Read inside:

Y Leadershift… Y Voice of the People Y He Is Risen! Alleluiah!! Y Looking for an Intercessor? Y Paradox of the Mask & distancing today Y False Rumours Often Start at the Top Y VIEWS on NEWS Y A Proclivity For Exaggeration Y U.P. Govt Clarification On Opening Of Religious Places Y Garland of Roses for Mary! Y Standing with Fr Stan Swamy SJ Y Fun Page Y Recipe Y The Voice Crying in the Wilderness Y Dear Woman (Poem) Y Matrimonials Y Book review: Leadershift… A Paradigm Shift In Pandemic Times We know very well that the only constant thing in life is recruiting in the workplace will be based on people’s ability to deal with change. But while we realize the need for change, what change and uncertainty and the ca- is still more important is to continue changing. How pability to change to fit new circum- does a leader do more than just hang on and survive in stances and situations. today’s hostile and threatening environment. The key is to learn how to continually make According to Maxwell, “Good leaders adapt. They shift and Adaptability is more than just hang on and survive in the ability to sense the change in wind e are indeed living in highly today’s hostile and threatening envi- direction and alter course to take ad- turbulent times, VUCA (Vol- ronment. The key is to learn how to vantage of the shift. Leaders who atile, Uncertain, Challenging continually make Leadershifts and a Leadershift must be like water. They Wand Ambiguous) is passé as the pan- Leadershift, according to Maxwell is have to be fluid. Water finds a way, it demic has given a whole new mean- an ability and willingness to make a makes a way. First, it changes with ing to crisis and escalated it ten-fold leadership change that will positively its circumstances. The environment to a new high. With a major economic enhance organizational and person- dictates the change. But moving recession looming large on the hori- al growth. Maxwell illustrates this water is also forceful. It first moves zon, businesses have had to redraw beautifully by quoting a NYT article around an object, but at the same strategic blueprints to avoid on Cheetahs which teaches time it begins moving the object. It the operational cul-de-sac us a lot about the importance can wear down solid rock over time. & develop the agility to take of agility when it comes to If you want to be an effective leader, the right detour towards ex- success: Anyone who has you must Leadershift. You cannot be cellence and brace oneself watched a cheetah run down the same, think the same, and act the against the impending fall- an antelope knows that these same if you hope to be successful in a out of the situation. cats are impressively fast. world that does not remain the same.” But it turns out that speed is In these distressful and Thomas Lobo not the secret to their prodi- This is so true of today’s pandemic alarming times, all our gious hunting skills: a novel struck world. If we hope to get out of homegrown and validated axioms on study showed that a cheetah chases this quagmire soon, we will have to leadership may not be good enough his prey by using a subtle combina- program into our minds the words of to steer us through this unprecedent- tion of speed and agility…with a top Albert Einstein: 'We can not solve ed crisis. It is here that John Maxwell, speed of 58 mph it can suddenly de- our problems with the same level of Best selling author & Leadership ex- celerate to 9 mph within a single stride thinking that created them' pert in his new book, LEADERSHIFT and with great agility can leap side- © 2019 outlines for us a pathway to ways, change directions abruptly and The words of the nineteenth century growth through the exercise of nim- slow down suddenly thus out manoeu- preacher, Phillip Brooks, the author bleness and adaptability that will help vring its fast and nimble prey. of the famous hymn, “O little town of businesses to stay ahead of the curve Bethlehem”, should inspire us in our by not only relying on speed but thriv- A recent study conducted identified quest to break free and chart a new ing on timing, innovating and making the three top leadership qualities course for the future: “Sad will be the changes before they are necessary. that are needed in today’s “BEYOND day for every man when he becomes Instead of staying the course, you VUCA” world: absolutely contented with the life he can change your trajectory and posi- is living, with the thoughts he is think- tion yourself to leverage on new and * Ability to motivate staff (35%) ing, with the deeds that he is doing, challenging opportunities. * Ability to work well across cultures when there is not forever beating at (34%) the doors of his soul some great de- We know very well that the only con- * Ability to facilitate change (32%) sire to do something larger, which he stant thing in life is change. But while . knows that he was meant and made we realize the need for change, what All these three qualities require Adapt- to do.” is still more important is to continue ability. Most recruiting firms today in- changing. How does a leader do sist that almost 91 per cent of future John Maxwell enumerates for us 7 im-  2 THE SECULAR CITIZEN Oct. 26 - Nov. 1, 2020 Advertisement. Tariff THE SECULAR CITIZEN Over all size 21.5 cms x 27cms  Print area 18 cms x 25.5 cms Full pg. back Colour (19 cms x 24 cms) Rs. 18,000 A National family WEEKLY Center spread colour(39 cms x 23.5 cms Rs. 18,000 Vol.29 Issue No.43 Oct. 26 - Nov. 1, 2020 Rs.10/- Full pg. inside Cover colour(18 cms x 24 cms) Rs. 12,000 Full pg. inner colour (18 cms x 24 cms) Rs. 10,000 99, Perin Nariman Street, Fort, Mumbai - 400 001. Half pg. 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(Contd.. from p. 2) be proactive today for the sake of tomorrow portant principles of LEADERSHIFT * MOVE FORWARD COURA- Dear Reader, * CONTINUALLY LEARN, UNLEARN GEOUSLY IN THE FACE OF AND RELEARN – redundancy is the UNCERTAINTY – If there was no name of the game. We need to em- uncertainty we would not need brace change everyday. We must leaders. It requires courage to Forward be willing to let go of what worked demonstrate leadership amidst un- yesterday and learn new ways of certainty This issue of seeing, doing and leading. * REALIZE THAT TODAY’S BEST * VALUE YESTERDAY, BUT LIVE IN WILL NOT MEET TOMORROW’S TODAY - People may honour you CHALLENGES – Good is the en- for what you did yesterday, but they emy of the best, but best is the en- by Email. respect you for what you are doing emy of the better WhatsApp, now. It is the quality of ourleadership and * RELY ON SPEED BUT THRIVE ON our ability to LEADERSHIFT that will Facebook TIMING – For leaders, timing is criti- decide how well we navigate through cal. Good timing enables leaders to the fallout in the aftermath of co- seize the moment and gain victory and other vid-19. We may come out bruised for the team When the leader sees and battered but with our spirits in- the bandwagon, it’s too late to lead social network tact and strengthened by an inner re- solve that we can be down but never * SEE THE BIG PICTURE AS THE out. platforms PICTURE KEEPS GETTING BIG- GER –A leader must imbibe the Thomas Lobo is Founder Director, to all your process of layered learning as the Life Anchors and Founder & CEO, picture becomes bigger and bigger. Roots2Wings Training Solutions, a contacts Leadership is all about growth and a Corporate to Pastoral Training Initia- leader learns to keep growing see- tive. He retired as Director, Pfizer ing the big picture getting bigger and Ltd friends * LIVE IN TODAY BUT THINK OF TO- MORROW –Leaders must have a natural bias for action & they must

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4 THE SECULAR CITIZEN Oct. 26 - Nov. 1, 2020 state of affairs we live in, and there is little we can do about it since doctors themselves are not sure what works and what doesn’t. Dead bodies are disposed of as garbage with no value for human lives. For how long will this situation last is therefore the million dollar question. ligion? The Tanishq advertisement of —A. F. Nazareth, Spreading disinfor- a Muslim mother-in-law and a Hindu Alto Porvorim, Goa mation is a deadly daughter-in-law is beautiful, just the way all their advertisements are. Tak- virus, like covid ing it back means we believe that it Will Migration and is fiction, that these kinds of relation- Social media is replete with relgious ships do not exist in reality. But they reverse migration posts, holy pictures, images, quotes do, don't they? Only, too many don't and prayers---lots of prayers. Prayers inhabit that reality. be a major factor in are always good, more so during this — Jubel D'Cruz, pandemic. What is not good is resort- Dombivili, Mumbai Bihar elections? ing to subterfuge to trick people into praying. A recent post of a bishop and In spite of coronavirus lockdown 2 priests of Bombay Archdiocese be- days the election campaign is in full ing covid positive is a case in point. Rise in mental swing in Bihar. Looking at the past, The post requested 'urgent prayers' health problems years ago Lalu Yadav came to power for the bishop who was 'fighting for and migration from Bihar rose further. his life' in Holy Family Hospital. While Nitish came to power on the promise due to Covid-19 of development, but under his re- prayers for the Bishop and two priests gime, Bihar’s per capita GDP has only were most welcome, the facts were As per recent medical reports , slipped to the lowest in the country. deliberately misrepresented so as to there has been an alarming rise in Unemployment has risen. Migration get the maximum number of people mental health cases ever since the hasn’t stopped. Industrialisation is to flood the heavens with prayers. outbreak of Covid -19. It is not sur- slow. Even God would not approve of such prising though , given the number of In coronavirus-induced) lock- chikenery to coerce people into pray- myths and disinformation that have down days there was a reverse migra- ing. While people who forwarded the been circulating on social media tion. The Bihar government respond- post did so in good faith the author of about the dangers of the viral spread, ed most irresponsibly. Nitish didn’t the post deserves condemnation for number of deaths and means to safe- want people coming back. People it was a conscious effort to fool the guard oneself from the attack of the were forced to walk home for days people. virus. While there are some who re- taking auto, or cycles. So many died As a general rule people should fuse to venture out of their homes and during the reverse migration. There is be wary of forwarding posts blindly. even receive visitors for fear of being also anger over mishandling of the re- Remember, you are not participating infected, there are others who are cent floods. in a game of fastest-finger-first . One paranoid about even touching their So the question for day you may burn your fingers. So daily newspapers before warming the honest citizen is: will this pain up- next time you receive a fwd, give it them in the oven. Social distancing surge in the form of votes and and a few hours . No one will remember has made us all untouchables. Even bring responsible parties in power? you for a forward; but everyone will re- large offices refuse to let customers in Or as usual money-muscle-EVM pow- member you, if you goof up on a fwd! without thermal screening and hand er will play the upper hand and chaos sanitizing. Cheques for payment have continues in Bihar? —Prof Robert Castellino to be dropped in the box, only to be —Fr Michael G. Malad Mumbai cleared on the following day, for fear Vasai of virus contamination. Three- layered face masks are found to be ineffective in air conditioned rooms and theatres, Please renew your Realities differ if the virus is suspended as aerosols. subscription if expired. And for many, the day does not end just don't understand what's wrong Mention your subscription without a warm water gargle , steam with the Tanishq ad? What's wrong inhalation and a glass of hot milk with no. while sending the with celebrating traditions across re- turmeric powder. This is the sorry renewal amount

