Rev.Fr. Vineeth George, a 38-year-old Catholic priest was awarded the “ best citizen of India 2019” at International Publishing House. (specialises in biographical publications) on April 16. Fr. George was born in Hyderabad. He studied at Loyola Academy, a Jesuit school. Father Vineeth George is a member of the Claretian religious community and is recognized for his pastoral work with marginalized people in northern India. He completed graduation at Jain University in Bangalore and continued his studies at the Matrusri Institute of Post Graduate Studies. He then held a variety of jobs, working at different times for Dell Computer Corporation, General Electric, the Deccan Chronicle (as sub-editor), and the Ministry of Energy of the Indian government.
As reported to Asia news Rev.Fr. Vineeth George stated “My vocation is a gift, born during my childhood. I have always thought of having to use the talents that God has given me for the Church.”
Though he had an excellent career, he chose to be faithful to his childhood desire to serve God. He left everything behind, and joined the seminary and was ordained in January 2014. While working on his doctorate after his ordination, his first assignment was in the Garhwa district, in the state of Jharkhand. He was the assistant parish priest of the church of St. Peter, in the diocese of Daltonganj. There he was engaged in teaching English to the tribal children who attended the school adjacent to the parish. Fr. Vineeth had also worked as a professor at a vocational training centre in a remote part of the Archdiocese of Delhi. His presence was a form of evangelization. The school is located in an area inhabited only by Hindus. The centre trained 30 boys and girls, who were drop out of school; the girls pursued sewing and beautician courses; the boys pursued electrician and plumbing courses. At present, he is involved in pastoral activities in the Archdiocese of Hyderabad and in the Diocese of Shamshabad.
Rev.Fr. Vineeth George is recognized publicly, this award reminds us of the countless priests, religious men and women, and lay missionaries around the world who are giving the best of themselves to help those in need, in many different ways.
