In the guidelines of the Episcopal Conference intended for thousands of educational realities sponsored by the Church, some gestures are suggested to promote respect for all religions, including reciting the preamble of the fundamental law every morning. Monsignor Gonsalves told : “We want to help rediscover justice, fraternity and equality as fundamental values of the country”
New Delhi () – The Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) issued new directives to all educational institutions under its jurisdiction, inviting them to promote respect for all religions without imposing Christian traditions on students of other religions. He suggests making students recite the Preamble of the Indian Constitution every morning and display it at the entrance of each institution. And it also calls for a separate “interfaith prayer room” (Sarvadharma Prarthanalay) within the school.
The Catholic Church in India is responsible for approximately 14,000 schools, 650 colleges, seven universities, five medical colleges and 450 technical and vocational training institutes. “The 13-page document with guidelines and instructions was published last week – explains Mons. Elías Gonsalves, president of the Department of Culture and Education of the CBCI -. It was prepared by the Culture and Education Commission, as in previous years. But this time it has been formulated keeping in mind the upcoming political elections in India.”
Last February in Bangalore, during the 36th plenary session of the CBCI, the bishops debated the current scenario of the country, marked by growing development but also by increasing poverty. “There was also talk of the growing discord in the context of the religious fabric of the country – recalls Mgr. Gonsalves – that is why in our institutions, which serve people of all religions, it has been proposed that students recite the preamble of the Constitution when they gather before classes begin. This text – which states the characteristics and objectives of India as a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic Republic – perfectly summarizes the essence of the country's fundamental values. Values inherent to all religious statements are: human dignity, justice, fraternity, equality, social promotion and well-being for people of all faiths, castes and cultures. Furthermore, the affirmation of secularism in the Preamble underscores the importance of religious tolerance and equal treatment for all religions, affirming the principle of a pluralistic society.”
“We hope that the recitation of the Preamble of the Constitution during the daily assembly – continues the prelate – will deepen our understanding of the fundamental principles that shape Indian democracy and the democratic spirit of the nation.”
The text also highlights the need to strengthen security in educational institutions, “to control access to school buildings and grounds, such as locked doors, security systems at the entrance, visitor registration procedures and surveillance cameras” . The CBCI guidelines also state that educational institutions should strive to recruit teachers from diverse backgrounds to “reflect” the diversity of India's student population and promote religious and cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity among staff members.
Another suggestion is to display photos of prominent figures who have fought for freedom, scientists, poets and national leaders on the walls, regardless of their community of origin. A method that Sr. Swarna, principal of St. Sebastian Goan High School in Mumbai, says she adopted long ago: “In my office there are photographs of national leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru, Radhakrishnan and Abdulkalam. Below the image of each of these educators appears a phrase taken from their thoughts. That way, every time a student comes to my office he can learn at least that quote.”
