The official poster of the Youth Mission Animation Programme (YMAP) was formally unveiled, marking the launch of a new leadership formation initiative for young people across Kerala. Archbishop Varghese Chakkalakal, President of the Kerala Regional Latin Catholic Bishops’ Conference (KRLCBC), released the poster, underlining the Church’s commitment to nurturing youth leadership rooted in mission, service and Christian values.

The programme is organised by the KRLCBC Youth Commission in collaboration with Communio, an initiative of the Conference of Catholic Bishops’ of India (CCBI). YMAP is designed as a structured leadership training platform aimed at empowering young people with a strong sense of responsibility towards the Church and society.

Several Church leaders and youth representatives were present at the launch. Among them were Bishop Christudas Rajappan, General Secretary of the KRLCBC, and Bishop Dennis Kuruppassery, the newly elected Chairman of the KRLCBC Youth Commission. Fr Anoop Kalathithara OSJ, Executive Secretary of the Youth Commission, Mr Paul Jose, President of the Kerala Catholic Youth Movement Latin (KCYM Latin), and youth leaders from different parts of the state also attended.

Organisers announced that the first YMAP residential training programme will be held from January 16 to 18 in Kozhikode (Calicut). The sessions will focus on values-based leadership, mission orientation and active engagement in social and ecclesial life.

Through YMAP, the KRLCBC Youth Commission aims to form a new generation of committed Catholic leaders capable of responding creatively to contemporary challenges while remaining faithful to the Church’s mission. The unveiling of the poster marks the formal beginning of preparations and reflects a renewed emphasis on youth leadership and mission animation within the Latin Catholic Church in Kerala.

Financial assistance and long-term mentorship from Father Abraham Karukaparambil have enabled four young men from economically disadvantaged families in Odisha to complete their medical education and begin serving in government healthcare institutions.

Dr. Sailendu Singh, from Alanjuri village in Kandhamal district, said financial hardship almost forced him to discontinue his MBBS studies at St. John’s Medical College, Bengaluru. His circumstances changed when Father Abraham stepped in to support him, contributing nearly ₹1 lakh annually and offering consistent encouragement throughout his academic journey. Singh now serves as a government medical officer at Subarnagiri Community Health Centre in Kandhamal.

Three other students also completed their MBBS with similar support. Dr. Sarada Charan Bardhan from Birikote Parish in the Berhampur Diocese has joined St. John’s Medical College as an orthopaedic doctor while pursuing postgraduate studies. Dr. Kusum Nayak from Gajapati district works as a government medical officer at Subarnagiri Community Health Centre, and Akshya Montry from the Berhampur Diocese serves at Kashinagar Community Health Centre in Gajapati district.

A native of Kerala, Father Abraham has served in Odisha for over three decades, focusing on the education and upliftment of Dalit and tribal communities. He is currently ministering in Texas under the Archdiocese of San Antonio, USA. According to Father Abraham, he presently supports 47 students across India pursuing professional education, including medicine, nursing, pharmacy and other higher studies. Over the years, hundreds of students from financially weak backgrounds have benefited from his assistance, with many now working as doctors, nurses, engineers, teachers and civil servants, including professionals in leading national institutions.

Bringing together members of the Anglo-Indian community from across the world, the 13th International Anglo-Indian Reunion 2026 will be held in Kochi, Kerala, from January 11 to 17, 2026, under the theme “Coming Back to Familiar Shores.”

The reunion invites participants to come together and celebrate their shared heritage, culture, and identity, while strengthening ties across borders and forging new memories. A range of events has been planned as part of the week-long gathering, including a Meet and Greet, Symposium, Workshops, Musical Evening, Food Festival, Boat Cruise, and a Grand Ball.

Participants are encouraged to register through the official website to avail of the early bird offer. The reunion is being organised by the Federation of Anglo-Indian Associations in India (FAAI), a member of the International Federation of Anglo-Indian Associations.

Christian leaders in India’s eastern state of Odisha have expressed concern over growing hostility toward Christians after villagers prevented the burial of an elderly tribal Catholic, forcing his family to conduct the rites several kilometres away days later.

Chhuta Hansda, a 90-year-old resident of Rangamatia village in Balasore diocese, died on January 7. Family members said preparations were being made for a Christian burial when his nephew objected, demanding that Sarna tribal rites be followed instead. Relatives declined, stating that the family had embraced Christianity decades earlier.

