Bp Thomas Dabre, Poona

On June 12, 2022 in Pune, the cultural capital of the western Indian state of Maharashtra, Bishop Thomas Dabre of Poona took part in the launch of the Social Science Journal, a quarterly journal published by the Shripati Shastri Research Institute of Social Sciences, which is linked to the Hindu religious right.
“The RSS had published a periodical to promote research on matters Indian,” said the prelate, a former member of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue and a former president of the Office for the doctrine of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India. “They flashed my two-page message in their front page” and “invited me to attend the program,” the Bishop told AsiaNews.
“In the meetings of the Indian Bishops I have always said that we must engage them in dialogue. The late Archbishop Abraham Viruthakulangara of Nagpur wanted this dialogue, but he left us prematurely. Nothing has happened since then.
“I personally maintain good relations with the RSS. I have forged bonds of friendship with them and it was an honour for me that they published my message. I want to act as an intermediary between the Catholic Church and them because Pune is the main centre of the RSS ideology.” In his address, Bishop Dabre said that love for country unites the RSS and the Christian community, remarks that have been widely reported by the media and that aroused some negative feelings among Indian Christians, especially at a time growing intolerance on the part of Hindu nationalists towards religious minorities.
Later he issued a statement in which he retracted his views. “I hereby, with deep regret withdraw the formulation as reported in the media. Our life-long commitment to building good relations, harmony and peace among religions and the spread of the life-giving message of Jesus Christ will continue with yet greater vigour.” Light of Truth sent him a few questions to which he gave his answers. Here they are:

What was the context of your expression of view about the RSS?

They invited me for the launch of their periodical, to promote research on sociology, economics and politics etc. There were some speakers. Towards the fag end of the programmes, they asked me to say a few words on the spot for I was not on the list of speakers. There were hardly 50 of their invitees and the programme was just for about 45 minutes. So it was a spontaneous impromptu speech, not at all a formal speech with a prepared text.

RSS is historically known as a paramilitary organisation to promote the Hindutva ideology which is divisive? How far can one dialogue with them?

We have very basic differences with them. We are for sharing the good news of Jesus with others and we gladly welcome those who wish to follow Jesus in His Church. It is a fact that India is a country of several religions who have helped to build the nation. So we Indians are a nation of multiple cultures not just one culture.
We affirm religious freedom of everybody. We uphold the freedom of people to choose the religion they desire. The RSS must be helped to understand our position, our faith and out loyalty to the nation.

RSS had its links with European fascism and Nazism, do they maintain the same mentality? Have they renounced such fascist mentalities?

Obviously we reject racist nationalism which was the bane of Europe leading to World War II.

Hindutva and RSS are linked to the caste hegemony which is contrary to the idea of India of Nehruvian idea of India? How do you think a dialogue is possible? Is there any possibility of a united humanism in India where all are equal?

See, we stand totally opposed to the evil of the caste system. But if India has to endure as a nation we cannot allow ourselves to be surrounded by enemies within and without. Jesus forgave enemies and taught us to love all. What is important is to develop good relations with all as fellow-citizens and children of God.

Is RSS agreeing to religious equality of religions in India? Does RSS agree to the argumentative history of India and its cultural plurality?

We pray and strive to get them to see the wisdom and imperative of equality and plurality. Do the RSS accept Tagore and his idea of freedom? “Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high; Where knowledge is free; Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls; Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit; …Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.”
Tagore was a visionary poet. My desire is to work for that India where we shall live in the heaven of freedom. In Jesus, I am an optimist and I think we all should try our level best to create such an India. Hurdles should not deter us nor create a gulf between citizens of differing ideologies.
We all have our personal vocations. Believers are called to the different ways of following Jesus. Our People have the right to have their view of various organizations. And so I understand and appreciate the different reactions to the press report of my impromptu speech without the prepared text. I am confident that my clarification will enable them to see things in perspective.