Modi govt has weakened secular fabric of society, claim Bishops

Bengaluru, Mar 3: The Catholic bishops of India on Wednesday said the Union government, driven by fundamentalist ideology, had weakened the secular fabric of society.

Presenting the biennial report at the 32nd general body meeting of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), Archbishop Albert D'Souza, secretary-general, CBCI, said certain factions posed a threat to the religious minorities in the country.

Without naming any right-wing Hindu organisation and the Bhratiya Janata Party, he said, “There have been instances of a series of attacks on sacred places and churches. Similar factions of people are also engaged in a militant form of Ghar Wapsi', which involved forcing religious minorities to join the majority religion under the explicit call for a Hindu nation'.”

The “inhuman acts” on an elderly nun in Ranaghat (West Bengal) and a nun in Raipur (Chhattisgarh) have been alarming, just as other cases of attacks on women and minors. False allegations to the extent of implicating a priest of a school in the Diocese of Ambikapur have baffled us. A priest of Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) was in similar way accused and imprisoned, the report said and added that certain states did face the effects of the anti-conversion' Bill.

Archbishop D'Souza also raised suspicion over the new Education Policy and the trends of saffronisation' of education. The Child Adoption Policy of the government caused, especially the Missionaries of Charity, a concern, he said. The Church hails the Bills on Harassment of Women in workplace and the Child Protection Policy (Pocso Act), which are meant to maintain moral order in society, he added.

Earlier, Pope's ambassador to India, Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, in his inaugural address urged the bishops to show active commitment and concern for the poor, particularly the dalits, and their situations.

Besides, he asked the CBCI Plenary to consider it opportune to prepare a pastoral care programme for the estranged families so that they may better respond to the emerging challenges.

Archbishop of Washington Donald Wuerl said India's character was evident from the life of Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa. “These great people are the gifts of India to the world.” CBCI president Baselios Cardinal Cleemis also spoke on the occasion.

The plenary, which is held at the St John's Medical College campus in the City, will conclude on March 9. As many as 180 bishops from different dioceses across the country are attending the meet.

Comments

Being secular, tolerant, are also the part of worship, religion and Patriotism.
First be secular,
Secondly, then open the mind, listen to the propagators, ask them questions if you have any doubt or not convinced. If the propagators reply is convinced and acceptable, then don't delay accept the truth.
This way there will be justice, when there is justice, there is peace.
Else all types of problems are inevitable.

We can not expect everyone to follow our religion. Following any religion is by proof, signs evidence and by faith. And not at all possible by force. If we expect to make it by force, then it is like we are asking someone to believe in blindly 2+2=5

if u r not secular leave your religion and believe in humanity.

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SMR Public School’s ‘EXCELLENTIA’ highlights academic excellence and holistic growth

News Network

December 16,2025

Melkar (Bantwal): The 9th Annual Day celebration of SMR Public School, titled “EXCELLENTIA”, was held on December 15 with great enthusiasm and dignity, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey towards academic excellence and holistic development.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. U. T. Iftikar Ali. The chief guests were Dr. Akhtar Hussain, Mr. P. Moosabba Beary, Mr. Zakaria Jokattre, and Dr. T. M. Abdul Rahuf—whose inspiring addresses motivated the students and appreciated the school’s contributions to education.

Mr. Abdul Nasir, Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar, Mr. Razak Golthamajal, Mr. Sali Koya, Mr. Arshad Hussain, Mr. Ismail Balanoor, Mr. Feroz Bawa, Mr. Sahul Hameed, Mr. Abubakkar, Mr. Hameed K. Mani, Mr. Abdul Majeed (Principal, Melkar Women’s College), and Mr. Abdul Lathief (Former Principal, Melkar Women’s College) were the guests of honour.

The Annual Report was presented by the Headmistress, Ms. Fathimathul Zaheera, highlighting the school’s achievements and progress during the academic year. The Presidential Address was delivered by the Chairman of SMR Public School, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasised the vital role of education in shaping students’ futures and stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and consistent effort in achieving 100 per cent academic results.

Secretary of SMR Public School, Mr. Rifath Ahmed, and PTA President, Mr. Sandeep Kumar, were also present on the occasion.

The Annual Day celebration showcased the collective efforts of students and teachers and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to quality education and all-round development. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, parents, and well-wishers for their support. The 9th Annual Day—EXCELLENTIA—was a memorable and successful event, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.

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