According to the deceased’s grandson, more villagers belonging to the Sarna animist tradition joined the protest and blocked the burial unless their rituals were observed. Local police and revenue officials visited the village on January 9 but were unable to resolve the dispute.

“The situation ended painfully for us,” said Binod Hansda, secretary of the Hatigarh Parish Council. “Three days after the death, the family was compelled to take the body to common land about five kilometres away to perform the last rites.”

Bishop Pallab Lima of the United Believers Council Network India confirmed the incident and said similar objections had occurred in the area in recent years. He warned that Christians were increasingly being denied burial rights across parts of the state and called for unity and dialogue.

Christian activist Pratima Minj said comparable incidents had been reported from several tribal districts, describing them as attempts to intimidate believers. Church leaders also alleged that attacks and harassment have increased in the past year.

Six Bajrang Dal members accused of vandalising Christmas decorations at Raipur’s Magneto Mall were released on bail, an event that soon drew criticism after turning into a public celebration.

The case relates to an incident during the Christmas season in which the group allegedly forced entry into the mall and damaged festive installations, including Christmas trees and decorative ornaments placed in common areas. The act reportedly caused disruption inside the mall and alarmed shoppers and staff, prompting police intervention and the arrest of those involved.

However, the release on bail was followed by scenes outside the premises that sparked controversy. Supporters gathered to welcome the accused with drums, garlands and celebratory music. Videos circulated on social media showed slogans being raised, including “Isai Missionary Murdabad,” which many observers described as provocative and intimidating.

Civil society organisations and minority groups condemned the public display, warning that celebrating individuals accused of vandalism could embolden intolerance and heighten communal tensions. They emphasised that bail does not amount to exoneration and called for restraint and respect for the rule of law.

Police officials stated that the investigation into the Magneto Mall incident is ongoing and assured that legal proceedings will continue in accordance with established procedures. Authorities also appealed to the public to maintain peace and allow the judicial process to take its course.

A Christmas prayer service in Bengaluru was disrupted when an individual entered a church during worship, interrupted prayers, questioned core Christian beliefs, and allegedly intimidated the pastor and members of the congregation. The incident caused distress among worshippers and temporarily halted the service.

The disruption drew condemnation from an international policy advisor associated with a United Nations–linked civil society organisation, who described the act as a clear violation of constitutional rights. Referring to Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion, and Article 21, which safeguards dignity and personal liberty, the official said a place of worship cannot be treated as a platform for debate or provocation. The response also addressed remarks questioning Christian doctrine, noting that the faith presents the virgin birth as a divine act rather than a biological event, and therefore outside the scope of scientific verification.

Legal observers pointed out that freedom of speech under Article 19 is subject to reasonable restrictions and does not extend to trespass, harassment, or disruption of religious gatherings. Such conduct, they said, may invite provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to outraging religious feelings, criminal intimidation, intentional insult, and breach of peace.

Faith leaders appealed for restraint and respect for constitutional values, stressing that India’s strength lies in equal protection under law. They reiterated that every citizen, regardless of belief, has the right to worship peacefully without fear, intimidation, or humiliation.

Christmas preparations at St. Mary’s School in Panigaon, located in Assam’s Nalbari district, were disrupted on December 24 when a group of miscreants allegedly stormed the school campus, vandalised decorations, and set festive materials on fire while raising religious slogans.

According to accounts from school authorities, the group entered the premises in the afternoon seeking to meet the school principal, Fr. Baiju Sebastian. In his absence, they confronted members of the religious staff present on campus and warned them against holding Christmas programmes. At the time, the principal was attending an official meeting with the district administration and was unable to respond immediately.

Witnesses said the group removed hoardings, pulled down decorative lighting, and damaged Christmas displays. Videos of the incident later circulated on social media, showing slogans being raised during the disruption. The incident caused fear among staff and disrupted preparations for the festival.

After returning to the campus, Fr. Sebastian informed senior police officials and the matter was also brought to the attention of the diocesan authorities. A formal complaint is expected to be submitted to the police. Law enforcement officials in Nalbari confirmed that an investigation is underway.

