Our beloved motherland is facing a grave crisis due to the new policies adopted by the divisive forces that are in power and the Constitution of our country is in danger. These new policies emerge from a divisive, exclusive and patriarchal mindset that goes against the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Statements made by some members of the ruling party at the centre prove that the Constitution is a hindrance to the making of a Hindu Rashtra.

Hindutva fundamentalism, saffronization of educational system in India, orchestrated attacks on Dalits and minority communities, denial of the freedom of expression, depriving the land rights of Tribals and Dalits, infiltration of RSS people into judiciary, bureaucracy and even army, uprooting of Tribals from their land through new projects like ‘Animal Corridor,’ ‘Industrial Corridor’ and ‘Land Bank’ are some examples of these dangerous policies which shake the very foundation of this nation.

As disciples of Jesus and as responsible citizens of India, we, Christians, have a duty to safeguard the Indian Constitution and promote its noble and liberal values. The Forum for Justice and Peace (FORUM), a body of Catholic Religious women and men who are in social action, in its national convention held from 17 to 19 February 2018 at Jharna Spirituality Centre, Namkum, Ranchi has resolved to spread awareness on the Pluralistic, Socialistic, Democratic and Secular values enshrined in the Constitution.

It is desirable that you as the top leader of the Congregation/Province issue a circular directing all houses, educational institutions, health care institutions, social work centres and all other institutions under your Congregation/province to take up the following steps:

i. Preamble of the Indian Constitution may be displayed at a prominent place in the churches and other institutions, very specially schools run by the church personnel.

ii. Month of August or November 2018 may be observed as the Constitution month with the following programmes:
Organizing awareness programs in various institutions and public places on Pluralism, Secularism and other values of the Indian Constitution in collaboration with the people of other faiths and like-minded Civil Society Organizations.

Exhibiting quotes from different scriptures on the universal spiritual values in all our educational institutions, health care centres and social work centres and conducting inter-faith prayers in the institutions where majority of the beneficiaries are people of other faiths.

We feel that we have to be proactive in safeguarding the Secular Democratic Constitution of India, the very basis of our existence as minorities as well as our rights. Moreover, this will be an occasion for the Congregation/Province to educate its members about the Indian Constitution and the noble values enshrined in it. That is why we are making this appeal to you.

Fr Jacob Peenikaparambil CMI
Sr Manju Kulapuram SCSC
National Convener National Executive Secretary