Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) – In light of the upcoming general elections to take place between April 16 and May 13, 2009, in the various states of India, the Jesuits of India have issued a “manifesto” in defense of the weak, the poor, the marginalized, and those discriminated against in India's society.
The manifesto, a copy of which was sent to Agenzia Fides, was recently presented in New Delhi in a seminar attended by members of various sectors of Indian civil society.
The text affirms: “The marginalised communities like the dalits, adivasis, women, minorities, unorganized workers, youth, and traditional craftsman who have faced historical and systemic injustices all along, feel that they have been pushed further to periphery” and fear for their survival. The elections are an opportunity to reaffirm “economic, social and cultural rights along with civil and political rights.”
The document places attention on the ideology of the hindutva, summarized in the slogan “one nation, one people, one culture,” and that negates the traditional pluralism of Indian society and is a threat for all minorities. This leads to a culture of hate that creates hostilities between communities in society.
Thus, the Jesuits call for all organizations of Indian civil society to join together in promoting and defending a secular and democratic India in which all people have equal rights. All are encouraged to spread awareness in society, on all levels, to overcome pessimism or mistrust, especially among voters from the lowest social classes, who have lost their trust in democratic institutions and have renounced their right to vote.
The text makes a series of petitions for the new government to be elected: protect and preserve life & security; promote peace and harmony guaranteeing human rights, especially for minorities whose rights are denied; guarantee basic necessities and rights of all: food, housing, education, healthcare...; provide work and expand livelihood opportunities, in a society that is still struggling between a wealthy elite and masses of poor; protect and promote Dalits, Adivasis and indigenous peoples; advance and strengthen gender justice; ensure freedom of religion and minority rights; promote transparent governance, accountability and peoples' participation, fighting against all public forms of corruption. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 12/3/2009)
