'Most of our efforts, of Jesuits, of Church, are spent in trying to please the establishment'

By Fr Cedric Prakash SJ*
Dear Stan,
It was your birthday on April 26 here on earth! You would have completed eighty-six years, if you were around. Well, that was not to be; on 5 July 2021 you were murdered by a brutal and fascist regime, which did not want a human rights defender like you to continue living! This is your second earthly birthday up above. Not sure how you will be celebrating it!
But here on earth dear Stan you are missed very much! Countless people remember you: your compassion and commitment; your courage to identify with them and their struggles. These are mostly simple, ordinary people; the Adivasis and the Dalits; the excluded and the exploited, the poor and the marginalised. You lived in their midst; you basked in their presence; you smelled of the sheep like a truly good shepherd. They celebrate you today and will always do so! There is certainly no doubt of that!
But I am writing this birthday letter based on the recent conversation I had with you! I can see you smiling (you always had that halting, tentative smile – slow, gentle but warm) and I can imagine others who reading this and with a sneer saying “Conversation with Stan? There must be something wrong with him!” Well let them say what they want – but I will hold my ground! It was the night of April 13/14 (less than two weeks ago), Frs. Tom Kavala and P.M. Anthony invited me to spend the night in Bagaicha. This was your home – before the ’powerful’ so unceremoniously took you away on 8 October 2021 like some kind of common criminal. I was given your room to stay in and your bed to sleep on! It was a totally unexpected privilege – something unforgettable which I will treasure all my life!
That day was a very tiring one for me. I fell asleep immediately! But I was suddenly wide-awake feeling as refreshed as ever; at first, I wondered where I was. The fact slowly dawned upon me – I checked the time: I must have been asleep for less than an hour. I began tossing and turning for apparently no reason. When suddenly I felt your presence in the room. Imagination? maybe – who knows!! I am not wont to give in easily to the ‘supernatural’. But I did share my experience with some! I began asking you questions and well, you seemed to be answering them directly and bluntly (like the way you always did). We were having a conversation: something I was convinced that I had to put down in writing; so here I go:
CP: Hi Stan! How are you and how is life up there?
SS: Its good here – I am certainly happy; however, when I look down at what’s happening in India and to my people, I feel very sad and upset and wish I was there with my people
CP: Can you possibly do something from up there?
SS: What nonsense! Me from up here? Haven’t I left you and others a legacy? After my death there was some enthusiasm about actualising that legacy, but I see that not much has been done. I wonder why?
CP: Stan, the simple reason is that we are afraid! We lack your prophetic courage! We prefer to toe the line! We do not want to disturb the powerful – for fear of losing our privileges and possessions.
SS: Actually, it is much more than that! We have become highly institutionalised and most of our efforts (of the Jesuits and of the Church) are spent in managing/running our institutions, protecting our interests and trying to please the establishment (be it corporate or political). I have suffered much because of this. I have questioned our priorities, the people we cater to in our institutions and above all, of how we do not want to risk responding radically to the realities in the same way that Jesus would have done! Our commitment should stem from a Gospel without compromise, firmly rooted in the person and message of Jesus and the Constitution of India. Very often our action is relegated to social works in the project-mould, meant to adhere to ‘dos and don’ts’ rather than in the accompaniment of people. We indulge in cosmetics and acts of tokenism rather than being visible and vocal in speaking truth to power! We tend to run with the hare and hunt with the hound! As long as we are safe in our comfort zones, we do not want to rock the boat! We Jesuits easily forget that GC36 wanted us to row in the deep!
CP: Stan, you always said that Vatican II, GC32 and the likes of Bishop Helder Camara and Fr. Pedro Arrupe were among those who inspired you. Any comments?
SS: Yes, Vatican II and its direction to the Church meant much to me! If some more of us had tried to put its teachings into practice, we would have had a very different Church and world today. Bishop Helder Camara tried and he was branded a ‘communist’ (you know how easily they branded me too!). For me, the 32nd General Congregation had a very clear mandate that “the mission of the Society of Jesus today is the service of faith, of which the promotion of justice is an absolute requirement; for reconciliation with God demands the reconciliation of people with one another.” Fr. Pedro Arrupe wanted every Jesuit to live this mandate; sadly, many of us were afraid to do so! It is obvious today too!

