Social Justice

 “Constitution is not a mere lawyers’ document, it is a vehicle of Life, and its spirit is always the spirit of Age.”- B.R. Ambedkar

The word “Constitution,” of French origin, generally refers to regulation and orders. The Constitution of any country is the fundamental law of the land, holding the highest authority and sanctity. It outlines the basic principles of the State, structures and processes of governance, and the fundamental rights of citizens, while also envisioning a path for national growth and development.

After India gained freedom, the Constitution makers dreamed of creating a viable governance model centered on the primacy of the people. The farsighted and visionary leadership of the Founding Fathers and Mothers bestowed the nation with an outstanding Constitution, serving as a beacon for over seven decades. The success of India’s democratic system is largely owed to the robust edifice and institutional framework laid down by the Constitution.

Adv. Sr.Mary Scaria SCJM

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We often hear people say, “I was denied my right to go/to do/to speak,” but we seldom hear, “I have a duty to go/to do/to speak.” Rights and duties are inseparable, like two sides of a coin. Wherever we have rights, we must also have corresponding duties. In every sphere of life—home, society, or country—rights and duties go hand in hand. Our Constitution reflects this interplay, emphasizing that our rights are matched by our duties.

Fundamental Rights are termed so because they are inherent and vital for human development. They represent basic freedoms every Indian citizen is entitled to for a harmonious development of personality. Enshrined in Part III (Articles 12-35) of the Constitution, they are often referred to as the ‘Magna Carta’ of India. Inspired by historical precedents like England’s Bill of Rights (1689), the US Bill of Rights (1787), and France’s Declaration of the Rights of Man (1789), these rights form a detailed and justiciable (subject to trial in a court of law) list aimed at ensuring justice for all.

What is the importance of Fundamental Rights?

Fundamental Rights hold intrinsic, inalienable, and universal value, making them crucial. Part III of the Constitution not only confirms their existence but also provides protection for them. It’s important to understand that fundamental rights are not bestowed by the State; rather, individuals inherently possess them as members of the human race.

Sr. Adv. Mary Scaria SCJM

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India launched 5G in October 2022, although South Korea had launched it on April 3, 2019. All those who used 4G switched to 5G immediately. Why was it so? Because it is faster than 4G, delivering up to 20 Gigabytes-per-second (Gbps) peak data rates and 100+ Megabytes-per-second (Mbps) average data rates. It created such opportunities for people and businesses that were never seen before. Inspired by the advent of this 5G network, I was motivated to pen down an article based on how every consecrated person can integrate the principles of 5G into their lives. Let this ‘5G approach’ to life play important roles, bringing blessings wherever we are.

God

“Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly. He said: ‘Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: “Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s!”‘ (2 Chronicles 20:15). Dear readers, many times we find ourselves consumed by fear of the future, unexpected difficulties, illnesses, unjust judgments, or wrongful dismissal from our jobs. However, the Lord assures us that the battle belongs to Him. How many of us truly believe that God has the power to turn every circumstance for good? Every seemingly hopeless situation can be transformed into success when our focus is on the Lord. As Easter people, we are reminded of the victory of the Cross. Easter teaches us that there is no Easter Sunday without a Good Friday, and that the Lord Jesus, who was crucified by humanity, was resurrected by God. What more assurance do we need? As human beings, we may struggle with this at times, but let us echo the prayer of the Apostles: ‘Lord, increase our faith’ (Luke 17:5).

Yesterday evening Miss X (name changed) approached my office, alleging harassment by her employer at her workplace. The right to work with dignity is a fundamental right enshrined in Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. In the case of Union of India and Ors vs. Mudrika Singh, the Supreme Court affirmed that the right against sexual harassment is inherent in the right to life and dignity under Article 21. Additionally, in Aureliano Fernandez vs State of Goa and others, decided on May 12, 2023, the Supreme Court observed, “However salutary this enactment may be, it  will never  succeed in providing dignity  and respect that women deserve at the  workplace unless there  is strict adherence to the enforcement  regime and proactive  approach by all State and Non State  actors.”

