Archbishop of Bangalore calls for Day of Prayer and Fasting for peace, harmony in Country
Urges citizens to fast and pray on March 22 over various socio-political issues plaguing country
Bangalore: Most Rev. Peter Machado, the Archbishop of Bangalore and the President of the Karnataka Regional Bishops' Conference, along with being the Chairman of the All Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights, issued a press release urging citizens to observe Friday, 22nd March 2024 as a Day of Prayer and Fasting for peace and harmony in India.
Expressing concerns over various socio-political issues plaguing the country, Archbishop Peter Machado highlighted the increasing impoverishment of the masses, the growing monopoly of crony capitalists, and the widening gap between the rich and the poor. He also noted the worsening unemployment among educated youth, large-scale migration of the rural poor, and the proliferation of hate speeches.
The press release emphasized the systematic erosion of fundamental rights, including the right to citizenship, as well as the dilution of minority rights. Archbishop Machado condemned the frequent bulldozing of homes, shops, and places of worship belonging to minorities, along with the harassment faced by individuals serving in orphanages, hostels, and educational institutions.
Furthermore, Archbishop Machado lamented the state of politics in India, which he described as being afflicted by populism, polarization, post-truth, and personality cults. He voiced concerns over the weakening of democratic institutions, the undermining of the federal structure, and the co-opting of the media by dominant forces.
In response to this distressing situation, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) called for a Day of Prayer and Fasting on 22nd March 2024. The Archbishop urged citizens to engage in prayer, fasting, and recitation of a special prayer prepared by the CBCI. He also emphasized the importance of participating in a Rosary campaign organized in every parish and apostolic institution.
Archbishop Machado appealed to political leaders to uphold the basic structure of the Constitution and urged citizens to exercise their voting rights responsibly in the forthcoming Parliamentary Elections. He underscored the importance of choosing leaders committed to constitutional values and the upliftment of the poor.
Additionally, Archbishop Machado reiterated demands for the official recognition of Scheduled Caste status for Dalit Christians and the protection of rights for other discriminated minorities. He called upon the government to refrain from any attempts to deprive Christian tribals of their Scheduled Tribe status.
Archbishop Peter Machado urged all citizens, as loyal and concerned citizens of India, to unite in prayer and fasting on 22nd March 2024, seeking divine intervention for the welfare of the country and its leaders. He prayed for the emergence of leaders who are secular, non-communal, non-corrupt, and dedicated to democratic principles, regardless of caste, creed, class, culture, color, or community.
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Fake account in the name of MP Kota Srinivas Poojari: Case registered
Udupi: A case has been registered at the Udupi Town Police Station after miscreants created a fake account on social media platforms using the name of Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojari and demanded money.
The complaint states that the accused misused the MP's photo to create a fake account on Instagram and sought money from the public.
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MP Poojari's advocate, Shyamsundar Nayari, has urged the police to take appropriate legal action against those involved, alleging that the fake accounts were created with the intention of illegally obtaining money and damaging the MP’s reputation.
