ASIA/INDIA - The Church's efforts in educating the “untouchables”

Bijnor (Agenzia Fides) – There were no Christians in the Diocese of Bijnor, in northern India, until three priests arrived in 1972. According to the provincial superior of the Congregation of Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI), Fr. Vithayathil, there are now more than 36,000 Christians in the diocese and about 70 priests, not including those working in outlying areas. The majority of those who convert to Christianity are dalits, from the lowest caste in Indian society – those historically known as the “untouchables.” “The message of Jesus is directly addressed to them - peace, forgiveness, love - they are more attracted to Christ than the upper caste,” says Fr. Vithayathil. “It is our task to teach them about their rights, develop them – education is the most important thing. We are having many schools, because without a school there is no development.” Schools are also vital to catechesis and evangelization, he continued, as there “we can communicate the message of Jesus very easily, a message of peace and harmony.”
There are now fourteen schools in Bijnor serve about 20,000 children. Nine are English-language instruction and the other five teach in Hindi. “Parents want English-medium schools – it is the computer age and the Internet is seen as very important – without English no future...” There are eight English-speaking schools for about 15-16,000 students. For many, English is a new language and they must learn it. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 3/9/2010)