There had been a time when faith in God and belongingness to a religion was taken for granted by most members of the society at large. It is no more so. Faith and religion and even the existence of God are constantly on attack. Groups are out there to wipe out faith in God. They play all foul games to attain their aim. Their efforts have begun to bear fruits. India is becoming more and more a lawless land where there is no respect for rule of law, let alone morality in public life. When God is evicted from the heart and mind of man he becomes a savage animal. Morality and probity in public as well as private life vanishes. Simultaneously we see that intolerance to others' faith is on the increase. Intolerance has come to such a sate as to attack and vandalize others' persons and places of worship. Scores of people are murdered in the bright day light because of their faith. Even in this situation I believe that no genuine believer in God can perpetrate such attacks. I am firmly convinced that the vast majority of the population of India, no matter to which religion or caste they belong, is peace loving and would not endorse the present atrocities in our country. They must be the work of groups that are determined to come to power and grab money of the public at any cost. We as faithful citizens of our great country, need to reiterate our faith in democracy and secularism. Democracy is not mobocracy but rule of law. Secularism as it is understood in India is not a state that does not tolerate any religion but a state that respects and promotes all religions. Such is the secularism that is enshrined in the constitution of India formulated by our forefathers who respected the reality that India is not a melting pot but a bunch of diverse flowers and fruits. The beauty of India lies in this variety. India is a model for all other countries that fell apart soon after their independence from the colonial rulers. As we enter into the new year let us resolve to keep this country democratic and secular as well as God-fearing and upholding morality and probity in public and private life. Long live India. God bless you all.

Bishop Jose Porunnedom
Bishop of Mananthavady