Category: From The States

The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K. Sangma, has called for calm and peace after unrest in parts of the state during protests. He urged people to avoid violence and solve issues through dialogue and mutual understanding.

Tensions increased when a protester reportedly threatened to burn the Chief Minister’s house during the demonstrations. Responding to the threat, Sangma said he places his trust in God and remains calm despite the situation. He said that faith gives him strength and confidence during difficult times.

Violence was reported in the West Garo Hills district during protests against the elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC). Demonstrators opposed the participation of non-Garo candidates in the nomination process. During the clashes in the Chibinang area on March 10, two people were killed and several others were injured when police opened fire on a mob.

The unrest also led to damage to government properties, religious places, and some homes. The Chief Minister said such acts of destruction do not reflect the values of the people of Meghalaya and appealed to citizens to respect democratic systems.

In response to the violence, Sangma announced that the GHADC elections, which were scheduled for April 10, would be postponed.

Earlier this year, Sangma was honoured with the CBCI National Award by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India for his contributions to society, including promoting human dignity, education, and social development.

The Chief Minister urged all communities to work together to restore peace and harmony in the state.

A young woman from Naruvamoodu village near Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala has inspired many after securing the 57th rank in India’s prestigious Civil Services Examination. Sreeja G.S. achieved this success through determination, disciplined study, and strong faith.

Sreeja prepared for the examination in a small unfinished room in her home. The room had poor lighting, which made studying difficult. Using her savings of ₹2,500, she bought white cement and paint and, with the help of her father, painted the walls to make the room brighter for studying.

She studied at Little Flower School in Vellayani, New Higher Secondary School in Nellimoodu, and St. Mary’s School in Pattom. Encouraged by her teachers, she decided to aim for the civil services. Later, she completed both her undergraduate and postgraduate studies at Madras Christian College in Chennai.

During her preparation, Sreeja followed a strict routine. She reviewed lessons daily and made detailed notes from newspapers, which helped her during the interview stage. She had also made a strong decision to attempt the Civil Services Examination only once.

Her father, Jayakumar, who studied only up to Class 9 and works as a daily wage labourer, played a key role in supporting her education despite financial struggles. Sreeja also credits her faith for helping her stay strong during difficult moments. She regularly prayed the Rosary, read the Bible, attended Holy Mass, and spent time in Eucharistic Adoration.

On the day the results were announced, she held a Rosary gifted by her parish priest and entrusted everything to God. Sreeja says faith, hard work, and perseverance helped turn her dream into reality.

The ceremony was held at the Augustinian Institute in the Vatican. Monsignor Renzo Pegararo, the president of the Pontifical Academy for Life presented a copy of “Leo XIV” to Cardinal Michael Cherny, the prefect of the Vatican’s Department for Integral Human Development, or the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.

The launch took place at the February 16-17 international seminar organized by the Pontifical Academy for Life. About a hundred delegates, including cardinals, bishops, priests, and laity from different parts of the world, attended the seminar.

Father Puthuva said that he was very happy to release the book at a grand ceremony.

He presented a copy of the book to the Pope, who expressed surprise. After going through the book, the Pope told Father Puthuva, “Congratulations.”

With this, Father Puthuva has written 16 books, including Pope John Paul II, Carlo Acutis, Chiara Luce, and Blessed Rani Maria. Father Puthuva is a native of Chulli in Ernakulum Angamaly Arch diocese. He serves as the vicar of St. Alphonsa Church in Darwin, Australia. The 59-year-old priest came to Australia on February 13, 2022.

A Catholic seminarian from Kerala has received the state government’s prestigious student talent award for his outstanding academic achievement. Brother Alex Velamkunnel, a minor seminarian of the Archdiocese of Tellicherry, was honored with the Vidyarthi Prathibha Puraskaram on March 10.

The award was presented by Kerala Education Minister R. Bindu at a ceremony held at Government College Thiruvananthapuram. The award includes a certificate and a cash prize of 100,000 rupees. Brother Alex was among 1,000 college students selected from across the state for this recognition.

Currently, he is pursuing a master’s degree in mathematics at the Central University of Tamil Nadu. Earlier, he achieved first rank in mathematics at Kannur University with an impressive score of 96 percent in his Bachelor of Science degree.

Brother Alex comes from Thomapuram village in Kasaragod district and is the youngest son of Tom and Shiji Velamkunnel. After completing his schooling at St. Mary’s High School Chittarikkal and higher secondary studies at St. Thomas Higher Secondary School Thomapuram, he joined the minor seminary of the archdiocese.

Recognizing his academic talent, Archbishop Joseph Pamplany encouraged him to pursue higher education. He studied at Government Brennen College Thalassery while continuing his seminary formation.

Brother Alex said his success comes from faith and dedication. He believes that seminary life, with its discipline and prayer, has given him the strength to achieve excellence in his studies while continuing his journey toward priesthood.

Catholic bishops in Kerala have expressed serious concern about the growing problem of alcohol and drug abuse in the state. The bishops accused the communist-led Left Democratic Front government of not taking enough action to control the situation.

A circular issued by the Temperance Commission of the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Conference was read in Catholic churches across the state during Sunday Mass on March 8. The letter called on people, especially parents, to be vigilant and protect young people from the dangers of drugs and alcohol.

The bishops warned that drug abuse among students is increasing. According to the circular, around 1,400 schools in Kerala have reportedly become hotspots for drug activity. The Church also expressed concern that some schoolgirls are being trapped into drug addiction and later forced to act as drug carriers.