Oct. 26 - Nov. 1, 2020 THE SECULAR CITIZEN 5 We need to shake off the malaise of the lockdown period! We need to unlock our life. We need to learn to live with Corona! Reliving the Resurrection of Jesus alone can outdo Corona! He Is Risen! Alleluiah!!

orry to take you back into the need to announce, “Arise! Jesus is ners of the universe! In fact dispens- Easter season! That’s because alive! Corona is defeated!” ing from the reading of the banns is the Lenten season of Corona a punishment given to some couples Sdoes not seem to end even after eight WEDDINGS CHUPCHUPKE? that need to hide their ‘disrepute’! long months! Corona, like a ghost, is November-December is our wedding Why to impute that impression on the haunting us. Invisible yet real. Fright- season. But ... it seems there will be no couples just because they are born in ening for life! ‘She’ lost her husband wedding Mass! The matrimonial Sac- Corona days? the other day. He died not of Corona rament will be celebrated either in the but people suspected the same ghost. sacristy or in the church office chup- Frightened of Coronavirus, we have The relatives got him cremated by the chupke! “Oh shucks! What a disap- become inhuman towards one anoth- hospital, hurriedly brought the ashes pointment! Wedding season goes like er. Where is our faith in the Resurrec- (of the wood?) and in the night bur- Holy week? Let us hope not! And if the tion of the Lord? Frightened of death ied in the Church cemetery! That night ghost of Covid-19 continues to haunt we become ‘Quarantine Religious of ‘she’ was alone with her two daughters us for another two and a half months St. Corona’ and let our ‘brothers’ die in in the house because even her own as our Health Minister predicts? Jesus miserable loneliness! Have we exag- sister thought the ghost was there in save us! Let us rise up. We need to gerated the government restrictions? her house! Has anyone seen the learn to live with Corona. The wedding Showing over zealousness perhaps ghost? No one! Yet there are people is a great event in one’s life. It must the Church has done great harm to the who did not come out of their houses be celebrated with minimum dignity tender feelings of the faithful and hu- for the last all eight months! and decorum. We usually cel- man relationships? In the long run this In a parish there was no one ebrate weddings in the sacris- will affect their relationship with the ready to bury a dead; the ty or such other secret place Church. Someone said, “You taught parish priest himself had to of those couples of rather bad us that cremation is O. K.; that burying shoulder the coffin! Migrant repute. Why project all our without blessing the graves is chalta workers have Mumbai and it young couples, innocent and hai; Matrimony in a corner is still a Sacrament... Oh! We have understood has lost its glory! There is no Fr. Michael G. budding in bad image? They how to go to heaven without you!” The rush, no life, no josh, no fun, Vasai deserve to be married with all no dance, no theatres. All is honour and dignity. mask, social distancing, quarantin- lifeless! Even humaneness is dead! ing have generated suspicion among Let us make some adjustments like people and killed humaneness in in- HE IS RISEN! ALLELUIAH!! mature Christians. With 50 faithful we dividuals. After the cruel murdering of Jesus on can certainly celebrate the wedding the cross the apostles were terrified Mass keeping all the rules of safety. Welcoming the new encyclical of Pope and hidden in their houses. They felt Our churches are spacious enough for Francis, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, all the big talks and magical miracles the purpose. If without mass then why the President, FABC in his address to are over and now we have got to go not celebrate the sacrament of Mar- the Churches of Asia (12 – October back to our routine business. But! On riage in the wedding hall or an open 2020) describes the dark period thus: the third day Mary Magdalene came mandapam? There will be a stage, “This year of 2020 is and has been shouting, “He is alive! I have seen people and decoration! That will en- for many of you, and for your people, Him!” John and Peter ran to the grave. hance the Sacrament! There could a time of chaos, fear and loss. It is They did not see the body dead or be a band for all to enjoy. Of course heavy for you, it is claustrophobic to alive. But they did feel, ‘he is alive’! the fifty lucky guests should scare the be forced to stay at home and to keep So did all the apostles were revived ghost and dare to come to make the your churches closed. Calendars as they heard the news. There was couple feel great on the day! are empty. Donations are drying up. life again! They rushed to the high- There is increased hunger among our ways and byways to announce brave- No reading of banns! Why? “You are poor. Naturally we fear for the future. ly, “You killed him but God raised him exempted from them!” “Who asked for Yet Francis urges us not to make su- up! Now repent and believe!” it? Why? We want to announce to the perficial responses to this time of cri- world that we are getting married ‘in sis. We never stop being on mission. Such events of Easter and Pentecost the Lord’! Perhaps the online Masses Now is a time to build respect for one are required today. Some prophets will spread the good news to all cor- (Contd.. on p. 8)

6 THE SECULAR CITIZEN Oct. 26 - Nov. 1, 2020 Looking for an Intercessor?

here are numerous instances their behalf. Do we need the months of May & Oc- in real life when people are in proof that their prayers are tober which are devoted to trouble, they feel helpless, un- being heard? Mother Mary, the Rosary is ableT to handle the situation by them- recited as a community. Are selves. Like it's out of their capability, Those who receive a copy of we participating in the Ro- out of their control. They feel the need the Don Bosco's Madonna sary with devotion or are we for an intercessor to help plead their would find a Column on the physically present only for cause, to help them get over the situ- back cover, entitled 'Mary the grams or snacks served ation. was there'. It carries tes- after the Rosary? timonies of devotees who Haven't we ourselves at some time have found solace in Mother Mary. Let our devotion to Mother Mary be or the other, found ourselves is such A mother never fails. There are also true and she will definitely be with us situations? So, what do we do? Like times when Mary herself senses the in our difficult situations and intercede when the children in the family want needs of people and without even for us before Jesus. However, do we something and the father refuses to waiting for them to approach her, she have a feeling that by praying to give in, they turn to their mother to goes out of her way to help. We have Mary, we are diminishing our hon- intercede for them. Take for instance seen this when she rushed to help our for Jesus and giving more hon- this family of the mother father & son. her cousin Elizabeth at the time of her our to Mary? This is what Saint Louis The mother is a housewife, the father pregnancy. At the wedding feast at Marie de Montfort had to say, "We does odd jobs and struggling to pro- Cana, when the hosts had run out of never give more honour to Jesus vide for the family. They have man- wine. than when we honour his Mother, aged to send their little fellow to a de- and we honour her simply and cent school. When the school Mary is always there to solely to honour him all the more decides to go for a picnic, the intercede for us, she is perfectly. We go to her only as a son naturally wants to go. our heavenly Mother, way leading to the goal we seek - The father is hesitant to give indeed the Mother of Jesus, her Son." in; short of funds, etc. The the universe. Look little fellow cries and pleads at the Titles given to Mary will always remain a powerful with the mother. The mother Mary in the Litany re- intercessor, greater than any other then goes and intercedes cited with the Rosary, intercessor here on earth. with the father on his behalf. Melville X. D’Souza in many a home. The After much discussion, the - Orlem, Malad West Rosary is one of the Subscriptions for father agrees to their wish. most popular fam- A familiar scene? Have we ily prayer. Here's what seen this sort of a situation in our own Archbishop Fulton Sheen had to say Renewal as well as New, can be family, neighborhood, in our commu- about the Rosary. "The rosary is the sent through Bank Fund Transfer to any nity? What is it about the mother book of the blind, where souls see one of the following banks: that she can successfully plead the and there enact the greatest drama cause of those who place all their of love the world has ever known; Bank: HDFC Bank hope and trust in her? There's defi- it is the book of the simple, which Branch : CST - Mumbai VT nitely something about a Mother! initiates them into mysteries and Account Name: The Secular Citizen knowledge more satisfying than Current Account No. 03552000006744 Let's look at the larger picture. A large the education of other men; it is the ISFC code: HDFC0000355 number of devotees flock to Marian book of the aged, whose eyes close or shrines around the world. One of the upon the shadow of this world, and Bank: Citizen Credit Co-op Bank Ltd., most popular devotions to Mary in open on the substance of the next. Branch : Colaba, Mumbai Mumbai, is the Novena to Our Lady The power of the rosary is beyond Account Name: The Secular Citizen of Perpetual Succour, at St. Michael's description.” CurentAccountNo. 2090031000000489 Church, Mahim. Thousands of dev- ISFC code: CCBL0209003 otees flock, to ask Mother Mary, Many of us do recite the Rosary, but wednesday after wednesday for help. think of it, are we reciting the Rosary Please inform us through email: secu- To plead their cause before the Fa- just as a matter of routine, a formal- [email protected] or through phone: ther, to intercede with the Father on ity? Then, it has no meaning. During 9820485389 after transferring the same.

