Give until it hurts

Someone knocked at our house door in the dusk. As I opened the door a faint voice prevailed around me. The voice was certainly communicated to me that the boy was in need of some help. I thought he was sales man for he had several small goodies to sell which of course are not of any use to me. The boy narrated his ambition to a footballer in the Luton club, but money seems to be an hindrance in achieving this goal. He had a small proof of identity. My immediate reaction to his plea was sympathetic which fetched him some quids. After this I was trying to ponder on this usual incident. It is hard to recognise whether a person really in need of help which might buy him some food or warm clothes in this frozen weather; or a young lad looking for money to buy his daily dope of drug. I am sure we all have such experiences in our lives. Most often we tend to rebuke the beggars which is natural. Being a beggar in London can be very hard especially in this cold weather. 

London has no beggars is the usual understanding of the world but it is quite the opposite. There are several types of beggars like someone entertains a group of travellers and gather money, some would play music and sing at the subway and gather money etc. I am not too concerned with talented beggars who bewitch the audience and get money, but what about the beggars who don't have these gifts to perform and get money? It is really a hard area to venture. Do we really see the beggars as someone less fortunate than us and try to help or just put some allegations of drugs, stealing and rebuke point blank? 

I think we need to more prudent when we are dealing with beggars. Ambrose says, 'It is the hungry man's bread that you withhold, the naked man's cloak you store away, the money that you bury in the earth is the price of the poor man's ransom and freedom.' I used to think the rich became rich because of their sheer hard work and therefore why should they be blamed for not  helping the poor. I think God created us equal and gave us enough to maintain the world. Gandhi said, 'we have enough for the need not to our greed'. When we amass wealth we are disturbing the natural harmony of the universe. 

We often hear about the monotonous statements like, equality, we are equal, no discrimination etc which resonate in this unequal, discriminatory world. It is hard to give up our own which we have earned by our hard work. Mother Teresa said, 'Give until it hurts'. It is true it hurts when we give something away but imagine how happy the person who received will be. There is not bound for his joy and happiness. Therefore it is eachone's duty to help each other to make this world a better place without disturbing the natural order of equality and indiscrimination. 

UK Konkan Christmas Celebration

UK Konkan association held a remarkable Christmas celebration despite the whether being very bad. It was an astounding performance indeed. It was a mixture of several pieces of performance like dances for Bollyhood and Konkani numbers. The celebration began with an apprehensive note of inconvenience caused by the bad weather. Many people could not travel on roads as it was still snowing and slippery. However there were many of them participated in the event very well.
Cultural presentation was compeered by Jerry Dias who set a perfect start with his witty jokes and shahiris. Dance by a little girl Tia D'souza was mind blowing indeed. She seems like a budding artist who has bright future indeed. Dance of Irene Lobo made the audience dumb-founded. She with her dancing expertise entertained the audience to the brim. Little witty skits by Melwin, Stella and the group made the audience laugh at their full energy. They were like professional artists performed on stage. Songs by Eric, Beena, Mihir and Jerry rocked the room with their astounding and beautiful voices.
Traditional Mangalorean style lunch was the hallmark of the event. Many hands have gone into making this lunch sumptuous indeed. I am sure most people had a wonderful smile on their faces after the lunch which is a feather in UK Konkans cap. I think it was a tedious task preparing this lunch indeed. I cherish the moments at the lunch time.
On the whole it was a meaningful celebration of Christmas with families from different parts of the UK. I wish to thank all the organisers who made this event possible. Some of you might have burnt your mid night oil to make this event successful. I wish this continues and make our Mangalorean community strong here in the UK and in doing this we remember our roots and traditions. This surely will be transferred to our children in the future.

Wikileaks and Democracy

Sometimes I wonder why do diplomats like to discuss behind door and keep secret from the public. In an democratic country it might deviate the purpose of democracy. It is true not everything can be said to the general public but can they at least let us know what has been the discussion if not the outcome. I was both thrilled and shocked to read the Wikileaks which made the world sharpen its ears. Nearly quarter of a million US diplomatic cables were leaked as you know very well. These cables did throw some light on as to how diplomats discuss the matters secretly. It is appalling to know the facts and figures from Wikileaks. I almost thought there is going to be a third world war because of the secret cables which affected the diplomatic relationship between countries. It is now swept under the carpet because the website has been blocked.

Last week the Westminster crown court granted him bail. As the hearing was taking place in the court, Julian Assange had hundreds of supports including Jemima Khan. Jemima Khan was the key celebrity who helped him financially to get the bail. It was a dramatic scenario at London, when Swedish government wanted to appeal the   the government to extradite him for alleged sexual assault. But after long formalities of the Justice system, he was released on bail. He expressed his gratitude to all his supporters and the police for he said, 'it is remarkable to know about the British justice system, if not justice at least it is not dead.' He looked calm and serene when he was escorted by the police to the house he was going to live. He is banned from leaving the country and he has some formalities of the justice system. 

