Father Gregory Pereira, a priest of Mangalore diocese in southern India, is called different names in parishes he has served. In Bantwal, he was “Papaya Father,” and in Narampady, “Kumbalakai Father.” In Talapady where he now serves, he is “Dragon Father.” The parishioners have given him such titles as an honour for turning their parishes into “green belts’ with organic farming, beginning from the church land to every house in the parish. “For me, farming is a spiritual exercise, a path to promote a pastoral ministry with a green commitment,” said Father Pereira.

India’s poor deserve better than this
Concerns are being raised about whether the needs of poor and marginalized communities in India are receiving enough attention in current government policies. Observers say