We indulge in cosmetics and acts of tokenism rather than being visible and vocal in speaking truth to power

CP: What more do you think we should be doing today for a more humane and just society?
SS: There is indeed plenty that each one of you should be doing – both individually and collectively! Do so fearlessly! Give and do not count the cost! We have to be the voice for the voiceless; for those who continue to live on the peripheries of society. We must collaborate and network with other like-minded individuals, groups and movements; to keep our institutions and spaces open for them and to join them in their initiatives.
CP: Yes Stan, but doing all that one will have to pay the price. It is not easy!
SS: Certainly! Haven’t I paid the price? I suffered so much during incarceration! That’s what life is all about. Just before my arrest in October 2020, I said “What is happening to me is not something unique- happening to me alone. It is a broader process that is taking place all over the country. We are all aware how prominent intellectuals, lawyers, writers, poets, activists, students, leaders, they are all put into jail because they have expressed their dissent or raised questions about the ruling powers of India. We are part of the process. In a way I am happy to be part of this process. I am not a silent spectator, but part of the game, and ready to pay the price whatever be it”.
CP: Wow Stan! Thanks for reminding me of those immortal words from you!
Morning soon dawned! No, it was not a dream! It was for real! You, Stan, challenging me and others to do much more: to live your legacy in more profound, tangible and meaningful ways. Yes, we do have a long, long way to go! But with your blessings and guidance from above, we will do our best! Thanks, Stan, for being YOU! Happy Birthday dear Stan!
Your brother,
Cedric
---
*Human rights, peace and reconciliation activist/writer

Comments

Beyond his riding skill, Karl Umrigar was admired for his radiance, sportsmanship, and affability

By Harsh Thakor* Karl Umrigar's name remains etched in the annals of Indian horse racing, a testament to a talent tragically cut short. An accident on the racetrack at the tender age of nineteen robbed India of a rider on the cusp of greatness. Had he survived, there's little doubt he would have ascended to international stature, possibly becoming the greatest Indian jockey ever. Even 46 years after his death, his name shines brightly, reminiscent of an inextinguishable star. His cousin, Pesi Shroff, himself blossomed into one of the most celebrated jockeys in Indian horse racing.

Aurangzeb’s last will recorded by his Maulvi: Allah shouldn't make anyone emperor

By Mohan Guruswamy Aurangzeb’s grave is a simple slab open to the sky lying along the roadside at Khuldabad near Aurangabad. I once stopped by to marvel at the tomb of an Emperor of India whose empire was as large as Ashoka the Great's. It was only post 1857 when Victoria's domain exceeded this. The epitaph reads: "Az tila o nuqreh gar saazand gumbad aghniyaa! Bar mazaar e ghareebaan gumbad e gardun bas ast." (The rich may well construct domes of gold and silver on their graves. For the poor folks like me, the sky is enough to shelter my grave) The modest tomb of Aurangzeb is perhaps the least recognised legacies of the Mughal Emperor who ruled the land for fifty eventful years. He was not a builder having expended his long tenure in war and conquest. Towards the end of his reign and life, he realised the futility of it all. He wrote: "Allah should not make anyone an emperor. The most unfortunate person is he who becomes one." Aurangzeb’s last will was re...

PUCL files complaint with SC against Gujarat police, municipal authorities for 'unlawful' demolitions, custodial 'violence'

By A Representative The People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has lodged a formal complaint with the Chief Justice of India, urging the Supreme Court to initiate suo-moto contempt proceedings against the police and municipal authorities in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The complaint alleges that these officials have engaged in unlawful demolitions and custodial violence, in direct violation of a Supreme Court order issued in November 2024.

