“Modithva must spread”

Interview with L. Ganesan, the Tamilnadu state unit president of the BJP.

Following Orissa there is a widespread violence against Christians in Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh. The secularism of India is under question again and again. With religious freedom on one hand and the threats against conversion on the other, the Christian community is at crossroads as it is targeted for some sporadic conversions in some parts of the country. While there are political questions behind every heinous attack, even more serious issues irritate the BJP, RSS and VHP groups. L. Ganesan, the Tamilnadu state unit president of the BJP, opens his heart for the first time about the background of the anti-christian violence and issues that lead to constant friction and violence between Hindu and Christian religious groups in this Interview to the editor, Glorious Steve.

What is the background against which this continuous violence against Christians is set?

Swami Lakshmanananda, an 82 year venerable man had been working for the upliftment of the tribals and dalits in that region for many years. The Christian missionaries were trying to convert the hindus. But, there was no support from the hindu harijans. Similarly, many harijans who became Christians were constantly rubbing shoulders with the tribals. This constant friction was created by the Christian missionaries and particularly the priests. Swami Lakshmanananda opposed this. So the Christians missionaries were angry with him. Prior to the killing of Swami Lakshmananandna there were four attempts on his life. Every time the missionaries were behind the attempt.

Is in’t it true that there were news reports saying the Maoists were behind the murder and that they had accepted that they were responsible for the act?
That is a wrong presupposition. Generally, governments, government servants, and the police used to be the target of the Maoists. How can a swamiji who was serving the people become the enemy of the Maoist? So, Maoists have no part in the murder. In fact, a news was passed by the district collector to all the Christian run schools to safeguard themselves some hours before the incident took place. How can this happen? This is a planned murder. And Christian missionaries are behind the murder.
There is so much of anger against Christians because they have become like the multinational companies. They set target and work. How can you work for conversion with targets. It is to do with conscience.

What about Karnataka? It is BJP that is in power in Karnataka...
The reason is politics. It is planned to bring down the image of the ruling BJP. be hind these attacks there is Congress party. The police dogs have gone straight to the house of a member of the Congress party. This is to fool the Christian community to get their votes. Christians are being treated as fools.
Generally Hinduism practices tolerance. At the same time, many people miscalculate our tolerant behaviour. How long can we tolerate this? People say that in Orissa and Karnataka there is BJP rule that is why Christians are attacked. But in Kerala only the Communists are ruling. How is that Christians are attacked there? In fact, Communism propagates atheistic principles and is just opposite to Christianity which believes in God. Even there Christians are attacked for political reasons. Christians must make an effort to understand who is good and who is evil.
There are many denominations within Christianity? How is that most of the Catholics and catholic institutions are targeted when such attacks take place?
The one who indulges in violence will not differentiate between who is a Lutheran, CSI or a Catholic. All of them appear to be the same. During an emotional outburst he will not be looking for the differences. There is so much of anger against Christians because they have become like the multinational companies. They set target and work. How can you work for conversion with targets. It is to do with conscience. How can this be right? I am not blaming all the Christian institutions. I am referring to the many new churches and organisations emerging in the name of Christians. Such organisations are to be banned and this business in the name of religion has to be stopped.
Observing the recent violence all these, it looks as if the BJP run states seem to follow the style of Modi in Gujarath, thinking that taking a violent path will fetch them success politically. Is it true?
It is a wrong perception about Modi. Modi never indulged in such politics. People are happy about the rule of Modi. It is true that he controls every religion with an iron hand. He is very strict everyone. Many women happily say that they are able to walk even at night without any fear. You must understand fully what modi has done there. Media propagate a word called ‘Modithva.’ I say, modithva is not bad. We are proud about that and Modithva must spread.
Aspects of Christianity you like and aspects you dislike...
I like the unity that is evidently seen among Christians. Yours is an organised religion. You feel for each other. Otherwise how is it possible for you to close down schools condemning the attacks in Orissa? The second aspect I like is their service mindedness. This is nurtured in every Christian. Even women and nuns go with courage to serve the people even at night. I shed tears reading the news about a girl who wanted to serve Jesus as a nun but was denied the opportunity who eventually went on to commit suicide.

I dislike the sprouting of new organisations without proper motive. We condemn churches that attract people with money from abroad.

Do you differentiate between Islam fundamentalism and Christian fundamentalism?

