Dubai, Dec 18, 2019: Indian Pravasi Forum UAE issued a pressed statement on Wednesday condemning the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 adding that the act threatens nation’s multiculturalism. The press statement also added that the Act was contrary to the constitutional values of the country.
“strongly condemns the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act 2019, passed by Indian Parliament, which threatens the country's multiculturalism and it is contrary to the constitutional value of the country” the press statement stated.
Forum’s President Javed stated that Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) contravenes Article 14 of the Constitution and leads to the Dual Nation doctrine as a prelude to partition. With the enactment of this law across the country, the religion of the original inhabitants will be compromised and there will be hostility, discrimination, violence and injustice among the citizens.
“Indian citizenship has always been firmly rooted in the country's constitution, which emphasizes equality, regardless of gender, caste, religion, class, community or language.
“This unconstitutional act also violates and shreds the provisions in the Indian constitution that guarantee citizens' right to equality, equality before the law and non-discriminatory treatment towards the citizens of the country” the press statement added.
Along with the CAA the organisation also opposes NRC which it added would violate Citizenship Act & it is against the ethos of India’s Constitution.
“Indian Pravasi Forum respectfully request that the Supreme Court of India to declare this law being an ultra-wires which infringes on the basic structure of the Constitution, that undermines the humanity, equality and secularism of the country, and it is against imparting all equitably” the statement further added .
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National Synodal Assembly 2026 begins in Bengaluru with over 220 delegates
Bengaluru: The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) on May 1 inaugurated its National Synodal Assembly 2026 at St. John’s Medical College, bringing together more than 220 delegates from across the country under the theme Synodal Pilgrims of Hope.
The assembly is part of the global synodal process initiated in 2021 by Pope Francis, which calls for greater participation, dialogue and shared responsibility within the Church. In India, the process has involved consultations at diocesan, regional and national levels.
Participants at the assembly include two Cardinals, 25 Bishops, 65 priests, more than 20 women religious, and over 100 lay faithful, including youth and women leaders.
The gathering began with a Eucharistic celebration led by Filipe Neri Ferrão. In his homily, he described the assembly as a moment of grace and discernment and called on delegates to walk together in prayer, listening and missionary commitment.
He spoke about the importance of the Risen Christ in the mission of the Church and urged the faithful to be witnesses of the Gospel. Referring to the conversion of St Paul, he said every baptised person has a role in spreading the message of Christ. He also highlighted the example of St Joseph the Worker, stressing the dignity of labour and the call to holiness in everyday life.
The formal inauguration included the invocation of the Holy Spirit through Veni Creator Spiritus and the lighting of the ceremonial lamp. Deputy Secretary General Fr. Stephen Alathara welcomed the delegates and described the gathering as a spiritual journey.
In his presidential address, Cardinal Ferrão referred to the CCBI pastoral plan titled Journeying Towards a Synodal Church: Mission 2033 and called on participants to build on the vision outlined at the 36th Plenary Assembly held in Bhubaneswar in 2025.
Delegates will reflect on four key themes identified from 16 pastoral priorities: interreligious dialogue and peacebuilding, inclusion of the excluded, poverty and integral ecology, and support for children and youth.
The discussions are being conducted through a method of spiritual conversation aimed at encouraging listening, dialogue and collective decision-making. The focus is on translating these discussions into practical actions within the Church.
The assembly also looks ahead to the Jubilee Year 2033, which will mark 2,000 years of the Redemption, and aims to strengthen the Church’s mission in the coming years.
Further consultations are scheduled for September 2026, with the process expected to conclude at the 38th Plenary Assembly of the CCBI in January 2027.
Organisers said the assembly seeks to strengthen unity within the Church and promote participation of all sections, including women and youth, in shaping its future direction.
