FROM THE PROVINCIAL'S DESK

My dear friends in the Lord,

April is the month of elections for us. We in Gujarat cast our votes on Wed 30th April. A large number seems to be taken up by the facile propaganda and dreams of development that would reach down to the poorest of the poor. On the other hand when we look at the national parties around, the picture seems very bleak. People are polarized on the basis of caste and creed. There is rampant corruption all around, reaching all levels. Fundamentalism of all types mars the healthy development of all as equal citizens of this great country.

And yet, we hold on! Ours is the largest democratic island, in the sea of dictatorial regimes all around. In spite of all odds, we have retained our faith in the democratic system. We do hear small, still voices of protests against corruption. We do hear voices extolling the common wo/man. Those who make these noises, may not have been able to deliver; but the protest is in the air.

In that situation, it becomes our duty not only to cast our votes conscientiously, but also to make people around us think for themselves. Like Socrates of old, we need to raise questions against all propaganda to help people think. And above all, PRAY, that the Lord who has begun a good work in this great country of ours, brings it to fulfilment so that the reign of God, reign of righteousness, justice, peace and love is established.

In April we commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar (14-4-1892 to 6-12-1956). Here is an icon for us to emulate. From his own suffering, he learnt the lesson of compassion and worked for the uplift of Dalits. May this commemoration inspire us to dedicate ourselves more fully to the downtrodden women all around us.

This year, April is the month when we call to mind the redemptive Passion, Death and Resurrection of the Lord. We do well to purify ourselves through the Lenten observances. We do well to recall the great events of the Passion, Death & Resurrection of the Lord. But at the same time, we need to look around at the Passion and Death that our fellow human beings are undergoing, day in and day out, often, as a result of development. Development induced displacement, development induced destruction of trees and forests, development induced diversion of water from the parched lands and its tillers to industry and so on. No doubt, we need development. But we need to make sure that the fruits of development reach unto this last! May we all work for that heaven of freedom where the millions today who experience degradation, passion and death, experience the Resurrection. Happy Easter!

A. M. D. G.