There is no point in that. But, Christians are behind the separatist movements of the north eastern states. We condemn that. Conversions are going in a grand scale in the north east.

In the last 20 years Christian population has not even crossed 2%. How can you say there is a lot of conversion?
The problem is they begin to demand separate status after becoming a majority. Even if they have not grown in number ideologically they are united and fight against the rest. What is important for us is nationalism. The nation is more important for us than anything else. We cannot tolerate regionalism or separatism.

COVER STORY
‘We need a government that can be fair to all’
Now the Church is actively engaged in empowering and educating people. So, naturally the Church becomes the target, tells Fr. Adolf Washington, the Public Relations Officer, President of Indian Catholic Press Association and the Managing Director & Editor- in- Chief of South Asian Religious News, in an Interview to Fr.Glorious Steve.
1. Do you think that the Church is the real target of the BJP agenda or is there something else for which Christians and the churches are targeted?
That’s a good question. The real target is against any organisation, movement or persons that engage in the education and empowerment of the poor and the marginalized. Because with education and empowerment of the marginalized, people who were voiceless begin to speak-up against unjust socio economic structures, be it against bonded labour, casteism or any oppressive structure. With education and empowerment people also begin to claim and assert their Constitutional Rights. Now the Church is actively engaged in empowering and education people. So, naturally the Church becomes the target.
2. Do you think that all the Christian groups are united in fighting the BJP, VHP and Bajrang Dal? If yes, what kind of coordinated actions have come about? If no, what causes the uneasiness among various churches to unite?
The presence of several denominations does not imply the Church is disunited. Unity does not imply uniformity of doctrine and form of worship. Unity to me implies ‘a feeling of oneness and solidarity despite difference. In a way, we are having common suffering and so we seem to be looking in the same direction and are looking at the same enemies who are perpetrating violence against the Church.
3. What are the strategic moves made by the Karnataka Church so far? Are you satisfied with the strategies proposed so far?
The Church in Karnataka has exerted sufficient pressure on the State, the Centre, on the Judiciary and on the Police Machinery in making them curb the spread of violence. NGOs, people of other faiths have also joined hands in solidarity with the Church.
4. How well do the opposition parties particularly the Congress and JD cooperate in fighting against BJP?
I think we should not be too concerned about looking for political parties as Godfathers of the Christian community. What we need is a government that can be fair to all communities and not antagonise or spread hate campaigns against anybody.
5. What kind of clashes happened in Dakshina Kannada and what are their effects? How well are they poised since there are sizeable number in the Christian community there?
We must not use the word Clashes. When we say clashes, we are talking about two or more groups confronting each other. There were not clashes in Dakshina Kannada, there was force by one group exerted upon a peaceful, praying community. The attacks ranged from ransacking prayer halls and Churches and convents, desecration of sacred vessels, destruction of furniture, burning of bibles and holy pictures, destruction of statues and even desecration of the Holy Eucharist. The ‘sizeable’ number of Christians you speak of are not there to serve as an armed force to fight- they are simple Christians who go about their day to day worship.
6. Have you made legal moves sufficiently so as to strengthen the case of Christian communities?
Yes, I had mentioned that the Church has exerted sufficient pressure on the Judiciary. In Orissa, Archbishop Cheenath took the state to the Supreme court. In Karnataka we made a representation to Justice Nayak on the National Human Rights Commission. I was part of the delegation that met Justice Nayak.

In a way, we are having common suffering and so we seem to be looking in the same direction and are looking at the same enemies who are perpetrating violence against the Church.

7. Are there strong Christian youth movements within the Karnataka Church to plan for a future course of action?
Every new problem gives us opportunities to look for new possibilities. The Church is planning strategic responses and a plan of action. We will gradually know it.
The Church has exerted sufficient pressure on the Judiciary. In Orissa, Archbishop Cheenath took the state to the Supreme court. In Karnataka we made a representation to Justice Nayak on the National Human Rights Commission.

8. What are the significant roles played by the religious congregations during this crisis?
Everybody is working. Let us not single out Religious Congregations. We are together in this struggle.
9. How are the media in Karnataka responding to these heinous attacks?
There is bias in the Media. But that is unavoidable because some of them have their own policies and ideological slants. However, by and large, The Media in Karnataka, or I must say, the Global Media responded and reported issues pretty fairly.
10. What is the response from Rome and other churches?
The Vatican is informed and aware of the happenings. The Vatican expresses its concern and so do other global Christian organisations.
11. Yeddyurappa held discussions with Archbishop of Bangalore and invoked Anti-Goonda Act on all those involved in attacks on places of Christian worship. How do you look at this act of Yeddyurappa?
The anti-goonda act is pretty complicated. You can arrest someone under the act, but the process that leads to a conviction in a court of law is extremely long and tough. You have to go into the past records of the accused and establish a length of evidences to convict the person.