Oct. 26 - Nov. 1, 2020 THE SECULAR CITIZEN 7 Paradox of the Mask & distancing today

ay in and day out at every turn meal or to wash his clothes regularly, from every open source we is it possible he has a good mask and hear about COVID 19, use washes it properly - the system simply DFace mask and physical distancing to goes for a toss. prevent..... Look closely and you will be shocked to see how casual it has STAY IN & PHYSICAL DISTANCING become at all levels without exception : In spite of awareness and exhor- and how really worthless it boils down tations by all and sundry, the bottom to be - you would have given thought line is that ‘spreaders’ are invariably perhaps. It is definitely not so simple educated and well placed profession- or elementary, "use face masks and als. But education or affluence are keep physical (not social) distance" different from common sense. There In fact certain basic improper practic- is no device to test it. Its effects are es with regard to both these do more borne by innocent folks, who, despite damage than benefit, give rise to the inconvenience and claustropho- greater hazard in spreading the virus bia, have chosen to remain indoors, than otherwise. quite simply because they know they Not wearing masks as needed – are vulnerable. No one relishes be- MASKS ARE "CONTAMINATED" BY many seemingly educated people go- ing under house arrest. We all like to EACH USE : The study, published ing out without this protection or sport- stir out. Who doesn’t? But not every- this month by the British Medical Jour- ing them below their noses, on the one can afford that risk. Tragically in nal, found that masks were effective chin or just around the neck, to quickly homes where there are elderly people protecting against viral infections from strap them on when checking is near. with comorbidities, or kids with low common respiratory pathogens such Akin to those helmets placed on pet- immunity, consequences are often life as the flu, rhinoviruses (common cold rol tanks of two – wheelers, with even threatening. viruses), and seasonal coronaviruses 4 riders. That we need an Ordinance only if used and washed daily. It was and fines for compliance is shameful Lockdowns are frustrating and dam- concluded that the temperature at and uncivilized. aging in many ways; It takes no supe- which the mask is laundered is also rior intelligence to realise that the gov- crucial, citing that they should be "Both cloth masks and surgical masks ernment’s decision to unlock stems washed at a high temperature to en- should be considered ’contaminated’ not from a decreased threat percep- sure they are decontaminated. after one use," Professor MacIntyre, tion but for sheer economic survival. who conducted the study, explained Revival is still far fetched. It’s not as (Contd.. from p. 6) in a press release. "Unlike surgical if Covid has left or taken a break, in another, to live as we wish the world masks, which are disposed of after fact the second round too with serious to be in the future. “If the Church is use, cloth masks are re-used. It can after effects are surfacing. If anything, alive, it must always surprise.” be tempting to use the same mask for the numbers are rising alarmingly. But multiple days in a row, or to give it a the negligence and cavalier attitude FRATELLI TUTTI! quick hand-wash, research suggests of many citizens is completely out of Pope Francis comes out to help us to that this increases the risk of con- sync with the danger that stares us in brighten the dark period of Corona. tamination." Observe how masks are the face. In his recent encyclical Fratelli Tutti generally handled everyday, even cul- he presents to some extent his vision tured educated people are negligent, It will be interesting to see if affect- for a post-pandemic world. Together touch the mask, then touch things and ed individuals or families start suing with the great ideals it also suggests places, remove casually, place on ta- those who have infected them, for ex- the tangible ways to build a more just bles and counters, leave them all over emplary compensation. Or at the very and fraternal world in our ordinary re- at home this only creates infection to least, for reimbursement of medical lationships, in social life, politics and spread all over. Note that these days expenses. If common sense, civic institutions, where every person is one can see a lot of masks and some- mindedness and basic sensitivity are welcomed & loved, the foundation of times gloves nonchalantly discarded locked inside, a legal antidote may being human. on roads, open spaces, anywhere and not be out of place. The big question everywhere.....this is the worst sce- is whether we will ever return to our THIS IS THE DAY nario, sad for us humans not worth former way of life, probably never! THE LORD HAS MADE! the name. Then imagne the poor In- WE REJOICE AND ARE GLAD!! dian on the street who can not afford a -Compiled : Ivan Saldanha-Shet.

8 THE SECULAR CITIZEN Oct. 26 - Nov. 1, 2020 False Rumours Often Start at the Top by Don Aguiar. ment keen on wiping out dissent and Local officials, including the television liberal ideas. They want Bollywood at news channels, also spread rumours their command, an accessory to fur- e know that false informa- over his death that people responsible thering their exclusivist, majoritarian tion spreads online like the for his death are being shielded. politics. world’s worst game of tele- Wphone. As words are twisted into on- Truth doesn’t matter in internet infor- But in our greatest moments of joy line weapons, those from powerful mation soup. Wrong or ill-considered and sorrow, Indians turn to songs and people matter even more. official statements can confirm what dialogue and stories from our films. people already suspected. Our films are what bring us together We don’t talk enough about the role as a nation across our religious and of people in charge who say too little The same thing happened when the cultural diversity. Many filmmakers or the wrong things at important mo- NCB suspected Bollywood actresses have bent to the pressure from the ments, creating conditions for misin- of dealing in drugs and summoned government and many more will, but formation to flourish. them for questioning as their mobile the Hindi film industry has outlived conservations, gave the false impres- many autocratic regimes. Think about the recent rumours and sion that they consumed and dealt outrage that flew around the death with drugs. India’s love for films is a force multi- of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, Bol- plier that brings people together irre- lywood actresses questioned about In short, their mobile conservation pro- spective of religion, caste or regional drugs and an ugly brawl among TV jected the idea that their mobile con- loyalties. The Hindi film has its own news channels. Or precisely, between servations were the opposite of what language, its own cultural ethic, and Arnab Goswami and his Republic it really was. Some politicians, min- its own ideas about where India’s channel on the one hand, and many isters and the police force called the destiny lies. The current crisis is un- of the rest on the other. Ill-considered use of drugs in Bollywood a very bad likely to be able to destroy that. communication from those at the top - example for the younger generation made cycles of bogus information and and pushed the government to set an This hysterical campaign of vilification misplaced anger even worse. example. Outcry about the Bollywood and the persecution of numerous ac- drug habits has been amplified by tors is an attempt to distract people Every word that powerful people say supporters of the conspiracy theory, from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s matters. It may not be fair, but they the false idea that top Bollywood pro- failure to handle the coronavirus pan- must now anticipate how their words ducers and actors are behind a global demic and a sinking economy. might be twisted — intentionally or not drug racket. — into weapons in the online informa- All this, as the pandemic is raging, the tion war. Social media accounts affiliated with economy is tanking and about 2.5 mil- the Hindu right and TV networks, lion migrant workers from Bihar who For example, look at the death of ac- which essentially work as extensions had lost their jobs in Indian cities had tor Sushant Singh Rajput, where a of Mr Modi’s party, started frothing returned to their villages. tweet and other poorly communicated about the wild, wild ways of the film information from the Mumbai police industry and its copious consumption There are always people who twist in- / television channels contributed to of drugs. Beyond distraction, the as- formation to their own ends. People bogus rumours that it was a suicide sault on Bollywood, the most power- might have misplaced blame for the / homicide. ful cultural force in India, had a clear death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput purpose: to force the film industry into or dumbed down the complexities of “It is a suicide” the police in Mumbai complete silence and submission, and inquiry into the drug cartels in Bolly- then posted. There was no evidence line up behind the B.J.P.’s Hindu ma- wood even if official communications at that time whether it was a suicide joritarian project. had been perfectly clear from the or homicide, but people seized on this jump. But by not choosing their words and other odd or ambiguous official The Hindu nationalists are hoping this and images carefully, the people in information as evidence that people sudden and unexpected assault on charge provided fuel for misinforma- jealous of his rise in Bollywood were Bollywood will force the film industry tion. responsible for his death. into complete submission to a govern- (Contd.. on p. 10)

Oct. 26 - Nov. 1, 2020 THE SECULAR CITIZEN 9 (Contd.. from p. 9) today? They’re all — the most pow- especially at this juncture of econom- erful, popular, the best and worst of ic ruin with layoffs and wage cuts, We see over and over again that un- them — now caught in this mad battle the more the owners and journalists clear, wrong or not enough informa- scene with real weapons. Abusing, weigh their value in terms who they tion from the beginning can be hard to cursing and name-calling each other. are close to, the more they depend overcome. on the state to bail them out of trou- This has gone on for some time, since ble, slow-fry their rival, the faster it Conspiracy theories about exagger- tricks were learnt like the best way to pushes them towards institutional de- ated claims of TRP ratings in the last counter a rival who scooped a story struction. week were fuelled by people close to before you is to start dissing that story the monitoring agency, the Mumbai right away as fake, motivated, exag- It’s an ideal situation for an establish- police commissioner and television gerated etc. Or, you simply steal it and ment to step in. Why should India’s channels misspeaking or obfuscating use the ‘exclusive’ tag. The idea of fol- most powerful government in almost what was happening. And taking the lowing up on somebody’s break is now four decades miss such an oppor- history from Donald Trump to Nar- so 20th century, for the losers. tunity? It will move in professing the endra Modi, from Arnab Goswami to best of intentions, for ‘riot control’, Ravish Kumar in our limited connect, If you see the state of all media institu- to restore order. What can we do, it that phenomenon rules. And there’s tions, from the various rival broadcast- would say, when all regulation is shot, another reason: As school children ers’ associations to other societies, your own professional institutions are would say, what goes of my pop (mere ‘clubs’ and even housing cooperatives divided or compromised, and you are baap ka kya jaata hai)? Let these self- run by journalists, you’ll find them at all caught in this bloodletting? It is styled masters of the universe fight it each other’s throats. This war is a also reading the playbook of the Ma- out. Unfortunately, we can’t be so in- mass-scale fratricide. They are all the harashtra government and Mumbai different. As in these polarised times same expendable extras. Police. when, once you believe in a person or a leader, you believe everything he In any case, the story of the producer Nature abhors a vacuum, and the in- says. And anything the other side says giving real weapons to the thousands ternet turns a vacuum into conspira- must be false. fighting this most realistic war, let- cies. All of us have a role to play in ting them all kill each other. You can, not contributing to misinformation, It is not just the television channels. meanwhile, watch the show from a but experts and people in positions of This virus is as contagious as Co- peepul tree, and suck on sugarcane power shoulder even more responsi- vid-19 and the problem is nobody is (as they say in the heartland), or bility for not creating the conditions wearing masks or sanitising either. TV munch popcorn. for bogus information to go wild. just happens to be the more visible player. It was a matter of time before The owners, whether motivated by Before we go . . . We are all conspira- hostility of the studios, newsrooms, financial gain or power, are the ones cists now: Conspiracy theories are fake and exaggerated claims of rat- who gave out the real arms to those a symptom of the broader erosion ings, exclusives, super exclusives enacting this scene — including own- of authority in the internet age. How and the latest, “explosive exclusives”, er-editors — the government is what easily the conspiracist’s creed — that would spill over to the ground. all governments are, the tax collector. the official narrative is always a lie, And, therefore, the guaranteed benefi- and that the truth is out there for those A producer assembled the largest ciary. willing to dig for it themselves — has ever cast of extras for his war scenes, penetrated our national psyche. so he’d be hailed as the showman The more the news media weakens, who brought the most realistic war se- quences ever to the screen. Advertise in This is spectacular, his financier told him, but I am not about to pay for all The Secular Citizen these. How will you pay? Not a prob- lem, said the producer. In the last we are offering special scene, I will give them real weapons, so they all kill each other. It will be so discount on printed rates realistic, and there will be none left alive to pay. during Coronavirus Do you see similarities between this and the situation in our news media Lockdown period