Why does harassment take place?

Experiences demonstrate that sexual harassment takes place where there is an abuse of power, particularly in situations where individuals exert control over others especially women. The harasser   can be    any one:   a co-worker, class mate, teacher, professor, principal, priest,   spiritual guide, research guide and so on. Unfortunately, women who are victims of sex abuse in the church are reluctant to report it. Most often the authorities try to cover it up, for the fear   of   consequences.  It is said that   if the predator is a clergy member taking action against him could create   other repercussions such as   denial of Sacraments or other forms of retaliation. Consequently, the majority of such incidents go unreported, leaving the perpetrator unpunished while the victim suffers silently.

Sr Adv Mary Scaria SCJM

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(In this article on racism, Sr. Lini shares a story about a fellow sister who still feels the effects of discrimination years later. The writer’s questions prompt us to think about how we still discriminate against others. It reminds us of the importance of empathy and listening to help people heal and feel valued again.)

“I was a young religious sister traveling by train in 1960 in Namibia, a territory under South African administration at the time. Due to Apartheid, a system of racial discrimination and segregation unique to South Africa, enforced by white Europeans settled in the region, people were divided into whites and non-whites based on their skin colour. On that particular day, there was no room in our blacks-only carriage, so I moved to the whites-only carriage. Almost instantly, a man charged toward me with furious eyes and red cheeks, demanding to know why I was in a whites-only space.

Shivering, I whispered, ‘There was no place in the blacks-only carriage, that’s why I came here!’ The man threatened violence, shouting, ‘If you don’t move immediately, I will throw you out of the window.’ Terrified, I fled back to the black-only carriage, holding my breath.”

Sr Lini Sheeja MSC

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In the touching life stories of Amin Sheikh, a former street kid turned author, and Danappa, whose journey from a rag-picker to a successful professional paints a remarkable tale of triumph over adversity, we catch a glimpse of the immense challenges faced by India’s street children.

Amin Sheikh, who wrote the book “Life is Life: I am Because of You,” shares his painful experience: “Like thousands of other kids who don’t have homes, I begged, I stole, I polished shoes. I did everything that came my way to get at least one meal a day.”  Together with his sister Sabira, they found refuge at Snehasadan, a haven for homeless children in Mumbai, under the compassionate care of Sr Seraphine and Fr Placido Fonseca SJ. Today Aman runs a library café, is a travel guide and supports other street children.

Danappa, arrived in Bangalore’s City Market at the tender age of 12, fleeing abuse from his stepmother. After four months of working as a rag-picker, he was diagnosed with Scabies. In 1980, Br George Kolashany SDB and his companions, pioneers of BOSCO Mané, rescued him. Danappa, initially resistant to staying indoors, found solace in the freedom of street life. Despite opportunities for education and work at Kristu Jyothi College, he kept returning to the streets. After realizing the value of the support offered by BOSCO Mané, Danappa eventually committed to his education, completing both school and college studies. With the guidance of Fr George Kolashany SDB, he secured a job. Danappa, now a manager at a prominent Company, not only transformed his own life but is actively involved in employing and training other street children, echoing the ripple effect of positive change. Both these stories unfold as a testament to the trans-formative power of support provided by organizations like Snehasadan and BOSCO Mané. These inspiring success stories, facilitated by the intervention of men and women religious, priests and others, underscore the potential for creating a better world for vulnerable youth.