Deccan Churches Attacked

A Crusade against Christians in Karnataka

Everything began on September 8. A Christian prayer hall was vandalized in Bada village of Davangere district. Three other churches were targeted in the district before this incident.
Yeddyurappa, while maintaining that the focus would be on preserving communal harmony, said, “The rule of law will prevail. Nobody has the right to indulge in forcible conversions, and inducement to pave the way for conversions is banned.”
But, his words clearly stated that the victims of the attacks were at fault, not the perpetrators. The Deputy commissioner of Davangere, K. Amar Narayan, gave instructions to check how many churches were authorized. He made it clear that the survey would be only for churches and Christian prayer halls.
Speaking to ‘The Week,’ on why no action was being taken against temples that encroached on public places, BJP state spokesperson Dhananjay Kumar said, “If you don’t expect temples to come up in a Hindu country, where else do you expect they will?”
So it was not surprising that when 14 churches were attacked in Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Chickmagalur districts on September 14, state Bajrang Dal convener Mahendra Kumar proudly declared that the organisation was behind it.
In the Adoration Monastery on Falnir Road in Mangalore, a mob damaged the crucifix and the tabernacle. In the afternoon, Mahendra Kumar told the Mangalore media that the Bajrang Dal had carried out the attacks. “We will continue to do this against all churches indulging in conversion,” he said.
The sizeable Christian community in Dakshina kannada protested against the attacks and clashed with the police, who resorted to lathicharge and teargassing.
While prayer halls in Davangere were attacked on grounds that they were “illegal structures”, in Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Chickmagalur, churches were targeted for allegedly converting people. Though the Bajrang Dal claimed they were targeting the New Life Group, even Catholic churches were attacked.
‘The Week’ and ‘Tehelka’ reported that there had been 55 attacks on churches in different parts of Karnataka since the BJP came to power in the state. “This is payback time for the BJP. Which has built its success on 40 years of hard work by the RSS,”Tehelka reported.
“While the various Christian groups were targeted, the primary anger of the BJP, RSS and VHP is on the newly emerging church groups which are booming and which try to lure the people with money if they joined their churches. While Catholic and other prominent churches remain silent about such incidents, the BJP is alarmed about the growing menace,” said some informed sources from Bangalore.
Yeddyurappa alleged the attacks were an opposition conspiracy “to besmirch the government’s image”. The Congress and the JD(S) said the attacks were part of the BJP’s “hidden agenda”. Congress leader Veerappa Moily called it “state-sponsored communal terrorism”, and alleged that the culprits were being allowed to go scot free.
More than 170 people were arrested. But on why Mahendra Kumar was not arrested, the chief minister’s reply was that “the police have also arrested Bajrang Dal activists”.
Yeddyurappa ruled out a judicial probe, and ordered an inquiry into the sources of funds for the New Life Fellowship Trust (NLFT).

BJP pressure

On the other hand, the BJP put pressure on the government to arrest those involved in the murder of Lakshmanananda. While all organisations of the Sangh Parivar insisted that conversion was the main reason for the communal tension in Kandhamal, the BJP urged the Chief Minister to implement strictly the laws pertaining to conversion and the ban on cow slaughter.
On the political front, a joint initiative by all political parties could restore peace and communal harmony in the district. But that is unlikely to happen as elections to both the Lok Sabha and the State Assembly are scheduled for next year.
Justice delayed
The record of the BJD-BJP government shows that it has never been serious in its approach to ensure peace in Kandhamal. In fact, the district witnessed communal violence for more than a week in December last year following an attack on Lakshmanananda Saraswati. At least four persons were killed and hundreds of houses of Christians were burnt down. While the judicial inquiry into the violence is still on the next judicial inquiry into the killing of Lakshmanananda and the communal violence is followed. By the time the reports of the two commissions see the light of day, Kandhamal’s communal clashes may well have acquired a new dimension because of the interplay of social, political and cultural factors say media persons.
Brushing aside all their differences the BJD workers joined BJP activists to enforce the State-wide bandh called by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and other Sangh Parivar outfits. As of now Patnaik, his critics say, is going the Modi way with his eyes set on the elections.
“ Looking into the whole communal attacks on Christian community in the country and naming whole Muslims as terrorists , I tend to believe that it is a vicious technique of Sangh Parivar and its Gujrath mascot to install a desperate man in the waiting list to be the Prime minister of India , because he might cross to his eighties if does not become PM this time.” Said , Fr. Anand Muttungal, the PRO and the Spokesperson for M.P Bishops Council and coordinator of Madhya Pradesh Isai Mahasangh.
Glorious Steve