The bishops said the government had earlier promised to reduce alcohol consumption but instead has allowed the number of liquor outlets to increase. They noted that the state now has more than 1,000 bars, 337 liquor stores, and over 5,000 toddy shops.

Church leaders and Catholic organizations say the government has even relaxed rules allowing bars and liquor shops to remain open until 3 a.m., which they believe encourages more alcohol consumption.

Reports also show a rise in drug-related crimes. In 2024, Kerala recorded over 27,000 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, one of the highest numbers in India.

The bishops urged society to work together to protect young people and address the growing crisis of substance abuse in the state.

A small day-care center for elderly people in Kozhikode district of Kerala is helping many seniors overcome loneliness and find joy in community life. The center, called Asa Nilayam Pakal Veedu (Abode of Hope Day Home), is run by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in the village of Kallanode.

The initiative began in April 2023 when the sisters noticed that many elderly parents in the parish were living alone. In many families, children had moved abroad or to other cities for work or studies, leaving their parents behind. The center was started with the support of the local parish of the Diocese of Thamarassery.

The day home welcomes about 18 elderly people, all above the age of 70. The center functions from morning to afternoon. The day usually begins with conversation and sharing, followed by prayer, light exercise, and recreational activities. The elders also watch videos, share a simple lunch, and enjoy games like carrom and cards.

The sisters do not charge any fees, as many of the elders live on small pensions or depend on financial support from their children abroad. The goal of the center is simply to give lonely seniors a place where they can meet others and feel supported.

Priests and church leaders say loneliness among elderly parents has become a major social issue in Kerala because of large-scale migration. Community efforts like this day home offer a caring solution. For many elders, the center has become a second home where they can laugh, share their stories, and forget their worries for a few hours each day.

St Peter’s Pontifical Institute, Bangalore celebrated the third convocation of its St Peter’s Online Theology (SPOT) programme under the theme “Rooted in Christ, Rising in Wisdom,” marking another milestone in structured digital theological education.

The ceremony, attended by graduates, faculty and Church leaders, was livestreamed on YouTube to enable wider participation. The celebrations were centred on the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Bishop Antonysamy S., highlighting that theological formation is not merely academic pursuit but a journey of discipleship and service.

Students participated in departmental and common evaluation sessions and reflected on how the SPOT initiative enriched their understanding of Sacred Scripture, Church teaching and personal faith. They also suggested strengthening digital access to study materials and introducing more regular academic assessments.

The formal convocation ceremony was attended by Bishop Arockia Raj Satis Kumar as Chief Guest and Sr. Florence Fernandez of the FS Bangalore Province as Guest of Honour. Certificates were conferred on graduates in recognition of their academic achievement and commitment to ongoing formation.

In his address, the Chief Guest encouraged graduates to pursue lifelong wisdom and embody theological learning in daily Christian witness. The Guest of Honour urged them to remain rooted in Christ and serve the common good. The event reaffirmed SPOT’s mission of integrating academic rigour with spiritual growth, preparing graduates for meaningful engagement in Church and society.

The festival of Sankranti was observed at Mysore Central Prison with a special programme focused on renewal and personal transformation. The event was organised by the Mysore Unit of Prison Ministry India (PMI).

Prison authorities, PMI coordinators, volunteers and inmates gathered within the prison campus, creating an atmosphere of fraternity and reflection. Sankranti, traditionally symbolising transition and new beginnings, was marked not only as a cultural celebration but also as a moment for introspection and reform.

Swami Sarvajayananda Maharaj of the Ramakrishna Ashram delivered the keynote address, highlighting the spiritual significance of the festival. He reminded inmates that failure and weakness are part of the human journey but stressed that sincere effort, prayer and self-discipline can lead to genuine transformation. He encouraged prisoners to use their time meaningfully for reflection and self-improvement.

V. Seshumurthy, Chief Superintendent of the prison, presided over the programme and extended festive greetings to inmates and staff. He expressed hope that the message of renewal would inspire prisoners to reform their lives and prepare for responsible reintegration into society. The distribution of yellu bella, symbolising harmony and forgiveness, marked the celebration’s conclusion. The programme was widely appreciated, reinforcing the belief that every individual is capable of positive change and a fresh beginning.

The Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council SC/ST Commission has urged the State government to introduce a 4.6 percent internal reservation for Dalit Christians to ensure equitable access to education, employment and social opportunities.

The appeal was submitted on February 24 when Fr. Nithiya Sagayam OFM Cap, Secretary of the Commission, met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin in Kanyakumari on behalf of Commission chairman Bishop Jeevanandam. A memorandum called for the creation of a 4.6 percent internal quota for Dalit Christians within the Backward Class category.

The Commission noted that Dalit communities have historically faced structural discrimination that continues to hinder socio-economic progress. While Scheduled Caste Hindus receive reservation benefits, Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims remain excluded despite experiencing similar disadvantages.

The memorandum also pointed out that Tamil Nadu has already implemented a 3.5 percent internal reservation for Muslims. Referring to the 2011 Census, it stated that Christians form about six percent of the State’s population, of whom nearly 65 percent are Dalit Christians—approximately 4.6 percent of the total population—forming the statistical basis for the demand.

Backing the appeal, the Commission conducted a year-long statewide mobilisation campaign, collecting over one lakh signatures. These will be submitted to the State Secretariat in Chennai as a collective representation. The Commission said the initiative aims to promote dignity, equality and inclusive development for marginalized communities.