How the slogan Jai Bhim gained momentum as movement of popularity and revolution

By Dr Kapilendra Das* India is an incomprehensible plural country loaded with diversities of religions, castes, cultures, languages, dialects, tribes, societies, costumes, etc. The Indians have good manners/etiquette (decent social conduct, gesture, courtesy, politeness) that build healthy relationships and take them ahead to life. In many parts of India, in many situations, and on formal occasions, it is common for people of India to express and exchange respect, greetings, and salutation for which we people usually use words and phrases like- Namaskar, Namaste, Pranam, Ram Ram, Jai Ram ji, Jai Sriram, Good morning, shubha sakal, Radhe Radhe, Jai Bajarangabali, Jai Gopal, Jai Jai, Supravat, Good night, Shuvaratri, Jai Bhole, Salaam walekam, Walekam salaam, Radhaswami, Namo Buddhaya, Jai Bhim, Hello, and so on. A soft attitude always creates strong relationships. A relationship should not depend only on spoken words. They should rely on understanding the unspoken feeling too. So w...

CPM’s evaluation of BJP reflects its political character and its reluctance to take on battle against neo-fascism

By Harsh Thakor* A controversial debate has emerged in the revolutionary camp regarding the Communist Party of India (Marxist)'s categorization of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Many Communists criticize the CPM’s reluctance to label the BJP as a fascist party and India as a fascist state. Various factors must be considered to arrive at an accurate assessment. Understanding the original meaning and historical development of fascism is essential, as well as analyzing how it manifests in the present global and national context.

State Human Rights Commission directs authorities to uphold environmental rights in Vadodara's Vishwamitri River Project

By A Representative The Gujarat State Human Rights Commission (GSHRC) has ordered state and Vadodara municipal authorities to strictly comply with environmental and human rights safeguards during the Vishwamitri River Rejuvenation Project, stressing that the river’s degradation disproportionately affects marginalized communities and violates citizens’ rights to a healthy environment. The Commission mandated an immediate halt to ecologically destructive practices, rehabilitation of affected communities, transparent adherence to National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders, and public consultations with experts and residents. The order follows the Concerned Citizens of Vadodara coalition—environmentalists, ecologists, and urban planners—submitting a detailed letter to authorities, amplifying calls for accountability. The group warned that current plans to “re-section” and “desilt” the river contradict the NGT’s 2021 Vishwamitri River Action Plan, which prioritizes floodpla...

राजस्थान, मध्यप्रदेश, पश्चिम बंगाल, झारखंड और केरल फिसड्डी: जल जीवन मिशन के लक्ष्य को पाने समन्वित प्रयास जरूरी

- राज कुमार सिन्हा* जल संसाधन से जुड़ी स्थायी समिति ने वर्तमान लोकसभा सत्र में पेश रिपोर्ट में बताया है कि "नल से जल" मिशन में राजस्थान, मध्यप्रदेश, पश्चिम बंगाल, झारखंड और केरल फिसड्डी साबित हुए हैं। जबकि देश के 11 राज्यों में शत-प्रतिशत ग्रामीणों को नल से जल आपूर्ति शुरू कर दी गई है। रिपोर्ट में समिति ने केंद्र सरकार को सिफारिश की है कि मिशन पुरा करने में राज्य सरकारों की समस्याओं पर गौर किया जाए।

Haven't done a good deed, inner soul is cursing me as sinner: Aurangzeb's last 'will'

Counterview Desk The Tomb of Aurangzeb, the last of the strong Mughal emperors, located in Khuldabad, Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, has this epitaph inscribed on it: "Az tila o nuqreh gar saazand gumbad aghniyaa! Bar mazaar e maa ghareebaan gumbad e gardun bas ast" (the rich may well construct domes of gold and silver on their graves. For the poor folks like me, the sky is enough to shelter my grave).

How polarization between different ideological trends within the communist movement sharpened in India

By Harsh Thakor* This article is a rejoinder to A Note on Slogans of “Left Unity,” “Unity of the Communist Revolutionaries” and “Mass Line” by Umair Ahmed, published on the Nazariya blog .

Implications of deaths of Maoist leaders G. Renuka and Ankeshwarapu Sarayya in Chhattisgarh

By Harsh Thakor* In the wake of recent security operations in southern Chhattisgarh, two senior Maoist leaders, G. Renuka and Ankeshwarapu Sarayya, were killed. These operations, which took place amidst a historically significant Maoist presence, resulted in the deaths of 31 individuals on March 20th and 16 more three days prior.

Search This Blog