10 THE SECULAR CITIZEN Oct. 26 - Nov. 1, 2020 Rape here, rape there – rapes everywhere VIEWS on NEWS This is one pandemic that refuses to slow down. If at all, things are get- famous Hathras case has been referred ting from bad to worse. While there is a to the CBI possibly with Court supervi- rape every 16 minutes, selected cases sion at the behest of the UP CM, how like 2012 Nirbhaya case, 2013 Shakti about these other cases forming part of Mills case or Badaun gang rape of 2014 that investigation? He wants CBI probe by Marshall Sequeira get highlighted by politicians and news because he can nail some politicians and channels and the reason behind this is other groups in the process which will wan [Union Minister] of LJP passed not necessarily any genuine concern possibly erase some of the scathing at- away within days of the announcement for the survivor/s but to gain political tacks on the administration. He can give of the elections. He had opted out of the [conspiracy] as an example in future mileage or robust TRPs. The interest this Bihar NDA alliance. The father-son duo rape cases and wriggle out. In UP caste of the victim is incidental. Channels could have been a formidable force in plays a very big role and there is a big then scream to say that they have the Bihar with the distinct possibility of the divide between the upper and the lower maximum viewership and claim they backward class votes being split be- caste citizens there. Yogiji will not refer have public support. Viewers enjoy the tween JD[U] and Paswan’s party. BJP other cases to the CBI since he knows ‘entertainment’ on such ‘drama’ chan- knows well that this split in votes could these are pure and simple cases of rape nels which have more of hype than cost the JD[U] some seats and then BJP – indicating failure on the part of the gov- substance. Don’t sexually explicit mov- could emerge as a single largest party. ernment. ies have huge viewership? It does not It could eat the cake and have it too It is hard to prevent such crimes but it mean than the movie has anything of hence did not react when LJP walked is important that the authorities act swiftly substance to offer. Viewership alone out of the alliance. If the numbers do and decisively against the suspects, file cannot define popularity. not add up maybe they could align with FIRs immediately, give urgent medical Focusing on the recent Hathras LJP to form the government. The other help and punish the culprits. Police can- case, the same has now taken a differ- group of RJD and the Congress will not be seen as complicit in such crimes ent course. Some say it was stage man- also vie for the backward class votes – that will make the State look like a ba- aged, some say the accused and the and with anti-incumbency factor playing nana republic. Coming to the Hathras victim had an affair or politicians had some role, challenge for Nitish Kumar is case once again, a seasoned journalist stage-managed the crowds to increase real. Even in the 21st century there is so has said that the real reason behind the inter-caste friction and riots etc – all fi- much of caste politics. Illiterate poor are midnight cremation of the dalit girl was nanced by an external source. Surpris- prone to being manipulated by shrewd because the CM had panicked. If the ingly, the ED says no. In the process and selfish politicians. It suits them. body was handed over to the family, it the victim is maligned. A nervous Chief This election in the midst of the pan- could have been paraded in the town the Minister hastily announced substantial demic will be a stupendous challenge next day to arouse passions which could compensation – Rs 25 lacs, a house for the Election Commission which has tarnish the CM’s carefully built image. Re- and a government job. If, as he claims drawn up elaborate S.O.Ps to ensure member when the Sabarmati train bogie his government had intelligence inputs social distancing, sanitization, masks, was burnt the charred bodies of victims of a well planned ‘conspiracy’ then what gloves etc. The LJP will be worth watch- were purposely given to the claimants to was the tearing hurry in announcing the ing. Ram Vilas Paswan’s recent death arouse communal passions so the other package? Now if there was foul play, will could garner sympathy since the leader community could be taught a lesson. he withdraw his offer? DM says the mid- has been in public life for almost half a They succeeded to a large extent. By the night cremation was done to pre-empt century. He enjoyed huge popularity way, Uma Bharati and Union Minister Jy- any law and order situation. The UP winning the elections repeatedly with oti both berated the Yogi government for High court has questioned the adminis- big margins. Chirag Paswan is likely to its handling of the case. Were they also tration on this but Yogiji is undeterred. benefit from this and could play a crucial part of the larger conspiracy Yogiji? Will Undoubtedly, the government is hiding role in the formation of the next Bihar you specifically ask the CBI to question a lot more than what it reveals. government. Being cornered by Nitish the two BJP leaders too? Accordingly to On 9th October a newspaper carried Kumar, BJP was forced to declare that you, all who question you are complicit in out details of other heinous rapes – 6 they have no truck with LJP. But will year old from Haathras was repeatedly the conspiracy. they openly declare that they will not raped by 15 year old relative and police ***** align with that party after the elections? refused to entertain the complaint till se- Bihar Elections – a test They will not! By the way, Sushant nior officials intervened. Next was the Singh’s death has been exploited for story of a deaf and dumb girl in Gora- case political gains with the help of a couple khpur [UP] being raped in her hut while Bihar goes to polls towards the end of of TV channels. The ‘murder’ theory she was sleeping. In UP’s Pratapgarh this month and it will also be a real test which is kept alive despite murder be- a 17 year old dalit girl was sexually as- for the young but confident Chirag Pas- ing ruled out by AIIMS team will possibly saulted by a person who got into her wan to lead his party in the elections for be pursued till the Bihar elections only room from the terrace. In a bizarre in- the first time. Unfortunately the doyen of and then the poor chap will be forgotten. cident, a 14 year old was raped by her backward classes in Bihar [and to some Just you watch. own father – again in UP. While the now extent pan India as well] Ram Vilas Pas- Oct. 26 - Nov. 1, 2020 THE SECULAR CITIZEN 11 A Proclivity For Exaggeration

Besides the huge fan-following they time coverage of an issue that has set sides. command, many of the current Indian the channels flame are becoming in- matinee idols are acclaimed as youth creasingly monotonous. Coming close on the heels of the Ha- icons of the modern generation. thras shame, the report of the death Needless to say that the impact has of another Dalit woman in a case of Hence when Bollywood is tainted by made the masses oblivious to the alleged gangrape in Balrampur dis- a drug scandal which involves big ‘COVID-induced’ hardships and it is trict has rocked the state. names in the industry, there is every as if the nation has nothing but the reason to feel let-down by these stars stained-images of their celebrity stars Is UP really insensitive to the plight of who have carved out a larger-than- to discuss about. these women who have the misfor- life image for themselves in real-life. tune to find themselves at the lower It is however a matter of deep con- rung of society and are hence vulner- However, it is shocking to read that cern that as the filmy-story gets sen- able to the evil designs of the upper the Hindi film world is more bothered sational with each passing day, the caste men! about drug abuse allegations devas- public apparently has nothing much to tating the celebrity landscape and the say about the three contentious bills Even otherwise, how safe are women impact it will have on the brand en- that will change the way India’s farm- in our society today! It is the repres- dorsement kitty of those named in it. ers do business which have prompted sive mindset of men in general to- a political slugfest in the Parliament wards women which is responsible The frivolous approach to the whole and have sparked protests that have for it. Hence the overall feeling of un- mess by Bollywood makes it more spilled onto the streets. ease among women across the coun- than obvious that doping is try about their safety should dispel quite a casual matter in the The new emerging story is any notion of the crimes against them film industry and does not about how the northern state being restricted to any one class. deserve the awful hullabaloo of Uttar Pradesh seems to that it has attracted in recent have descended into a state The incident where a female COVID times. of chaos! patient was raped by an ambulance driver while being taken to hospital in Investigations into the sui- Apparently, UP is the new Kerala is indicative of the rot that has rape capital of India! set in. cide of a popular Hindi cine- by Pachu Menon star have seemingly opened up a can of worms with Perceived to be the outcome It is only rarely where a sustained many of the A-listers in the industry of systemic and deep-rooted casteism campaign by the press and the so- allegedly implicated in the drug scan- and misogyny, frequent reports of bru- cial media to gain justice for the vic- dal feeling the heat. tal sexual assaults against Dalit wom- tim galvanizes the administration into en has earned the state this unique action and the culprits are brought to The probe by the Narcotics Control distinction. book. Bureau into these ‘indecent’ affairs in the film-land is perfectly justified! But Although it brings back chilling memo- The Nirbhaya case which shook the questions do arise as to how the NCB ries of the Nirbhaya case of 2012 in very foundation of a nation wedded to has so far refrained from investigat- New Delhi, the gangrape and death of the belief that women hold an exalted ing the major drug mafias who are op- the 19-year-old Dalit girl from Hathras status of eminence, dominance as erating at will within the film industry in Uttar Pradesh only serves to add well as loving concern in society was and have instead chosen to do a ‘hit to the burgeoning statistics of crimes one of those rarest of cases which job on Bollywood’! against women in the country which, rightly fetched the death penalty for besides the nationwide uproar they at- perpetrators of the vile crime. It is however the media approach tract, only end up as political issues to towards this seemingly ‘sordid’ drug- discredit the government with. Even then, the delay in executing the affair that should be inviting criticism. four convicted for the heinous crime If the media-trials which have already Tending to remain in the news for has exposed the frailties of a system pronounced those named in the drug- some time, such cases usually fade which allows loopholes in the existing case guilty of a crime yet to be proved away from public domain after the hul- legislations to be exploited by sharp are not enough, incessant and prime- labaloo over the matter gradually sub- 

12 THE SECULAR CITIZEN Oct. 26 - Nov. 1, 2020 (Contd.. from p. 12) U.P. Govt Clarification On legal minds to earn reprieve for their clients. Opening Of Religious Places The situation definitely needs to change!

Realizing fully well that politics in our country has always been issue-based, reactions by the Opposition parties to these ‘gross’ anomalies observed in government functioning can only be seen as natural political responses to the ‘opportunities’ presented.