And then...they came for the christians...

While the whole nation was just trying to recover from the economic crisis, a fresh political storm has set in in the name of religion. It looks as if the words ‘religion’, ‘God,’ ‘Swami,’ and ‘priest,’ can easily set fire to the whole nation more than any other fire accidents. While the former sets fire and rifts people apart the latter only destroys the property and not so much the people with flesh and blood; people with heart and soul and conscience.
The great nation that claimed that it was tolerant for centuries towards any religion, kings and empires, proves now that such tolerance and goodness are over with the bygone ages. This seems to be a new era. Intolerance is the order of the day. Anything can kindle fire to appease the political thirst of the parties particularly the BJP, RSS and VHP that use religion for political gain.
The recent attacks on Christians and churches come as a retaliation for the killing of swami Lakshmanananda and outside Orissa and practically in many parts of India as a retaliation for conversions to Christianity. No BJP leader has as yet condemned or even regretted the attacks on churches.
In an article, ‘It’s time to act, Mr Advani,’ written by Raghu Krishnan that appeared in THE ECONOMIC TIMES on 21 September, 2008 commented like this: “Those of us Hindus who studied in convent schools and continue to be Hindus will know how irrational the argument is that the recent attacks on churches in Orissa and Karnataka was a response to an attempt at forcibly converting members of the majority community. Even if the Bajrang Dal activists claim they were upset by what they perceived as forcible conversion, the logical response should have been to bring this to the notice of the state governments.”
He continues, “If its governments in Karnataka and MP cannot even prevent attacks on churches while investigating complaints of forcible conversion, then how can the party keep claiming that a BJP-led national government will protect the entire country from serial blasts by diabolical terrorists!”
And if there are recent reports that some Christian missionary somewhere is involved in an attempt at forcible conversion, it should not take too long for an experienced national leader like Mr Advani to have things sorted out through administrative measures, especially in BJP-ruled states.
Just nine years and two months ago, when the BJP-led NDA ruled the nation, its leaders inspired young soldiers of all faiths to fight and die for the country while evicting armed cross-border intruders from the frozen heights of Kargil.
Surely, some 110 months later, it should not be too difficult for a national leader like Mr Advani to ensure that the unity and integrity of the country is not harmed by unruly activists who think that vandalising a church or any other place of religious worship in a BJP-ruled state is what 21st century India is all about!
While the BJP, RSS and VHP groups have lost the control of their senses, there is still another question that deeply arises: What is quietly happening to the Christian community that is known for its unity?
Not many years ago Muslims were attacked. Mosques were demolished and Christians kept quiet about it. They thought that Christians will never be attacked. We wake up to see the Christian Community under attack in many parts of India.
This immediately reminded me of the poem “First they came…” which is attributed to Pastor Martin Niemöller (1892–1984) about the inactivity of German intellectuals following the Nazi rise to power and the purging of their chosen targets, group after group:
“In Germany, they came first for the Communists, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist;
And then they came for the trade unionists, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist;
And then they came for the Jews, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew;
And then . . . they came for me . . . And by that time there was no one left to speak up.”
Times have ripened for attacks on Christians. We have been studying about the various attacks in history on Communists, Muslims, and Jews. This time they came for the Christians… Unfortunately, to their astonishment, they found them divided. Our divisions based on language, caste, creed and greed are killing the Christians more than any external force. The pity is that we are not united when they came for the Christians.