I am sure Julian Assagne is an excellent computer genius. His expertise in downloading these secret diplomatic cables is absolutely commendable. I am not saying whether it was good or not. But  I think we have a mixed feeling and a sense of confusion. Wikileaks made me aware that there are many secret things being discussed behind closed door. It is sad I cannot access the website now. I am sure its been blocked since there were more and more cables being released. 

Why does the Swedish government want Julian Assange? Is it really for the alleged sexual assault or in support of the US to silence him further? I think US government want him for leaking the cables. But why does America stand on its toes when their dirty linen is being washed in public? I think for many Julian Assange is Hero who dared to put the cables online. I think there should not be any secrets between the diplomats and public for diplomats are the representatives of the public. If they hide matters of concern from the general public, then democratic system fails to some extent. 

Honesty in the midst of Dishonesty

If we found a wallet lying in the subway, how many of us will be honest enough to had it over to the police to find its right place? I am sure most us would do what pleases one. I was buying a cheap leather wrist band from a petty vendor. After finishing my transaction I walked away but I  heard a loud call from someone behind. I saw the same vendor following me with loud shouts, I was taken aback thinking I might have not paid him enough. To my surprise he handed me the $100 bill and said Sir, 'it costs only $5 but you have given $100'. It was my fault for not clarifying the bills of different denominations. I stood dumbfounded for I had not seen such an honest person in my life. I told him spur of the moment, you are the best business man I have ever seen. And he told me, 'Sir, I know most tourist have money but there might some who come to Barbados with limited money, it is my duty and more importantly to respect other human person to be honest'. 

One of friends told me that he found £20 bills along the foot path he was treading. He was not sure as to what he should do this money for there wasn't any sign of anyone looking for it. He went straight to the police station to hand over the money. As he was handing it over, some said with faint voice, thanks a lot. The faint voice was of a poor milk man who would deliver milk door to door and collect the money on behalf of the milk firm. 

How many of us will be honest enough to give away things which don't belong to us? It is very hard question to answer. We might answer it positively or negatively depending on the circumstances. I am sure most of us have had several experiences of honesty by someone or ourselves. It is absolutely necessary to be honest because we might deprive our fellow humans of some significant need. St. Ambrose says, 'It is the hungry man's bread that you withhold, the naked man's cloak that you store away, the money that you bury in the earth is the price of the poor man's ransom and freedom'. It is quite natural for a human being to have a tendency to amass things even if one does not need it. It is necessary first of all to have our needs met, then the needs of the society can be catered to. Human beings are complex social and rational animals. Their reason might vary according to the situation in other words we might fit our reason to circumstances. We might not adhere to the universal reason of that particular circumstance we are in. In the same way the social aspect might vary according to the whims and fancies of an individual. Therefore honesty in human beings might vary in accordance with reason. It can be detrimental to replace humanity with reason. Thus resulting in individualistic ideologies which might govern oneself and the world. 

We are aware of the scams that are prevalent in the world today. Scams of different natures, cyber scam, money laundering, corruption etc. These scams emanate from lack of honesty and transparency. We as humans fail to see others as our brothers and sisters thus creating a void between honest and dishonest people. Dishonesty will be triumph but not for very long time. It is very evident when dishonesty is ruling the roost we see some people suffer because as St. Ambrose said, we actually grab from the lowly. 

I think honesty is innate and integral part of human nature but it is practised in so many ways. Honesty is a lovely virtue that all human should acquire.  

Animal in Children

Jeremy Bentham wrote; a full-grown horse or dog is beyond comparison a more rational, as well as a more conversable animal, than an infant of a day, or a week, or even a month, old. But suppose they were otherwise, what would it avail? The question is not, Can they reason? nor Can they talk? but, Can they suffer? Bentham is quite right in saying that animals can be more rational than a toddler. When I was walking down the busy streets of London, I realised that a child was absolutely irrational in saying to the mother lets walk on the road since its more clear. I am not sure whether child was being naughty but I think that is the hight of irrationality. 

A weird question swiped my mind which made me to ponder on the concept of animality in children. Can children be compared to animals? If rationality makes us distinct from animals, what about the irrational children? Are they animals? Children don't reason, walk, communicate or express (we might miss judge their expression, since their communication is limited). sometimes animals are much better of than children. For instance, swimming can be innate for animals whereas human have to develop the skill to swim. I think same with old people who are virtually inactive. Can we call them animals? In other words do they qualify to be animals since they don't have required qualities of a human person. 