As an ‘antidote’ to the prevailing pan- demic situation, news that skips the enormity of the COVID-effect in the country will always be welcome diver- sions. Lucknow/Allahabad/Kanpur (14th Oc- Water, distribution of Prasad (Holy tober 2020): Sri R.K. Tiwari IAS, Chief Communion), choir singing and also However, the sensationalism in to- Secretary of the Govt of U.P. set at asked for washing of hands and feet day’s news coverage that the media rest certain doubts in the minds of reli- before entrance. On this basis the houses are often blamed for hardly gious heads regarding the re-opening then District Magistrate of Kanpur serves any purpose other than help- of places of religious worship w.e.f. had prepared a proforma with 24 ing them gain precious TRP ratings. 15/10/20. The confusion arose be- similar questions on 7/6/20 and had cause of the divergent instructions is- asked all religious leaders to sign on Yet, public fascination over sensation- sued earlier by the Health Ministry on the dotted line, and submit the decla- alized news continues to override all 4/6/20 and subsequent orders issued rations to the nearest police station. other considerations, even at the cost by the Home Ministry and U.P. Govt on These conditions were such that the of ignoring far-pressing matters which 1/10/20. religious heads declined to open their will one day have far-reaching conse- places like mosques, gurudwaras quences for the nation. A delegation of Catholic leaders met and churches. These stringent con- the Chief Secretary in his office in Luc- ditions had affected them the most The press and the media love to know on 13/10/20. The delegation was because of their tradition of congre- make a story sound bigger than it is. led by Bishop Raphy Manjaly of Alla- gational worship at a fixed date, time But shouldn’t the public be the better habad Diocese, who was also recently and place. judges of what is to be believed! appointed by Pope Francis to the Pon- tifical Council for Inter Religious Dia- The delegation breathed a sign of re- -THE END- logue. The others were Rev Naresh lief when the Chief Secretary stated Lobo, Vicar General of Lucknow Dio- that now only the latest guidelines cese and chhotebhai, National Conve- would prevail with a maximum of 100 Wedding Invitation, Christening, nor of the Indian Catholic Forum. persons attending, and following all First Holy Communion, Mortu- the SOPs like masks, sanitisation, ary Cards & Religious Goods The Chief Secretary was emphatic that and physical distancing. He also cau- Contact: the latest guidelines from the Home tioned that Holy Books should not be Ministry and U.P. Govt would prevail touched by multiple persons. Bp Ra- David & Company over the earlier orders of the Health phy stated that we used water only Rivendell House, 1st Floor, 650, Ministry. However, all SOPs as stipu- for one time use as in Baptism. He J. S. S. Road, 2nd Dhobitalao lated in the Govt orders. would have to thanked the Chief Secretary for spar- Lane, Mumbai 400002 be strictly followed. ing his valuable time to meet the del- Tel.: 22019010 / 2205 7394 egation. It may be recalled that the Health Min- 2206 0344 / 22079592 istry had earlier laid down 26 condi- Email:[email protected] tions for the re-opening of religious chhotebhai places. They included a ban on touch- CONVENOR, www.davidcompany.com ing Holy Books, sprinkling of Holy INDIAN CATHOLIC FORUM

Oct. 26 - Nov. 1, 2020 THE SECULAR CITIZEN 13 Garland of Roses for Mary!

n Catholic homes, the day comes also said that the Rosary is the weap- to a close with prayers and fellow- on of our times! ship. The Angelus chiming from Though there are different views on the Ithe church belfry marks the end of origin of the Rosary, it is generally be- a day and calls all Mary’s children lieved that the knotted strings served to prayer. Before the discovery of the desert fathers as counting devices mobile phones the Angelus bell also for renditions of repeated prayers, in served as the deadline for all young monasteries of olden times. During members kicking balls around on the medieval times the holy monks who Only great things can happen when nearby grounds to enter the shelter of could not read the Divine Office, sub- their home. In May and October, the you invite Jesus into your life.” Says stituted these Rosary prayers, reciting a man of God. prayers culminated in a cacophony them repeatedly. The first clear his- of voices singing, ‘Let us mingle to- torical reference to the Rosary dates On October 7, the Church celebrates gether voices joyful and gay…..sing- back to the thirteenth century, from the Feast of ‘Our lady of the Holy Ro- ing hymns to our Mother….!” the life of St. Dominic, the founder of sary’ bringing into focus once again Walking down memory lane I realize the order of Dominicans. According to the importance of praying the Rosary. that the family ‘mingling together’, the tradition, St. Dominic devised the Ro- The origin of this feast is an occur- Rosary, served as the sary after our Lady appeared rence that demonstrates the power bond that knit us firmly to him and told him to pray in of the Mother of God that can save into a union of love and this manner as an antidote and protect us. History tells us that service. Spending time in for Heresy and sin! The Do- during the 16th Century the advanc- close proximity with one minican Pope, St. Pius V, did ing forces of the Ottoman Empire had another, raising our voic- much for the spread of this to be stopped in their tracks to save es in unison and repeat- devotion and thereafter the the Christian countries from further edly chanting the same Rosary became a popular annihilation. A combined Christian words in chorus brought prayer among Catholics. fleet faced the mighty enemies at the us close to one another. battle of Lepanto on 7 October in the by Vera Alvares In her love and concern for year 1571. The shocking Christian A family that prayed to- her erring children the Mother gether stayed together victory at this battle was attributed to of God has appeared in many parts of the praying of the Rosary by masses in good times and bad. But sadly our the world, appealing for the conver- lives now are in the grip of a competi- of Europeans in response to the re- sion of sinners. Every apparition of the quest of Pope Pius V. tive digital world that is driving us in Blessed Virgin is with a Rosary in her pursuit of self gratification and away hands, urging mankind to recite the According to legend, the Bishop of from all that led us to the heavenly daily Rosary in order to placate her Mexico had dispatched to the Admi- goal. Son and save us from his harsh judg- ral an image of our Lady of Guada- The church dedicates, the month of ment! lupe, which was placed in the cabin October to the Holy Rosary, which is of the flagship of the armada and ev- In the Rosary we ponder the life of ery vessel carried the blue pennant of one of the best known of all Catholics Jesus through the eyes of his moth- devotions. The Rosary is more than mother Mary, at the mast head. The er. Nobody sees the life of a child the presence of the Mother of God armed a display of our love and dedication way that child’s mother does. Mary’s to Mary our mother; it is also a pow- her children and led them to crush the unique perspective of Jesus’ life pro- enemy. The Pope attributed the vic- erful weapon to seek her interces- vides us an incredible experience and sion not only in times of danger but tory more to the "arms" of the Rosary helps us to build a rich and vibrant than the power of cannons and the every moment of our life. The lives of spiritual life. Saints have illustrated how devotion valor of the soldiers who fought there. to Mary can pave the way to holiness. Burdened with our responsibilities, He commemorated this victory with St. Padre Pio had said “Some people we sometimes feel like stepping back the feast of Our Lady of The Rosary are so foolish that they think they can from the world to take a break from on the same day. go through life without the help of the our daily commitments. So pick up So this October spread the devotion. Blessed Mother… Love the Madonna the holy beads! Every time we pray Pray the Rosary daily as a family, dis- and pray the Rosary, for her Rosary the Rosary, Jesus welcomes us into tribute the holy beads to others and is the weapon against the evils of the his life and we welcome him into our take time to have a closer look at the world today. All graces given by God life. “Bring him your deepest pains and life of Jesus through the eyes of his pass through the Blessed Mother." He struggles, and let him heal the hurt. Mother!

14 THE SECULAR CITIZEN Oct. 26 - Nov. 1, 2020 that I go to Mumbai, I’ll tell them that it will Standing with Fr Stan Swamy SJ not possible for me to go for the above reasons. Hoping human ate night on 8 October, the University),Sudhir Dhawale sense will prevail. If not, I / 83-year-old Jesuit Fr Stan Swa- (writer and Mumbai-based Fr Stan we must be ready to face the my was taken into custody by the Dalit rights activist),Shoma Swamy consequences. I would just NationalL Intelligence Agency (NIA) from Sen(professor at Nagpur add that what is happening SJ his residence in Ranchi and to an undis- University),Surendra Gadling to me is not unique. Many closed destination.According to his col- (a UAPA expert and law- activists, lawyers, writers, leagues, the NIA did not serve a warrant yer from Nagpur),Mahesh journalists, student leaders, on Fr. Stan and that their behaviour was Raut (a young activist on poets, intellectuals and oth- absolutely arrogant and rude. The next displacement issues from ers who stand for the rights morning, he was forciblyflown to Mum- Gadchiroli),Rona Wilson of Adivasis, Dalits and the bai, where he was immediately pro- (Delhi-based prisoners’ marginalised and express duced before a special court and then rights activist),Gautam Navlakha (Delhi- their dissent to the ruling powers of the sent to the Taloja Jail just outside the based journalist and civil rights activist) country are being targeted. Grateful to city. Fr Stan is sickly and feeble; accord- and at least five other members of the all who have stood in solidarity with me ing to reliable inside sources, for more Kabir Kala Manch troupe. all these years. than a week after his incarceration he was not given a cot to sleep on, a chair In a powerful statement a video which Fr Stan is a highly committed Jesuit to sit or even a walking aid; besides he has gone viral, Fr Stan says, “I was in- priest who draws his inspiration from the was kept in common barracks together terrogated by NIA for 15 hours during a person and message of Jesus Christ with several other prisoners. This is in- span of 5 days (July 27, 28, 29, 30 Aug. and who has been diligently putting into human and totally deplorable. The first 6). Apart from my bio-data and some fac- practise the faith-justice mandate of the court hearing on the case is scheduled tual information, several extracts alleg- Society of Jesus. He has over the years for 23 October. edly taken from computer implicating my accompanied the Adivasis in their quest connection to Maoist forces were placed for a more humane, just, dignified and Fr Stan is charged under the UAPA (Un- before me. I told them all these are fab- equitable life; he has empowered them lawful Activities Prevention Act) for his rications stealthily put into my computer and stood for their rights. In doing so, he apparent involvement in the and I disowned them. The has naturally made many enemies: with Bhima- Koregaon violence of nature of the present NIA in- the mining mafia, with those wanting to January 2018 and participat- vestigation of me has nothing displace the Adivasis and deny them ing in the Elgar Parishad ear- to do about Bhima Koregaon their identity, with powerful politicians lier. Fr Stan vehemently and case in which I have been and other vested interests in the tribal unequivocally denies this. booked as a ‘Suspected- heartland. The best way for them is to In October 2020, the NIA re- accused’ and consequently ensure that Fr Stan is no longer in the leased a 10,000-pagecharge raided twice (28 August 2018 area and to arrest him on totally false sheet regarding the incident by fr. cedric Prakash and 12 June 2019). But it had and fabricated charges. with fresh names, including sj everything to do to somehow that of Fr. Stan who it is al- establish (i) that I am person- Just before his arrest Fr Stan also leged conspired to take on the Govern- ally linked to extremist leftist forces, (ii) highlighted some of the works he was ment of India by means of armed militia, that through me Bagaicha is also relat- involved in; these include taking up is- along with him being connected to the ing to some Maoists. I denied both these sues related to the violation of laws in banned left-wing terrorist organisation, allegations in strongest terms. After six acquiring land for mega projects for CPI (Maoist). It makes him the oldest weeks of silence, I am being summoned mining and infrastructure development person to be charged with terrorism in to appear in NIA- office in Mumbai. I by flouting the rights of the poor, down- India. have informed them (i) that I fail to un- trodden and tribal people. He was rais- derstand the need for interrogating me ing voice in a democratic, legitimate The others charged under this dra- further given the fact I have been sub- ways against the state-sponsored viola- conian law without any justification jected to that for 15 hours already, (ii) tions of laws and assault on democratic and are languishing in COVID-ridden that I am not in a position to undertake rights of people aimed at paving way jails include Sudha Bharadwaj, (hu- the long journey given my age (83) and for unrestricted exploitation of land and man rights lawyer and activist from the nature of the epidemic ravaging the natural resources. He has filed a case to Chhattisgarh),Varavara Rao (78-year- country. Besides Jharkhand State Govt. give justice to around 3000 people who old Activist, writer and poet from Andhra has given a directive that during the were either taken into custody or went Pradesh; he is currently very sick),Anand lockdown period elderly persons above missing for raising their voice against Teltumbde (70-year-old Dalit scholar the age of 60 may not appear in public, violations of law, in Jharkhand. He has and activist),Arun Ferreira(advocate (iii) that if the investigating agency wants questioned the non-implementation of and human rights’ activist from to interrogate me further it can be done the 5th Schedule of the Constitution and Mumbai),Vernon Gonsalves (civil rights through video-conference. If NIA will re- asked why the Panchayats (Extension activist and former professor at Mumbai fuse to consider my request and insist (Contd.. on p. 17)