The African mission at a crossroads

Statistics show that 75% of theAfrican population is below 30years of age. Where there is youth population, especially at risk, there is work for Salesians. The fact that Africa has the vast majority of their youth population, particularly at risk and below 30 years of age, shows that the Salesians have lot of work. It is quite clear that most of the population belong to the category of children and youth.
The situation of Turin in 1840 is the case in Africa now in 2007. As in Turin, the African cities are becoming hubs of life and services. A lot of industries are being started to meet the needs of the global society. Such industrialisation has led to urbanisation in the case of Africa too. People are flocking to cities to get employed and most often unskilled youngsters are victimised in the process since Africa is a vast land where education and other social amenities are not that easily available. The cities claim to provide many facilities to these vagrant youth. So the young people run to cities and they have the usual problems like housing, unemployment, HIV/AIDS and so on.
The youngsters are victimised particularly when they are not prepared in terms of education and skills. So the relevance of Salesian work is felt all the more. The need, to educate and prevent problems, is felt all the more in the rural areas.
The African morality works on social control, tradition and social taboos. Whereas in the urbanised society there is no social control because there is anonymity and so there is a collapse of moral system.
Against this setting Fr. Selvam classifies the African mission in to two important dimensions. They are : 1. Curative and therapeutic work in urban areas and 2. Preventive work in rural areas.
From the View Point of the African Church
For many here in Africa, The face of Don Bosco, which we are so familiar, is relatively new. But, today Bishops appreciate the Salesians and their work. Perhaps they would have studied a little about Don Bosco when they were young. The face of Don Bosco, which was hazy and muddled, is clearly seen in the faces of the Salesians. They have great expectations from the Salesians. They know that Salesians have solutions to the problems of the African youth. This is the impression they have about the Salesians in Africa.
In East Africa we have about 35 to 40 pending requests from Bishops who want us to work with them and some even give unconditional offers. Even the lay people want to give their property to us but we have no personnel to make use of the places offered. Some of the Italians and even some Goans settled there are ready to give their land to us for our ministry. Thus helps are pouring in a big way.
Local Vocations
In the African province, Sudan is one after Congo to have complete cycle of formation from the aspirantate to the theologate and even the magisterium for Salesian Brothers. There has been a trend to invest on personnel particularly in formation houses, though this reduces the number of Salesian personnel to serve in our missions. It is true that other provinces are benefitting from us as a result of this. "It is worth mentioning that there are over 20 priests from the province of Sudan,"says Fr. John Peter. With limited personnel, a province is able to think of sparing confrerers for the rest of the provinces is something great.
Area of ministry
A variety of ministry is carried out in Africa. Indian confreres are very comfortable with schools. The Polish are experts in running parishes. The Italians are efficient in running technical schools. Holland and Belgium provide many services to the Africans. Africa needs academic schools and that is why, many youngsters come to India for academic studies.
Starting technical schools will not be a solution to the youth of Sudan. Take for example Iringa, a city in Sudan needs 20 carpenters every year. But you train 100 of them. They either become unemployed or are underemployed. After finishing their technical qualification they do not want to venture into other types of jobs, "says Fr. John Peter.
So focus on technical schools will not be a solution to their livelihood. "Initially we focussed on schools but right now our ministry is diversified. Working for Refugees, street children, schools, animation centres, media centre by name Beams and parishes are the ministries that are offered," says Fr.Selvam.
Critical Aspects of Project Africa
The Indian Salesians have carried with them a very rich Salesian heritage, thanks to the early missionaries in India. "As Indian heritage, we have very rich spirituality and deep ascetical life. Our simple lifestyle and deep spirituality pose a big challenge to the African culture," says Fr. Selvam.
The Indian Salesians have transplanted their style, mentality and even their problems into the African situations. The weakness of East African mission model is actually the model that was proposed to the Indian provinces some twenty five years ago, i.e. the institutional model. Too soon the Salesians started setting up institutions and stabilising them. As a result, from 1980 to 1994 there were only three communities in East Africa.
Both the European Salesians and the Indian Salesians went into African mission. While the European Salesians came with a preserving attitude, Indian Salesians came with an expanding attitude. "If only we had international group of Salesians for a joint venture, we would have projected the Salesian identity in a more powerful manner," says Fr. Selvam.
The congregation has done a lot for Africa. With the support of the Salesian NGOs huge sum of money was pumped in. Project Africa is an example of networking. Indians have skills and Europeans, money. When these two can be helped to network the dream of Don Bosco can be kept alive in the African Continent. By working together this great dream can be realised.
There were times when Rome got alarmed about the fast expansion of East Africa. Since 1994, the major superiors started speaking on consolidation. For example, a community should consist of at least three Salesians. It is difficult to realise that the success of the Indian Salesianity lies in its ever expanding nature.
The present crisis, of lack of vocations in Europe, could be attributed to this attitude of limiting ourselves, says Fr. Selvam.
Wherever there is consolidation, there is stagnation. African mission bore the brunt of this stagnating consolidation for a while. This even led many to leave the missions because there were no new challenges and no reality to face. Many Salesians returned to India as a consequence of this consolidation process. This is the situation towards which East Africa is heading. The fact that the confreres were not allowed to go ahead with certain momentum can lull the growth for ever has become a lesson for the future.
Writing for the centenary souvenir, Fr. Joseph Pulikkal SDB, Provincial, wrote about the challenges still faced, " In spite of the progress made in the past 25 years, we still have immense challenges to face, such as poverty, illiteracy, HIV/AIDS, unemployment, corrosion of culture, and want of religious education."
With all these pressing demands placed on the Salesians, there is a move by Salesians to consolidate on the one hand and the desire to expand and keep Don Bosco alive on the other. The Salesians are at a crossroads today as they are having their Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the arrival of Project Africa. Today, there is a need to be challenged by the ‘new frontiers’ that the Rector Major is speaking about. Just as Don Bosco dreamt of going to various places not yet reached by others, the Salesians need to dream about reaching such unreachable shores.

