The climate of fear and mistrust among people, cultures and religious communities across India is alarming, Father Charles Irudayam, former secretary, Office for Justice, Peace and Development, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), New Delhi, told at an International gathering in Rome, Italy. Father Irudayam, was the lone Indian representative at the September 18-20 “World Conference on Xenophobia, Racism and Populist Nationalism.” Father Irudayam, parish priest at the Kalladithidal church in Sivaganga diocese of Tamil Nadu, southern India, also spoke about the internal migrant problems in India.
As reported by mattersindia.com, Fr. Irudayam remarked that “Trends such as “populism” and “Hindu nationalism” drastically sweeping the country can pose great dangers and threats for society at large. A sense of “insecurity” and “polarization” marks India’s present political atmosphere and threatens its social fabric.” Further, he added, “Hundreds of migrants from northern Indian states like Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh who work in the south continue to face discrimination.”
Organized by the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, in collaboration with the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, the conference brings together governmental, intergovernmental, civil society, academic, religious, and ecumenical leaders from around the globe.
Source: www.mattersindia.com