Oct. 26 - Nov. 1, 2020 THE SECULAR CITIZEN 15 An Indian would introduce himself Wikipedia : I know everything as,"I grew up with 5 brothers and 3 Google : I have everything sisters". Facebook : I know everybody Internet : Without me you are no body An American would say, "I grew up with 5 mothers and 3 fathers". Electricity: AWAAZ NICHE page ***** ***** Boss : Why is your eye swollen? A Classic joke from India Teacher: What is India Gate? Employee : It was my wife’s birthday Ajay comes crying to his father after Student: Basmati Rice. yesterday sir and I...... school. His father noticed he is Teacher: What is Charminar? Boss : So you forgot? covered in bruises, just completely Student: Cigarettes. Employee : No sir, bought her a cake. beaten black and blue. So he asked Teacher: What is Taj Mahal? Boss : Then how is your eye swollen? his sone what happened. Ajay tells Student: Tea, Sir! him the teacher pointed pointed a Teacher: You stupid boy! You have Employee : Her name is “Tapasya...”, ruler at me and said “At the end of made a joke of all our national mon- but that idiot in the cake shop wrote this ruler is an idiot. “ uments. You have failed the test. Get “Samasya”. your father's signature tomorrow. “So” His dad said Next day the student comes to class Quality control is so so important. “So I said which side” and puts a gift wrapped parcel on ***** the teacher's table. ***** Teacher: What is this? Q: What was the first thing your Student: Signature, Sir. husband said to you when he woke Johnny walks in the room and looks You had asked for my father's signa- that morning? at his wife and says ture. I have brought you his whole A: He said, "Where am I, Cathy?" "baby. if you were in India they would bottle. This is what he drinks. Q: And why did that upset you? worship you" A: My name is Susan. — Sent by: Jubel D'Cruz ***** His wife responds while blushing "does that mean I'm a goddess" ***** India have contributed immensely in every field He smiles and says "no you're a cow" But in maths? They have contributed Teacher: How many letters are there in the English alphabets? zero ***** Student: 26 with GST, 23 without GST. ***** Till when has the lockdown been extended to, in India? A politician visited a village in India.. "May the 3rd" A politician visited an Indian village — Sent by: Jubel D'Cruz and asked what their needs were. What else would you like to say ”We have 2 basic needs sir,” replied about the situation? the villager. “Firstly, we have a hospital, but "May the 4th be with us." News item, Articles, Stories, Opin- there’s no doctor.” ion, interview, Poems, etc. can be ***** sent by On hearing this, the politician whipped out his cellphone, and after Try at your own risk. WhatsApp: +91 9820485389 speaking for a while he reassured the Foreign tourist: What is the greatest Email: village leader that the doctor would adventure sport in India? [email protected] be there the next day. He then asked [email protected] about the second problem. Indian man: \*Looks sadly at ring on [email protected] his hand\* Arranged marriage. “Secondly sir, there is no cellphone by Post coverage anywhere in the village.” ***** The Secular Citizen 99, Perin Nariman Street, 1st Floor, ***** What is the difference between India Fort, Mumbai 400001 and USA?

16 THE SECULAR CITIZEN Oct. 26 - Nov. 1, 2020 (Contd.. from p. 15) to Scheduled Areas) Act [PESA],1996 Ingredients: [No:40 of 1996] has been ignored. He expressed disappointment at the For the dosa batter: silence of the govt on Samatha Judg- ment, 1997 of the Supreme Court; he 2 cups rice has raised his voice at the half-hearted 1/4 cup white urad dal action of govt on Forest Rights Act, 2 tbsp chana dal 2006; queried why the govt is unwilling 1/2 tbsp methi (fenugreek) seeds Egg Dosa to carry out the SC order ‘Owner of the 1/4 tsp pepper powder land is also the owner of sub-soil miner- 1 cup instant oats (oatmeal) als’. He has expressed his apprehen- Salt to taste sion at the recently enacted Amend- Water (required for grinding) ment to ‘Land Acquisition Act 2013’ 6 eggs by the Jharkhand government which 1 onion (finely chopped) sounds a death-knell for Adivasi Com- 1/2 cup coriander leaves (finely chopped) munity; appealed that the provisions for 4 green chillies (finely chopped) social and environmental consultation/ 1 tomato (very finely chopped) assessment as well as fair compensa- Cooking oil (for drizzling) tion, in its true spirit, prior to acquisition of land as envisaged in the legislation Method-1: related to land acquisition is honoured; he has strongly disagreed with the set- 1. To begin making this recipe, wash and soak the rice for 5 to 6 hours. ting up of ‘Land Bank’ which he sees 2. Mix urad dal, chana dal and methi seeds in a bowl. Clean and wash as the most recent plot to annihilate the Adivasis. He has challenged the indis- them properly. criminate arrest of thousands of young 3. Soak them in water for about 5 to 6 hours. After 5 to 6 hours, drain Adivasis under the label of ‘naxals’ just the water. because they question and resist unjust 4. Grind the dal mixture by gradually adding little oats at a time to form land-alienation and displacement. a smooth paste. Transfer into a large bowl and keep aside. 5. Next, grind the rice into a smooth batter with little water. Add the That the harassment, intimidation and ground rice into the dal batter. Add salt to taste. the arrest of Fr Stan Swamy and others Stir well to combine. in the Bhima-Koregaon case is illegal 6 The batter should be smooth and have thick pouring consistency. and unwarranted is without doubt. In 7. Cover the dosa batter and keep it in a warm place for 10 to 12 hours the country today, there is every move to ferment. to quash human rights defenders and 8. After the fermentation, the batter will be foamy and it will rise to to throttle all those who take up the double of its original level. cause of those who stan up for the rights of the poor and the marginalised. Method-2: Fortunately, at this moment there is a groundswell of protest: citizens from all 1. In a large bowl, beat the eggs along with the onion, coriander walks of life have come out to protest at leaves, green chillies, tomato, salt and pepper powder. Keep it the arrest of Fr Stan. The CBCI, several aside. other Bishops, Church and secular or- ganisations have all issued statements 2. Now heat a non-stick dosa pan. Take a ladle full of batter and pour it condemning the arrest of Fr Stan and in the centre of the pan. Quickly start spreading the batter from the others. There is an overwhelming wave centre in continues circular motion to form a thin dosa. of protests everywhere. Editorials, op- 3. Drizzle a few drops of oil on the dosa and around the edges. eds are being written; some from the 4. Spread a small ladle full of beaten egg mixture evenly on the dosa. international media have also taken up Allow it to cook for a few minutes. Fr Stan’s case. The message is clear: 5. Once the bottom of the dosa gets cooked and turns golden brown in until he is released unconditionally the colour, flip it over and cook on the other side for a few protests will continue because #WeS- seconds till the egg is cooked through. Flip it back tandWithStan! again, roll out and take it off the pan and place the egg dosa on a serving plate. *(Fr Cedric Prakash SJ is a human rights and 6. Serve with dhaniya-pudina chutney, red chilli coconut peace activist/writer. Contact cedricprakash@ gmail.com) chutney or any other chutney of your choice.