Indian contribution to project Africa

With special reference t oEqastern Africa
With their work extended to 45 out of 53 countries, from a mere one province to 13 new delegations or vice provinces, the African mission is at a crossroads being pulled by static consolidation on the one hand and dynamic expansion on the other. Is the term ‘Project Africa’ a closed chapter or a new beginning? Here are the milestones, anxieties, concerns, challenges and preoccupations of a province now left to itself to multiply and bear fruit.



or many, Africa offered a greatfuture in terms of the natural resources. But for most others, Africa was a dark continent as it may seem from the colour of its people. The various outlook people had about African countries and their citizens, led them to a plight and destiny that is not so easy to explain. The tarnished, sub human and impoverished situation seen from a periphery was challenged by the richness of their culture and traditions. The image about their external features was challenged by their internal qualities of love and tolerance. For the Salesians who work there the situation offered both possibilities from its people and much more challenges from those who opted to work there and from the political situation prevalent there.
Fr. Vernal Paul Felix SDB recalls Don Bosco’s touching intervention during the meeting of the Superior Council on 26 May 1886 to show how earnestly he thought of the African mission: "... this mission forms part of my plans and is one of my dreams. If I were young, I would take along with me Fr. Michael Rua and say, ‘Come, let us go to the Cape of Good Hope to Nigritia ( Sudan), Khartoum, the Congo, to Suakin... We could establish a novitiate there by the Red Sea’."
Unfortunately, this dream of Don Bosco remained unfulfilled during his life-time. It was Don Rua who, towards the end of 1896, eight years after the death of Don Bosco, sent the first Salesians to Africa ( Alexandria-Egypt).
It was surprising that the Salesians could not make headway in evangelisation or education even many years after their arrival in Africa.
The year 1978 is a significant one for the African missions. It was at this year that an African Salesian took part in the General Chapter for the first time. He was from Zaire, presently known as Congo DRC.
The African who took part in the General Chapter challenged the participants of the Chapter telling them, Africa needs Don Bosco the most. Remember the Salesians were in very few countries at that time.
It was a big challenge posed, because the vocations were dwindling in Europe and so they were trying to close the existing houses. With all the difficulty in finding vocations, Fr. Vigano urged the members to give priority to Africa. Everyone felt that it is not possible. Many even felt that the Rector Major is catching the bull by its horns. But he was firm; and that’s how ‘Project Africa’ was born.
Along with the appeal of the African Salesian many bishops at that time started writing to the Rector Major appealing for Salesian presences in Africa. The Bishops’ frequent appeal and the Challenge posed by the first African participant were coinciding; therefore the Chapter decided to open missions in Africa.
Today, the African missionaries see this event as a clear sign from God and see it as a move towards the fulfilment of Don Bosco’s dream.
The superiors following the strategy of the Jesuits, gave each African region to the existing Salesian Provinces of the world. Thus, Zambia and Uganda were given to the Polish provinces; Gana to Germans, Liberia to Great Britain and East Africa to the Indian provinces.
East Africa consisted of 5 provinces of which the Indian Provinces were given Kenya, Sudan and Tanzania. On the request of the General Council, the SPCI (now SPCSA) decided to send 2 Salesians from each province every year. The first group of missionaries left for the East Africa accompanied by Fr. Tony D’Souza, Provincial of Bombay and coordinator of Project Africa.
The first batch left for Africa in 1979 though the actual work started in East Africa in 1980. They were taken for a missionary course and they were put in existing diocesan parishes, in order to learn the culture, the language and the customs of the people.
Thus began a new era for the Church and for the Congregation in East Africa, with the pioneering team of 12 priests and 3 lay Brothers with a clear will set on the African Soil and its People. Full of love and dedication they set out to spread the kingdom of God having reassured by the words of Maurice Cardinal Otunga of Nairobi: " Invade Africa with the Kingdom of God."
From then on there was no set back to Project Africa, from this arduous yet cherished challenge of bringing to focus the ‘African Face’ of Don Bosco.
In 2005 the East African province celebrated the silver jubilee( 1980-2005). In August 2005 Fr. Pascual Chavez, visited Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda to celebrate the 25 years of the Salesian presence in Eastern Africa.
Though there was a general scarcity of vocations in 1995, it was stabilised due to the African factor. One of the key factors for the increase in vocation is the increase of vocations in Africa. How it was possible is open for everyone’s guess.
At that time it was thought of as a foolish idea to start new presences in Africa as the number of vocations in Europe started dwindling. As a result combining of provinces took place. But after 1995, the status is stabilised. But in Africa and Asia the existing provinces are divided and there is a new dynamics in the congregation. The Salesian congregation has a lot of scope for the future.

