St Joseph’s Indian Institutions in collaboration with Centre for social concern stood in solidarity with Fr Stan
Bengaluru: “Give voice for the man who gave voice for the voiceless”- The National Investigation Agency (NIA), a federal body to counter terror activities in the country, arrested Rev. Fr Stan Lourduswamy SJ, on October 8th from his residence at the Bagaicha Campus near Ranchi, capital of Jharkhand state in eastern India. The arrest and imprisonment of the 83-year old Jesuit Priest Rev. Fr Stan Lourdswamy SJ, brought out the gratitude, solidarity and recognition of his contribution to uphold the democracy in our Country. SJII-Centre for Social Concern (CSC) gathered on 12th October, 2020 together to show solidarity and concern for Rev. Fr Stan Lourdswamy SJ.
The initiative was taken by the Director of Centre for Social Concern Rev. Fr Rohan D’Almeida SJ and Ms. Nirma D’ Souza, the coordinator of Centre for Social concern
Fr Rohan D’ Almeida shared his thoughts and envisioned us about Rev. Fr Stan, 83-year-old Jesuit Priest who has dedicated his life for the Adivasi people and forest dwellers. All his life, he stood as a living symbol of courage, commitment and worked to safeguard the sacred Constitution of our country. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has illegally arrested Rev. Fr Stan and we demand justice for this great man who has always stood up for equality, justice, truth and freedom.
Rev. Fr Joseph Ignatius Rodrigues SJ, shared his experience when he met Rev. Fr Stan in Ranchi where he was raided and all his personal belongings were taken. An Institution was started by Ranchi Jesuits called “Bagaicha”. He started a movement to protect the land of tribals and to protect the rights of tribals. Rev. Fr Joseph Ignatius Rodrigues SJ, thanked the staff members of Institutions for gathering together with placards and posters to show solidarity for Rev. Fr Stan SJ, especially during this time of pandemic.
Fr Cyril Memezes, the Principal of S Joseph’s Indian High school, Ms. Savitha, the vice principal of St Joseph’s Indian High school, Ms Flora, the vice Principal of St Josephs’ Indian Composite PU College, Fr Cyril Raj, the Principal of St Joseph’s Community College, Fr Jeevan D’ Souza Vice Principal of ST Joseph’s Community College, Fr John D’ Souza the director of St Joseph’s Indian Primary School, Sr Jane Benita, Principal of St Joseph’s Indian Primary School were present.
Vinod Amruthraj, , shared his thoughts stating that, we stand here for Justice and he also knows Rev. Fr Stan personally. We should be convinced because we as a family have gathered here holding Placards & Posters. Our country stands for Democracy and Human rights specially. It is our responsibility to stand for justice, promote justice and to stand for Human rights.We are preparing the next generation to be inspired by Fr Stan and in our ways, we stand for justice and extend our support to our Jesuit Priest who has alwaysbeen“Voice to the Voiceless”. Our silence is our strength and our numbers is our strength and with our prayers we will see his release.
Standing for the same cause, teachers too took the initiative to share their support towards Rev Fr Stan by expressing their views. Many teachers expressed their thoughts stating that Rev. Fr Stan is a born fighter, is an honest and dedicated person who has not done anything for his personal gain or fame. His arrest is against the violation of Human Rights. His services towards the fight against tribal rights since five decades has been within the guidelines of law and order and he has never been to Bhima Koregaon where the government is holding him accountable for the incident. With all done to him he still stands and hopes that Human sense would prevail in the people who arrested him.
All the government guidelines required for the pandemic were followed by sanitization and wearing masks. Placards and Posters were held while social distancing at a safe distance.Followed by a silent protest from Brigade road to Shanthi Nagar the members of the protest formed a “Human Chain” to stand for Rev. Fr Stan’s Justice, just like he stood for the Justice of the people.
“Let us stand with the man who fought for the tribals”.
We stand with Fr Stan, “What about you”?