Sweta D'Cruz

Oct. 26 - Nov. 1, 2020 THE SECULAR CITIZEN 17 The Voice Crying inthe Wilderness

e are living at a time when responsibility of every citizen of this Ramnat Goenka award for her excel- the world is shaken by a tiny diversed nation who could not protect lence in the field of journalism. Apart virus termed as Covid-19. its girl’s children from being raped and from her reputations, what would WMany counties including ours are in who could not amend any law for the have been her driving force that made the process of retrieving back to their rapping culprits. Only after her death, her to enter into the spotin spite of all old situation. But it isn’t an easy task. this outrage was brought to the lime- men made barriors? The driving force This deadly virus has jeopardized light. By that time when the news be- were probably that Pratima Mishra, the lives of numerous people irre- gan to spread like wild fire police took as a woman, could no longer bear spective of their religions, languag- over the village and implemented 144 any more girl or woman being raped es, cast, geographical territory etc... and never allowed any media interfer- and left dead. Secondly as a respon- Quite many people lost their dear ence fearing that their role in hiding sible and daring journalist she must ones, multitudinousness remained at the facts and manipulating the case have felt that it was her sole onus to home without work and salary due to brought to the public. What would be bring out the real truth that is being lock down. Poor people underwent the reasons for the neglectfulness and manipulated and kept hidden under extreme poverty than ever. All edu- dictatorship of police and authorita- the carpet. The video coverage vivid- cational institutions are still remain- tive people? Whom are they trying to ly shows Mishra asking avalanche of ing shut. Transportation facilities are protect? Why are they so lethargic in questions to the police who could not not fully retrieved. Amidstall this case? There are two ma- give her proper reply to any of her en- these havoc and uncertainty, jor reasons that can answer quiries. One of the questions that she there was a barbaric and in- these questions. The first is posed before them was how could human outrage that shook gender discrimination and they prevent media from doing their the entire nation. Miss. Man- the second is caste oppres- job? In present society, people who isha Valmiki, a 19 years old sion both of which are two have both power and money can con- young girl, belonging to Dalit sides of the same coin and trol and prevent anybody from doing community from Hathras Br. Justin Arokia conjugated and interlinked. their duties. But it is not possible with Raj SVD district in Uttar Pradesh, was Bhopal Manisha who was “Girl” be- committed journalists who are brave brutally gang raped while longing to the “Dalit Commu- enough to question the authorities working in the field on 14th nity’’ was gang rapped. This and challenge the rich by bringing the September. is what Dr. B.R. Ambedkar says, “The truth to the spotlight. Miss. Pratima caste system thrives on the oppres- Mishra has become the best epitome The reportages unveiled that her sion of women.” It is pictorial that this not only to the journalists but also to tongue was cut off and spin broken gang rape involved more proportional the women of our country. leaving her quadriparetic. In an inter- of caste oppression than gender dis- rogation, Manisha herself narrated crimination on one or the other way. The title of this article was the horrific incident from her deathbed taken from the Gospel of St. Luke- in the hospital. Having fought for life There is a ray of hope even in where we read the proclamation of about two weeks she departed from this dark time. Ms. Pratima Mishra, an John the Baptist. He stood for the us. This is an unfortunate incident. Indian journalist anchor and reporter of justice and pointed out the mistake Our country could not save another ABP News took a bold step by reach- of King Herod. As a consequence,he girl from the clutches of barbarians. ing out to the respective place with her was beheaded. In Pratima Mishra, May her soul rest in peace. The aw- camera man and exposing the reality who is clamouring in the wilderness ful cruelty was that police themselves to the public. She has hosted a num- for the justice for the one who cried for cremated her in the dead of the night ber of issues and events across the help in the wilderness of Harthas re- Wednesday 2.30 am without any con- nation including Nirbhya gang rape sembles John the Baptist. Finally, All sent of her family. What wrong did case. She has been anchoring popu- men of our nation must be ashamed Manisha do? That she was rapped lar morning show of ABP News named of what happened to Manisha. At the by so-called barbarians? What hei- “Namaste Bharat”.She is perfectly same time, the women of our nation nous crime didher parents commit? good at spot coverage too. She is must be proud of what Mishradid to That they could not even perform the considered an unbiased and impartial bring the truth out. May the soul of final rites for their daughter. None of reporter standing for truth and justice. Manish get justice. May the soul of them did any crime. It is the collective She was awarded with prestigious Manisha get justice.

18 THE SECULAR CITIZEN Oct. 26 - Nov. 1, 2020 Dear Woman Dear woman, buy yourself an attire in black Not just to be independent but to have a source that you No not to cover your flaws but show to the world you’re can depend upon when you feel clueless. bolder than any colour Dear woman, learn to bake a cake. Dear woman, take efforts to put together a little sugar So that on any birthday you may not be dismayed when and spice no one arrives at the door with one. May your signature dish be the highlight of every meal Dear woman, don’t shy away from wearingdark red Dear woman, learn to cry without hiding your tears lipstick Tears need not be a sign of despair, but a cleanse of Remember it gets better when you finally decide to get what's not needed within. bolder. Dear woman, throw away the obsessionof perfect skin Dear woman, learn to say no without guilt Those blemishes and tanmake you the real you. Like you always say yes to others without thinking. Dear woman, you don’t need permission to laugh aloud Dear woman, forget about the hourglass figure At least once every day, laugh your heart out until tears You never know when curves would be in fashion again. pour out of your eyes.

Dear woman, select a person in whose arms you want Dear woman, stop worrying about grey hair or wrinkles to crash beforehand Remember wine gets better and stronger as it gets So that you don't have to knock on multiple doors when older. the need arises. Dear woman, go on a diet if you want to Dear woman, don’t fuss about the inch of your heels But don’t forget to indulge yourselfonce in a while. Eventually your confident stride is what makes you look taller. Dear woman, make plenty of friends Some who can make you laugh and some who will Dear woman, don’t always suffocate yourself with an smile because of you. underwired push-up bra. Remember those sagging breasts fed the most precious Dear woman, be kind towards the old, your dear ones gift of your life. and your foes Remember your children are watching you and they will Dear woman, strip yourself naked and learn to look at follow you. yourself in the mirror without feeling shy Never forget that every part of you was beautifully knit Dear woman, allow your man to spoil you with gifts and together by the One above. dinner occasionally After all he's got you! Dear woman, don’t forget to carry with you some pepper spray Dear woman, pursue a hobby – sing, dance or write It's not just for robbers and rapists, but also for those Remember you’re never too old to follow your dreams. who judge you without reason. Dear woman, learn to accept compliments from strang- Dear woman, let your hair loose, cut it short or paint it ers without hesitations with colours bright Sometimes it gives hope, that a known ally fails to bring. You never know if it suits you unless you try. Dear woman, start and end your day with the almighty Dear woman, break off from that relationship that fails to It's towards Him that we all are see your worth. headed. Remember that your little sacrifices will be cherished elsewhere.

