equality and true unity on the 75th anniversary of independence

As Modi set new goals for the country in New Delhi, in the Kandhamal district, the scene of persecution in 2008, the local Catholic community prayed for an India free of corruption, hatred and revenge. Dalits: “When can we really be considered citizens like everyone else?” In Karnataka a Christian was arrested for displaying an Indian flag with the name of Jesus written on it.

Raikia () – India yesterday solemnly celebrated the 75th anniversary of its independence. Nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a lengthy speech at New Delhi Fort wearing a colorful turban in the colors of the national flag. Modi pointed out that the rights of women and the fight against nepotism and corruption are the objectives for what he defined as “the mother of democracies”.

The Indian Catholic community also commemorated this important anniversary, an opportunity to reflect on the lights and shadows of India today. Especially significant in this sense has been the celebration in the district of Kandhamal, in Orissa, which between 2007 and 2008 was the scene of a harsh persecution against Christians at the hands of Hindu fundamentalists.

Hundreds of faithful, priests, men and women religious and students gathered in the parish church of Our Lady of Charity in Raikia, to pray for the nation on this day that coincides with the Solemnity of the Assumption. “Mary was free from sin, that is why God took her body and soul to heaven at the end of her earthly life. We too can free ourselves from the sin of corruption, hatred, jealousy and revenge in independent India,” said Father Pradosh Chandra Nayak, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar. “A person’s freedom brings with it responsibility,” he continued. Just as Mary was in charge of making Jesus grow, we too can act personally to cultivate an India where love, brotherhood and unity are spread without distinction of caste, creed and colour”.

“I have prayed to Our Lady for my country, India, for peace, harmony, protection and security for minorities such as Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Jains and all other people in our Hindu-majority country.” says Runita Malick, a 10th grader. “I also prayed for Droupadi Murmu, the first tribal president of India,” adds a young Catholic tribal woman from the parish of Our Lady of Lourdes, in Bamunigam, where the first attacks against Christians began on December 24, 2007.

In Orissa, Dalit Christians were also present for the national holiday. “When will we celebrate our true independence? asked Prasna Bishoyi, one of their representatives. Minorities and Dalits are still considered second class citizens in India. In the name of religion, caste, class and type of work, we are discriminated against and oppressed. The attacks against Christians constitute a serious violation of the right of minorities to practice their faith without fear. Let us pray for our country, for the people and for the rulers, so that, through the intercession of Mary, God blesses us all.

“Today we remember those who fought for freedom, the heroes who sacrificed their lives to conquer the freedom of our country. Just as they have been faithful, we too must build a nation that enjoys peace and harmony,” Simanchal said. Digal, principal of St. Catherine’s Girls’ High School, in her speech at the school.

Precisely on the occasion of this anniversary, however, Indian Christians had to face a new act of intolerance: in Bellary, in the state of Karnataka, a person was detained by the police simply for displaying an Indian flag on which he had written the name of Jesus. Hindu nationalists filed a complaint.

(with the collaboration of Nirmala Carvalho)