AFRICA : The land that needs Don Bosco the most!

It has been generally agreed that the first human beings evolved on theAfrican continent more than 1 million years ago. Archaeological excavations at various sites in eastern and southern Africa have produced evidence for this theory. If this is correct, all human history began with a series of migrations from Africa to other world regions.
It is also surprising that in to the continent from where human beings migrated to the rest of the world, many also later migrated to explore the potentials of Africa. Thus the African continent was colonised.
Perhaps the most important legacy of colonialism is the division of Africa into more than 50 states whose boundaries were set without regard for where the people lived or how they organized their own political divisions. The present boundaries often divide single African ethnic communities among two or more nation-states. For example, although most of the Somali people live in Somalia, there are significant minorities in Kenya and Ethiopia, many of whom would like to become citizens of Somalia. This has led to tension, and on occasion to border warfare, among Kenyan, Ethiopian, and Somali governments.
A second important legacy of colonialism was its effect on the economic life of the African people. All the colonial systems disrupted existing economic patterns, though the extent of the disruption varied from area to area. The benefits of these new patterns usually went to the European countries rather than to the African colonies. This history of economic exploitation has played an important role in shaping the way independent African governments have attempted to develop their own economies.
The third important legacy of colonialism was the introduction of ideas of European racial and cultural superiority. The colonial powers attempted to convince Africans that effective participation in the modern world required them to discard their own identities and cultures and become more like Europeans. Schools in colonial Africa taught African children about European history and European literature, while neglecting the history and cultural heritage of Africa itself.
The experience of colonialism in Africa, also generated a powerful desire among the colonized to be free. This feeling was strengthened after thousands of African soldiers fought for France and Britain in World Wars I and II. They returned home with a renewed spirit of freedom and desire to build independent countries that would take their proper place among the global community of nations. While the colonial authorities first resisted these notions, by the late 1950s they had become too strong to be denied.
At the same time, due to many reasons, there is political instability. One important cause of political instability in Africa is the inability of governments to meet the rapidly growing demands for more schools, roads, hospitals, and other expensive services that were denied by the colonial powers. The people thought that political freedom would bring quick changes in their standard of living. When such hopes are not fulfilled, these people lose faith in their government. That was the time, the Salesians intervened again in the name of ‘Project Africa’.
While the African people have much to dream of and the governments have much to achieve, the Salesians did play a crucial role in the reconstruction of the African identity. In doing this, there was a serious call to reconstruct and give special emphasis on Sudan. Rector Major dedicated this year too for the development of Sudan.
In the message sent by the Rector Major in view of the centenary celebrations in India, Fr. Chavez wrote thus, " This centenary is not only an occasion for thanksgiving, or for celebrating a memory; it is above all an occasion for taking a pledge – a pledge to imitate those early pioneers in their love for Christ and his people, a pledge to be faithful to Don Bosco and his charism. The early missionaries brought the torch of Don Bosco’s charism to the Indian shores; thousands after them have kept it burning bright through the century; today it is in your hands and in your hearts. Keep it burning ever brighter; light them in the hearts of as many youngsters as possible; hand it over to the generations after you, still bright and shining."
Many regions in Africa are celebrating the silver Jubilee of the launch of ‘Project Africa’. The contribution of the west is over with regard to offering dedicated Salesians missionaries. Now, it is a clear call to the Indians to go out as missionaries in support of the land that needs Don Bosco the most.
Perhaps the message of the Rector Major still holds good even for the Indian confreres to support Africa. While we are happy that the charism of Don Bosco is kept alive in Africa, can we join in solidarity with the African mission and the people who need our care and concern? Can we offer our service to the African mission particularly for Sudan?