Dear woman, have something to do of your own

by Sonal Lobo

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MUMBAI : Roman Catholic November 1985), Ht. 5’ 9”, Wt. 75 kgs, Roman Catholic Bachelor, (Born in Bachelor, (Born in March 1981), Ht. 5’ Fair Complexion, Edn. MBA., working. November 1977), Ht. 5’ 6”, Wt. 72 8”, Wt. 67 kgs, Wheatish Complexion, Contact email : kgs, Fair Complexion, Edn. Degree in Edn. MBA working as a Administror. [email protected] Electronics and Telecommunications, Contact email : [email protected] 7049. CANADA : Goan Roman working as Telecom Engineer. Contact 7011. MUMBAI : Mangalorean Catholic Bachelor, (Born in June 1986), email : [email protected] Roman Catholic Bachelor, (Born in Ht. 5’ 11”, Wt. 85 kgs, Wheatish Com- 7031. MUMBAI : Mangalorean Roman September 1983), Ht. 6’, Wt. 75 kgs, plexion, Edn. BE (Computer), working Catholic Bachelor, (Born in September Wheatish Complexion, Edn. MBA in CANADA in a Non IT Field Seeks a 1985), Ht. 5’ 7”, Wt. 60 kgs, Wheatish Electronics and Finance, working as working girl in Canada and holding a Complexion, Edn. 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20 THE SECULAR CITIZEN Oct. 26 - Nov. 1, 2020 Royal Christian Family MATRIMONIALS - BRIDES 7158 MUMBAI : Mangalorean Complexion, Edn. B.Sc., IATA, Pursu- as a Sr. Advisor in MNC. Contact email Roman Catholic Spinster, (Born in ing B.Ed., working as a Travael Con- : [email protected] August 1986), Ht. 5’1”, Wt. 64 kgs, sultant. Contact email : 7140. MUMBAI : Mangalorean Wheatish Complexion, Edn. B.A., [email protected] Roman Catholic Spinster, (Born in working as a Patient Care Manager. 7143. MUMBAI : Goan Roman Cath- November 1991), Ht. 5’ 3”, Wt. 63 kgs, Contact email : olic Spinster, (Born in April 1987), Ht. 5’ Wheatish Complexion, Edn. Gradua- [email protected] 4”, Wt. 75 kgs, Wheatish Complexion, tion (BBI), working for a Private Bank Edn. M.A. (Literature) working as a as a Deputy Manager. Contact email 7128. MUMBAI : Affluent busi- Sales & Marketing Manager. Contact : [email protected] ness family R.C. East Indian Spinster, email : [email protected] 7138. MUMBAI : Mangalorean (Born in 12-04-1988), Ht. 5’ 2”, very Roman Catholic Spinster, (Born in beautiful and pretty. Edn. MS General 7066. MUMBAI : Mangalorean Ro- December 1984), Ht. 4’ 11”, Wt. 56 Surgeon, Doctor by profession. Con- man Catholic Spinster, (Born in June kgs, Wheatish Complexion, Edn. B.A., tact email : [email protected] 1987), Ht. 5’ 4”, Wt. 78 kgs, Fair working as an Executive Assistant Complexion, Edn. B.E., (EXTC) M.S. (Secretary). Contact email : 7126. U.S.A. : Mangalorean Roman (International Business Management), [email protected] Catholic Spinster, (Born in January working as a Consulting Manager. 7137. MUMBAI : Karnataka Prot- 1992) from Mumbai, Ht. 5’ 7”, Wt. Contact email : estant Spinster, (Born in January 60 kgs, Fair Complexion, Edn. B.E. [email protected] 1996), Ht. 5’ 5”, Wt. 54 kgs, Wheatish (Computers) from Mumbai, M.S. 7142. MUMBAI : Roman Catholic Complexion, Edn. B.Com., working (Information Systems) from US. 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Email : [email protected] Ht. 5’ 7”, Beautiful and Fair Complex- having own business. Contact email 7141. MUMBAI : Affluent business : [email protected] ion, Edn. Masters in Health, Care family Protestant Spinster, (Born in (MHA), Employed as a Manager in 7156 MUMBAI : Mangalorean November 1995), Ht. 5’, Wt. 55 kgs., Roman Catholic Spinster, (Born in MNC Dubai, is looking for a suitable Fair complexion, good looking, Edn., alliance between the ages of 32 to 36 November 1993), Ht. 5’1”, Wt. 65 kgs, M. Pharma, Student. Contact email : Fair Complexion, Edn. MBA., working with a height 5’ 10” and above. Kindly [email protected] respond directly to the party by email in an IT Company as an Executive 7160. MUMBAI : Mangalorean Assistant. Contact email : : [email protected] with your Roman Catholic Spinster, (Born photograph. [email protected] in September 1988), Ht. 5’ 7”, Fair 7149 GUJRAT : Anglo Indian Complexion, Edn. BMS, working as a Registered members can pub- Catholic Spinster, (Born in July 1991), Senior Merchandiser in a Global Retail lish their ad in all the 50 issues in Ht. 5’2”, Wt. 60 kgs, Wheatish Com- Company in Dubai. Contact email : a year for Rs. 8000 only. plexion, Edn. MBA, PGDM., working. [email protected] If you wish to publish your matri- Contact email : 7139. MUMBAI : Maharashtrian Prot- monial classified advertisement in [email protected] estant Spinster, (Born in May 1993), all the 50 issues in a year, you can 7153 MUMBAI : Mangalorean Ro- Ht. 5’ 3”, Wt. 47 kgs, Fair Complexion, do so for an amount of Rs. 8000 man Catholic Divorcee, (Born in May good looking, Edn. B.Com., working only. 1987), Ht. 5’2”, Wt. 60 kgs, Wheatish To Place Your Matrimonial Important Notice Advertisement Call: Royal Christian Family Telephone no. of candidate will be printed +91 - 9820485389 or 9820473103 Helps In Choosing only with the consent of members. * Check your email at least once a week. 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Oct. 26 - Nov. 1, 2020 THE SECULAR CITIZEN 21 Book review: Awakening hidden potential of teenagers, channeling their energies ries of so many ordinary individuals By Moin Qazi* whose brave lives and crusading spirits serve as beacons of hope and “Let the Real You Stand Up”, “You also as models of responsible citi- Can Make a Difference”, “You Are zenship. He consistently exhorts the Destined For The Skies!”, “Discover readers to raise their voice and pen the Hero within You” – all of them against all forms of injustices. He self-help books, authored By Fr Al- draws on the lives of so many great fonso Elengikal (published by Better men whose singular aim was to bring Yourself Books and Media Pvt Ltd) – Fr Alfonso Elengikal peace to warring societies. He culls are aimed at awakening the hidden out the principles and strategies that potential of our teenagers and also defined the lives and works of these The stories and the issues handled channeling their energies for more reformers and demonstrates how ev- are very hands-on and full of practical constructive purposes. ery individual can make a difference advices .You will learn the causes of to this world. In other words, he wants mental clutter, how to change nega- Self help books are a specialized each one of us to be a change maker. genre and there are both motivational tive thoughts to positive ones, design strategies to cope with rocky relation- speakers and writers who have de- He talks about the ego and how to ships, how to identify what’s impor- veloped a niche in writing them. Teen- separate ourselves from it. His exam- tant to you, the importance of medita- agers’ mind and body have enormous ples are not just hocus pocus; they tion, how to goal set, and much more. energies and also the capacity to really work and are something any- dream big. Most tend to dissipate the one can do. Whether your suffering The stories are interspersed with energies and extinguish their dreams is rooted in jealousy, anger, sadness anecdotes and quotes of great lead- in the face of the heavy odds they en- grief, anxiety, frustration or depres- ers and learning from scriptures. In counter in life. sion, Fr Alfonso will help you see life sum, the books are the finest quin- from varied perspectives, examine tessence of traditional and modern These books are an elixir of wisdom its nuances and the finer grains, and wisdom gleaned from vast amounts that serves to preserve the creative awaken yourself to your life’s pur- of literature that Fr Alfonso has read. energies of our teenagers and use pose .You will love to keep the book He is now in his third term as editor them more effectively for self-devel- by your nightstands and flip the chap- of India’s most popular magazine for opment. Readers learn how to turn ters when you’re feeling some ex- teenagers, “The Teenager Today”. their adversity into an opportunity and cess baggage creep in and could use Fr Alfonso has wielded the baton of dispel gloom and hopelessness with these lessons of wisdom for clearing editorship at different periods, taking courage and determination. the cobwebs in your own mind. time off between editorial responsi- bilities to test his ideas in the rugged Fr Alfonso expounds on the univer- Instead of casting the books aside realities of life. sal principles of self help and takes and letting them gather dust, you will special care to address them to the prefer to mark out various sugges- He has harnessed his vast reading specific needs of the youth. He hits tions and advices you responded to. and training in spiritualism to delin- the nail on the head as he dissects They drive home the points Fr Alfonso eate for the youth an essential blue- the obstacles individuals may face in makes through his writing. When you print for both worldly and otherworldly pursuing their dreams. These hon- feel a dip in your confidence, going success. His spiritualism is not the est, conversational, stories light an back to your entries will put a posi- spiritualism of the mountain caves but instant fire in your soul and help you tive spin on your day and remind you one that has to be practiced and lived to be upfront with what you want from why you should show yourself more in the hard realities of life. He talks of life. The hallmark of these books is self-love. the usage of real-life examples from the problems afflicting the national polity –corruption, communalism and men and women who have overcome When you’re feeling overwhelmed the many corrosions in the national insuperable odds in their own great with stress, worry, or anxiety, these character that have emaciated our lives. Each book is actually a follow- powerful books will do their part in public life and- and also weakened its up book of the earlier one covering a offering various techniques, tips, and vast creative potential. vast range of themes including friend- tricks to cope with an a world which ships, relationships, goal-setting, has too many slings arrows and peer pressure, and so much more. Fr Alfonso has picked up the sto- quivers of outrageous fortunes that 22 THE SECULAR CITIZEN Oct. 26 - Nov. 1, 2020 SAINT JOSEPH, The Man Jesus Called Father

By Dr George Kaitholil, SSP Jesus Called Father. And when he says that ST PAULS – ISBN 979-93-5015-378- ably so! The title itself, through his betrothal 9 / Pp 141 – INR 150 having as it does a ring to Mary, Saint Joseph of familiarity that spells shared in Mary’s dignity REVIEW by Ladislaus Louis D’Souza paternal bonding holds and thus deserves great the key to understanding honour! Pope Saint Paul Of all the wondrous things said down the greatness of Joseph, VI affirms that “if we look the ages concerning Saint Joseph, in the warmth of whose carefully into his life that the humble Carpenter of Nazareth arms rested safe and se- was apparently so un- and the faithful Foster Father of Our cure the Second Person remarkable, we shall Lord Jesus Christ, the most signifi- of the Blessed Trinity, the find that it was greater cant perhaps is what Blessed James Son of God no less, as is and more adventurous, Alberione, the Founder of what has evident in the peace-ex- more full of exciting come to be known as the Pauline uding profile on the cover events, than we are ac- Family, wrote in the February 1953 is- of the book! customed to assume in sue of San Paolo in Italy: “The dignity our hasty perusal of the of Saint Joseph is the highest after Built entirely on the skeletal details gospels” (p 11). SAINT JOSEPH, The that of the mother of God… The inti- available in the Gospel narrative, Man Jesus Called Father takes us macy Joseph shared with Jesus was SAINT JOSEPH, The Man Jesus further in that it presents Joseph to us for him an ongoing source of grace, Called Father constitutes a theologi- as the model of the active and con- virtue, spiritual wealth and consola- cal, spiritual and pastoral treatise on templative life, its end objective being tion… Saint Joseph was always learn- the life and mission of Saint Joseph, the facilitation of a closer relationship ing and sanctifying himself” (p 13). the author bringing to bear on its con- with Jesus through meditation and And yet, though uniquely associated tents in no small measure his priestly prayer. This objective is sought to be with the very mystery of Salvation, acumen as senior member of the fulfilled by the sustenance offered for with not much said about him in sa- century-old religious congregation of our souls in Part II (p 93) that com- cred scripture per se, he continues to the Society of Saint Paul dedicated to prises of various devotions honouring remain probably the least understood the media apostolate in service of the the saint, leading us to pray to him saint of the Catholic Church. That is Gospel. The sufferings, the internal with rare fervour backed by a new un- the lacuna Dr George Kaitholil tries to struggles and the deeply spiritual dis- derstanding of this man whom Jesus fill through SAINT JOSEPH, The Man positions of Joseph and Mary (pp 103- lovingly called ‘Father’! 108) are portrayed here in a touching (Contd.. from p. 22) manner that hinges on the fact that Having been professor at the Re- keep you at bay . Fr Alfonso wants Jesus called these two significant hu- gional Seminary in Allahabad named to show the silver lines even in the man figures in his life, ‘Father’ and after none other than Saint Joseph, bleak skies. From creating new hab- ‘Mother’ respectively. and involved as he has long been in its (and ridding yourself of old ones) There is no gainsaying the fact that the various stages of the formation to overcoming fear and surrounding this book—the author’s 93rd to be pre- of youngsters aspiring to the Pau- yourself with like-minded individuals cise!—in which the meaning and val- line Priesthood and Brotherhood, his is one of the best take-away from ue of the virginal marriage of Joseph grasp of the spiritual needs of pope, these books. to the Virgin Mother of God, is put into priest and people alike is seen clearly perspective, even as his silence, his in Chapter 11 which he devotes to We can gift these books to our teen- doubts and anxiety, his sense of jus- ‘The Sleeping Joseph, Active Helper’ age son, daughter, niece, nephew, tice and sanctity are convincingly ex- (pp 109-115). Indeed, George Kaitho- or grandchild. They’re the perfect plained, is sure to enlighten, inspire lil [email: [email protected]], au- keepsake to pass down to future and nourish the reader in relation to thor of the well-known Target Series generations of teens too. These responding to God’s plans as Chris- and of titles like Communion in Com- books offer more than a sermon on tians. It will help resolve much of their munity, Mercy, Divine and Human, the importance of living mindfully skepticism and unasked queries be- Understanding the Other: The Pope and in the moment. They help to sides clearing misconceptions, in the Francis Way among others, does the keep your conscience as fresh and process enabling the reader appreci- reader tremendous service by putting transparent as we can and provide ate better the power of Joseph’s pa- his Doctorate in Spiritual Theology to the best recipe for our individual and tronage and protection. the edification of the reader as is evi- collective salvation. dent in the pages of SAINT JOSEPH, *Development expert Pope Leo XIII puts it very succinctly The Man Jesus Called Father!

Oct. 26 - Nov. 1, 2020 THE SECULAR CITIZEN 23 24 Published on every Monday Dt. 26-10-2020 & Posted on Monday / Tuesday of every week Oct. 26 - Nov. 1, 2020 Posted at Mumbai Patrika Channel Sorting Office, Mumbai - 400001. Licenced to Post without prepayment Licence No. MR/TECH/WPP-70/SOUTH/2018-20 RNI No. 56987/92 Registered No. MCS/100/2018-20 Good Proposals

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