I am not trying to think with Peter Singer's equality for animals but I would rather say that animals are just like humans; neither superior nor inferior. If we had an opportunity to go to the animal kingdom and make an enquiry, probably I think animals might consider humans as animals or even inferior to them. But unfortunately we cannot do that. But we can explore the possibilities. 

One of my friends told me, children cannot be named as animals rather can we coin a word to express that animality in children. I cannot think of any word but I am sure we need to make sure that children are distinct from human beings. It is not the only body that makes human person but the whole being makes a human person. Therefore, it is obvious that children are lovely little animals who in fact develop various skills as they grow. 

Diamond or Sand: a way to discrimination

Scientists have found some kind of carbon made particles on the planets which are thousand light years away from the earth. They reckon that there might be even diamond in abundance like sand on earth. Hearing this some might like to get some diamond from the planets if we can possibly travel these thousands of light years. I like the idea but I won't really like to go the planet to get some mere stones. I consider these diamonds or any other precious stones as mere stones. You might like to debate with me as to why I say this. Let me clarify the concept of precious and non-precious; if human get something in abundance, they consider it as non-precious taking for granted that this is available in plenty, example, Stones, sand, mud etc. But if human don't get something in plenty then it is precious, like diamond, gold, silver, platinum etc. 

I have a further clarification on the subject; who decides something precious or valuable then something else? It is we human come to a conclusion that something is not available so easily therefore it is valuable. Gold and Iron are two different kinds of metals but basically they are metals which are made from some elementary raw metals from the earth. But we are well aware that gold is not an ordinary metal since it can fetch loads of money and it is valuable metal whereas iron is cheap metal which is absolutely necessary for our human existence unlike gold only used for ornaments and decorations. Therefore we are the masters of ourselves. One fine day we all vote and decide that iron is more valuable than gold, gold is going to be cheaper than iron. 

Let me come to an important issue after discussing above metallic topic; do we humans have a right to decide which human is valuable or non-valuable in other words why there is discrimination in terms of caste, colour, creed, language, ethnicity, religion and so on? In yesteryears some powerful people decided the trade of the world and its system and others like sheep adhered to it. Do we have to continue doing that? We cannot simply say Yes. If we say yes what about the government, it is some government officials decide and we follow. Therefore, discrimination has been integral part of this world and human system. Just like the preciousness of the stones has been determined by some people, human system has been fashioned according to the wimps and fancies of some powerful brats. Do we have a way out of it? Well, we do since we are the master of ourselves, but this can have its impact sometime if not immediately. Thus we can bring change if we want. Drop make ocean therefore our hopes and aspiration should be aroused to enable us to march towards a world which will be free of discrimination of any sort. 

Religion Vs Humanity

One of my friends wants to involve in some kind of inter-religious dialogue without any strings attached to any religion in particular. He is not sure as to how he should begin this noble task of making this world into one religion and that is human religion. My immediate response to him was very idealistic. I think we need to begin somewhere and this 'somewhere' should really begin somewhere because it has become a monotonous jargon which has created more issued than solving them really. My idealistic response in which I emphasised the role of the Church in mending the fences between religions must be in some way or the other rectified according to the situation and signs of the time and signs of the future too. Later in our discussion I realised that I am stepping into an ocean without proper compass to direct me. 

One of the drastic measures he proposed was Indianizing his so called 'western name'. I have issues here at all times, because when I meet someone in the west they ask me two questions, a. What is your Indian name? b. Where you a Christian by birth? I am embarrassed not because I am branded as someone different from them but I am embarrassed of their ignorance of India and its religions. I am not denying the fact that Christianity originated from the West but what our stand on Christianity. Jesus came to save humanity not Christianity. I suppose Jesus loved everyone equally irrespective of their culture, tradition, religion and colour. It is later in the Church the division of Jewish Christian and Pagan Christians took place. Do you adhere to it in this 21st Century or Do you break the barriers of religion and go beyond to seek for the truth and the real knowledge. 

One does become Christian, Hindu or Muslim by the name they bear. Names give us personal identity as to who we are, but not the religious identity. If one thinks the latter gives one identity then he is probably he is trying to promote ghetto type religiosity which will cripple not only himself but the whole humanity. 

One of the inmates at the prison where I work on voluntary basis said to, what is the intention of your experiments as catholic chaplains with people or with us? He used the word experiment, I am not sure as to why he chose to use that word. I guess he is been brain washed or indoctrinated by several Christian denominations which has affected him directly or he is been indoctrinated by media. How are we going to face these kinds of challenges which are inevitable and rampant in our society today? 

In an Indian perceptive the meaning of prayer is sharing, sharing of thoughts, ideas, food, and so on. Several years ago a Hindu confronted me with some challenging questions, like, why do Catholics don't share the 'prasadam' (communion) with non-Catholics, added to that you announce that non-Catholics are not distributed the communion? I was dumb stuck because I did not have an answer for this. When I go to a Hindu or Muslim prayer they always share their holy meal. Are we Catholics building bridges or breaking? I think it would make a non-Catholics impossible to attend a Christian service for they feel its only and exclusively for Christians. They feel threatened by our way of life. 