My Editorial

And then...they came for the christians...

While the whole nation was just trying to recover from the economic crisis, a fresh political storm has set in in the name of religion. It looks as if the words ‘religion’, ‘God,’ ‘Swami,’ and ‘priest,’ can easily set fire to the whole nation more than any other fire accidents. While the former sets fire and rifts people apart the latter only destroys the property and not so much the people with flesh and blood; people with heart and soul and conscience.
The great nation that claimed that it was tolerant for centuries towards any religion, kings and empires, proves now that such tolerance and goodness are over with the bygone ages. This seems to be a new era. Intolerance is the order of the day. Anything can kindle fire to appease the political thirst of the parties particularly the BJP, RSS and VHP that use religion for political gain.
The recent attacks on Christians and churches come as a retaliation for the killing of swami Lakshmanananda and outside Orissa and practically in many parts of India as a retaliation for conversions to Christianity. No BJP leader has as yet condemned or even regretted the attacks on churches.
In an article, ‘It’s time to act, Mr Advani,’ written by Raghu Krishnan that appeared in THE ECONOMIC TIMES on 21 September, 2008 commented like this: “Those of us Hindus who studied in convent schools and continue to be Hindus will know how irrational the argument is that the recent attacks on churches in Orissa and Karnataka was a response to an attempt at forcibly converting members of the majority community. Even if the Bajrang Dal activists claim they were upset by what they perceived as forcible conversion, the logical response should have been to bring this to the notice of the state governments.”
He continues, “If its governments in Karnataka and MP cannot even prevent attacks on churches while investigating complaints of forcible conversion, then how can the party keep claiming that a BJP-led national government will protect the entire country from serial blasts by diabolical terrorists!”
And if there are recent reports that some Christian missionary somewhere is involved in an attempt at forcible conversion, it should not take too long for an experienced national leader like Mr Advani to have things sorted out through administrative measures, especially in BJP-ruled states.
Just nine years and two months ago, when the BJP-led NDA ruled the nation, its leaders inspired young soldiers of all faiths to fight and die for the country while evicting armed cross-border intruders from the frozen heights of Kargil.
Surely, some 110 months later, it should not be too difficult for a national leader like Mr Advani to ensure that the unity and integrity of the country is not harmed by unruly activists who think that vandalising a church or any other place of religious worship in a BJP-ruled state is what 21st century India is all about!
While the BJP, RSS and VHP groups have lost the control of their senses, there is still another question that deeply arises: What is quietly happening to the Christian community that is known for its unity?
Not many years ago Muslims were attacked. Mosques were demolished and Christians kept quiet about it. They thought that Christians will never be attacked. We wake up to see the Christian Community under attack in many parts of India.
This immediately reminded me of the poem “First they came…” which is attributed to Pastor Martin Niemöller (1892–1984) about the inactivity of German intellectuals following the Nazi rise to power and the purging of their chosen targets, group after group:
“In Germany, they came first for the Communists, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist;
And then they came for the trade unionists, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist;
And then they came for the Jews, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew;
And then . . . they came for me . . . And by that time there was no one left to speak up.”
Times have ripened for attacks on Christians. We have been studying about the various attacks in history on Communists, Muslims, and Jews. This time they came for the Christians… Unfortunately, to their astonishment, they found them divided. Our divisions based on language, caste, creed and greed are killing the Christians more than any external force. The pity is that we are not united when they came for the Christians.
Glorious Steve