian martyr,
Your lives were made a satire,
By those with that saffron attire,
For some are killed by fire,
And some made as pyre,
On whom they had to play their lyre,
Of hatred, vengeance, death entire.

You stand as an inspiration,
your faith withstood the intimidation,
by forces of caste and condemnation.
may we carry your spirit of perspiration,
to keep up your aspiration.

Channels of peace we are called,
when Exclusivism is stalled,
And Inclusivism is installed.