Condemning the incident, the school administration said the disruption amounted to intimidation and violated the constitutional right to celebrate religious festivals peacefully. Church authorities have appealed for calm and prayer, stressing that such incidents will not affect their commitment to education and social service. St. Mary’s School serves nearly 1,000 students from diverse backgrounds in the region. The incident comes at a significant time for the local diocese, which is observing key institutional milestones this year, and has renewed concerns over religious freedom during the Christmas season.

            A Christmas gift distribution programme for Christians in Madhya Pradesh descended into controversy after a BJP district vice-president allegedly assaulted and verbally abused a visually impaired Christian woman in Jabalpur, accusing her of facilitating religious conversion. Video footage circulated on social media shows Anju Bhargav, a district vice-president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), confronting and striking the woman during the event. Witnesses said the woman, a member of the Christian community, was targeted while participating in Christmas-related activities organised for local Christians.

According to those present, the confrontation erupted when Christians questioned the BJP leader over the distribution of Christmas gifts. During the altercation, Bhargav allegedly accused the visually impaired woman of enabling religious conversion. A police officer was present at the scene but is seen in the footage standing by without intervening, prompting sharp criticism from rights groups.

The visuals, first reported by Mathrubhumi News, went viral on social media, drawing widespread condemnation. Christian organisations and civil rights activists described the incident as an attack on a vulnerable Christian woman and a disturbing example of intimidation against the Christian minority during the Christmas season. Activists said the assault reflects a growing pattern of harassment of Christians in the state, particularly during religious celebrations. They have demanded immediate action against those responsible and sought an explanation from the police over their inaction. As of the time of reporting, there has been no official response from the BJP leadership or the district administration, and it remains unclear whether any legal proceedings have been initiated.

            The education department in Sriganganagar, Rajasthan, has issued a warning to schools against forcing students to attend school dressed as Santa Claus, stating that strict action will be taken against any institution found violating the directive. According to the order, schools must not compel students to participate in such activities or place undue pressure on parents. “Action will be taken under rules if any school is found forcing students,” the order clearly stated, emphasising that compliance with the instruction is mandatory.

The directive was issued on December 22 by Ashok Wadhwa, Additional District Education Officer, who cautioned schools against imposing unnecessary obligations on students or their families. The order underlined that participation in festive activities should remain voluntary and free from coercion. The education department further clarified that if any student is compelled or if parents are pressurised to ensure their child’s participation, the responsibility will rest solely with the concerned school management. In such cases, disciplinary action will be initiated in accordance with existing rules and regulations. The move follows a representation submitted by the Bharat-Tibet Sahyog Manch to the district education authorities. In its complaint, the organisation alleged that some schools in recent years have compelled children to dress up as Santa Claus during Christmas-related activities, leading to resentment and discomfort among parents. The representation claimed that such practices have caused unease within sections of the parent community, prompting calls for administrative intervention to prevent schools from enforcing participation in activities perceived as unnecessary or insensitive. Officials indicated that the order aims to prevent avoidable disputes and ensure that schools adhere strictly to educational norms without imposing additional social or cultural expectations on students. The department has warned that violations will invite strict action under the applicable rules.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee joined the Christmas Eve service at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, marking her continued presence at the annual celebration in the city. The solemn liturgical service was presided over by Archbishop Dr Elias Frank of Calcutta. On her arrival at the cathedral premises, the Chief Minister was received by the Archbishop and senior clergy. She inaugurated the Christmas crib set up at the cathedral before proceeding inside the church. Security arrangements restricted entry to parishioners, invited dignitaries and members of the media.

The service included a carol session featuring hymns in Bengali and English, creating a prayerful atmosphere inside the historic cathedral. The Chief Minister, along with other dignitaries, including Member of Parliament Derek O’Brien, participated in the service with reverence. During the celebration, a Christmas message reflecting on the spiritual significance of the season was delivered, drawing attention to the central message of faith, hope and peace associated with the birth of Christ. The Chief Minister was later invited to the sanctuary, where the Archbishop offered a special blessing and she greeted the congregation.

Ms Banerjee also extended her greetings to the Missionaries of Charity sisters present at the service, acknowledging their contribution to society through service to the poor and marginalised. The Holy Eucharistic celebration continued in a solemn and prayerful manner, with the faithful joining in the observance of Christmas, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. The Chief Minister’s participation once again underscored the tradition of communal harmony and interfaith respect associated with Christmas celebrations in Kolkata.