Abp Dr Kuriakose Bharanikulangara
Faridabad-Delhi

In the nation’s capital, BJP lost to Aam Aadmi Party. What made AAP successful against the Hindutva propaganda?
I think, the Aam Aadmi Party won the election, not particularly because of the negative propaganda of the BJP (like the Hindutva propaganda, etc) but because of the positive popular programs of the Aam Aadmi Party. Mr Kejriwal has proved that real democracy is the power of the people. His programs, which are in favour of the poor and the marginalised, like free water, minimal rate for electricity bill, free travel for women in city buses, etc. gained him very high popularity and trust. His education initiative in Government schools will be a model par excellence for the whole world. His medicare projects, which included health insurance for the common folks, are highly praiseworthy. The common man recognised that and voted for him. This gives us the opportunity to ask whether similar things done by the Church is producing the same results. We spend a lot at the diocesan level or at the regional level for education, health care, and other social services, but what impact does it create on the common man?

Is it not true that hate speeches set fire to Delhi? What would you say is the urgent duty of Indian Christians in such a hateful atmosphere?
I have lived for twenty-five years in different capital cities of the world. But Delhi makes a difference in the sense that it has a wide range of cultures, religions and languages, besides a density of population that one does not see in any other capital of the world. Surely, there is also a sharp economic divide. The communal harmony that existed in Delhi was unique. The unity in diversity that we found here was exceptional. Its social harmony was based on the age-old principle Vasudhaiva kutumbakam. Whichever be the party in power, diversity was respected and maintained. None discriminated on the basis of culture, language or religion. When any move is made by whatever agent to destroy it, it will wreak havoc in this multi-million metropolis.

Was the carnage in Delhi politically instigated on those who took a clear stand of dissent against the Citizens’ Amendment Act?
It is not clear whether the recent communal clashes and riots were related to the CAA. But, apparently, there is a communal shade to the happenings. Someone climbing up the mosque and putting a flag on the minaret indicates that. Also “pick and choose” strategy used to attack people of the same street is quite disturbing. This is despite the fact that during a recent visit to the area I could see graffiti in favour of CAA in many places.

What was the response of the Church and the Christian community to the Delhi riots?
Immediately after the outbreak of the communal clash, religious leaders of the city called for a symbolic expression of prayer and solidarity with lighted candles. They assembled in front of the Goldekana Catholic Cathedral. Subsequently, the same organisers had planned a peace march in the city, which had to be postponed due to denial of permission. From the part of the Diocese of Faridabad, we negotiated with the Authorities and managed to get special permission to visit the area. A delegation headed by myself and a team of priests and laymen from the Social Service Department visited the riot affected areas as well as the hospital where the victims are treated. We also went to a “refugees camp” or rehabilitation centre where hundreds of women and children lay on the floor under pitiable conditions. We distributed food items, medicines, sanitary items etc. Our Social Service Department is charting out further interventions in the area. Our diocese organised a prayer initiative in all the parishes in the diocese and observed one-minute silence. The other day Latin Archbishop also visited the area and he is also organising assistance for the affected people.

Do the Christians feel apprehensive? How do you think the Government is taking the statement of the CBCI in the recently concluded plenary session in Bangalore?
As they are migrants here in Delhi, Christians are keenly following the Delhi communal conflicts. They expect the leadership to tackle the issue prudently. As an institution, the Church has to engage in dialogue with the civil and political authorities, which of course should be done at the level of the CBCI. In fact, the theme of the last CBCI session was “Dialogue, a path to truth and charity.” Since such high-level initiatives and negotiations are not yet in place, on our own level we came forward to bring help to the victims. A kind of dialogue with the religious leaders of the area and facilitating dialogue between the affected and civil authorities would be the need of the hour. We cannot afford to keep the population of such a big city under fear and anguish. Communal and religious harmony is very important for peaceful co-existence in society.