My friend continued by his noble thought about an Indian being called as 'Hindu' and still feel comfortable because Hindu has nothing to do with religion. Hindu is place formally called Sindhu. I would feel comfortable if someone called me Hindu from India because I know what it means to be called a Hindu. But do all 1.5 billion feel like me? It is better said then done. Can I make a difference in this turbulent world? But how? Drops make ocean, so we might do a tiny bit but everyone does his or her tiny bit, I think this world will be a better place to live in and indeed a heaven on earth. 

Portuguese or Indians??

Goa Hindu Group Targets Portuguese Rule

Some 400 people rallied in the Goan capital of Panaji to condemn the Portuguese conquest. A Hindu-based “patriotic citizens” group in Goa has sought local archbishop’s support to condemn Portuguese, who ruled the western Indian state for 451 years. It was the 500th anniversary of Portuguese conquest of Goa. They carried placards and shouted slogans condemning imperialism. A memorandum from the group urged Archbishop Felip Neri Ferrao of Goa and Daman to condemn Portuguese rule.

“Your support even by way of a simple pressnote or by your august presence at the rally will lend much needed boost to our campaign,” the memorandum told the prelate. The memorandum says Nov. 25 reminded Goans about the beginning of “one of the most brutal and barbaric” periods in their history. It was an “era of dictatorship, forced religious conversions, slavery, destruction of temples, and exploitation.”

It denounced those who associate with the Portuguese and some institutions that try to celebrate the day. The marchers burned an effigy of Afonso de Albuquerque, who led the conquest of Goa, and resolved to rename all Portuguese road names. The group will also campaign for the closure of the Portuguese consulate in the state and halt attempts to glorify Portuguese rule through cultural and business ties with the small European nation.

Father Francis Caldeira, archdiocesan spokesperson, said although he shared “the painful sentiments” about the colonial era, the Church does not want to be drawn into the controversy. “While Catholics too suffered under the colonial rule, we must reiterate that we do enjoy the fruits of freedom and we are proud of being Indians,” he said.

It amuses me when people make history from history by brooding over issues of the past like an old lady. I am sure history is written to take what is good, leave behind what is unpleasant and if possible try to learn from the past mistakes. It is called progression. Are we progressing or regressing? I am sure most of us agree that we have learnt a lot from Portuguese, I am not denying that it was done on some self motivated agenda. Goa has a multicultural history and they should be proud of it not try to find some fault and destroy the unity that Goa enjoyed for centuries. 

Joseph Dias, General Secretary, The CSF

Catholic-Christian Secular Forum www.thecsf.org

^Evangelical  ^Ecumenical  ^Interdenominational 

Snow...Snow everywhere.

When I was watching Fanaa (an Indian film), I was bewitched by the wonderful snow being portrayed as something romantic. I always wished for the snow if not the romance in snow. I never understood as to why English like to start the conversation with snow. It baffled me when someone asked me how is the whether. India being predominantly a tropical country snow is a distant dream. I was thrilled to see the snow last year for the first time in my life. When it was snowing for the first time, I jumped with joy and played in it like a baby. I enjoyed it to the brim. I never felt cold in snow since I was thrilled to see it first time. 

Yesterday it happened again, it was in the early morning when I pushed my curtain I saw a think layer of snow in our garden and snowing heavily. I was not too keen in going to play since I was cold. Later during the day I took a stroll along the road and I felt so wonderful. I had a great feeling within me. I felt one with the nature so much I sat on the snow and even put in my mouth. A sense of satisfaction hovered in my whole being as the gently touch of the white and cold snow touched my tender skin on my face. I saw a couple of children playing in snow. I could see their joy of playing in snow. Nature can be so wonderful and can give us sense of joy and happiness only if we see positively. 

Snow can be very nasty if it is too much. Our movements become slim and we hardly can move freely and safely. The snow of one day has disrupted so much, some of the airports, schools, public transport, roads had to be closed. It can cripple the city to a large extent. Though I enjoyed the snow one day but it is not really going to help me if I have travel. Even walking on the pavement can be detrimental. When the snow becomes ice, it is hard to walk on it. Therefore too much is too bad. The incessant snow can cause in economic downfall. Gritting of the road can cost millions and closure of public transport and other enterprises can cause a huge loss in the economic well-being of a city. 

Therefore I think snow can be wonderful when it is limited but it can create problem to the country in several ways. Nature has its own way to act irrespective of human presence. We cannot really control the nature and its acts. We can only bear with it and carry on until nature acts in favour of us.