Sr Lini Sheeja MSC

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Forced displacement, a heart-wrenching reality affecting millions worldwide, takes a toll on individuals and families, leaving scars that go beyond physical borders. As we reflect on this issue, personal stories from people shed light on the harsh realities faced by those forced to leave their homes due to conflict, persecution, or human rights violations. One friend, who migrated to Germany due to the Ukraine-Russia war vividly recalls the trauma experienced by her two-year-old daughter during thunderous sounds. These were not just thunder; they were the echoes of war in Ukraine. Another friend, also in Germany, grapples with the challenges of studying amidst constant worry. Her husband and son are back in Ukraine, fighting for their homeland. Beyond the immediate threat of war, displaced individuals endure hardships such as lack of food, healthcare, housing, and employment, losing not only their homes but more so their communities.
The statistics paint a grim picture, with refugees and asylum-seekers constituting nearly 38% of the 108.4 million forcibly displaced people globally (UNHCR, 2023). The term ‘forced displacement’ itself encompasses those fleeing persecution, conflict, violence, or human rights violations, emphasizing the involuntary nature of their movement. Moving to the regional level, Manipur, a state in India, grapples with ethnic clashes between the Meitei majority and the Kuki-Zo minority, resulting in violence and displacement. Hundreds have lost their lives, and tens of thousands have fled their homes, seeking refuge in government-run camps. This internal conflict raises profound questions about humanity and compassion.

Sr Lini Sheeja MSC

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When I was teaching in a school at Bellary, Karnataka, many years back, a mother approached me, expressing her desire for a personal conversation. She revealed her unfulfilled dream of becoming an engineer due to financial struggles. Now, with the means to support her children’s education, she wanted her daughter to be a doctor and her son an engineer. She urged me to pressure them to excel academically. This situation may resonate with many parents. This prompts me to ask the question: Are we projecting our unfulfilled dreams onto our children, or are we allowing them to discover and pursue their own passions? As teachers and parents, let us support our children in uncovering their hidden potentials and fulfilling their unique aspirations.

Relentless Competition

After attending parent-teacher meetings and signing their children’s Progress Reports, many parents are eager to know the grades of other students, fostering a sense of competition. However, it is crucial to question whether we are teaching our children to compete with themselves. Rather than encouraging healthy self-improvement, an excessive focus on outperforming others can lead to a lifelong pattern of relentless competition. It is essential to guide our children to compete with their own capabilities. If we instill a mindset solely focused on surpassing others, they may carry this attitude into their professional lives, creating a stressful and potentially harmful work environment. This hyper-competitive spirit may drive them to constantly pursue material success, leaving little room for life’s joys and potentially harming relationships with others.

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Discussing social issues, Sister Lini recounts the inspiring example of Father Jeremias George, who played a pivotal role in comforting numerous families grappling with the challenges of educating and nurturing their children. His unwavering commitment and compassionate actions brought hope and relief to families in need.

“Fr. Jeremias, a true godsend, saved my life when I was a heart patient. His unwavering support extended to medical and educational help for our family. We owe him for every blessing, from healthy food to annual Christmas cakes, despite our financial struggles. He’s not just a priest; he is a loving father who wiped our tears and brought smiles to many faces in our community.” – Bibin from Kanyakumari.

 “My daughter’s dream of pursuing nursing seemed impossible due to our financial struggles as uneducated parents. Thankfully, I reached out to Fr. Jeremias, who wholeheartedly supported her education. We are immensely grateful, and when she starts working, we will help other needy children.” – Mrs. Mary from Nagercoil.

 Sr Lini Sheeja MSC

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We, Novices of the Medical Mission Sisters, had the privilege of attending a week-long seminar at St. Joseph Convent School in Khandwa. This seminar, organized by the Pratyek group from Delhi, focused on integrating justice and advocacy into education. The seminar proved to be an eye-opening experience and a source of inspiration. We learned how to become advocates for justice through various activities such as group work, games, and chart paper presentations. One particularly meaningful moment was when we paused for a minute of silence amidst our busy activities, listening to the sound of a bell. This simple act helped us connect with the present moment and appreciate its significance.

Child Advocacy

We learned about child advocacy and how crucial it is because children’s rights are often overlooked by both families and society. A game showed us the importance of a stable family, having a home, and adapting to different life situations. We realized that being a child advocate is a challenging role, requiring courage, risk-taking, determination, patience, understanding, and humility. Every activity encouraged us to think about why child advocacy matters. We understood that it begins within ourselves, inspiring us to advocate for each other. We also discovered the various influences on a child’s development, from the family to the nation. In one activity, we symbolized this protection and a child’s rights by having the child lie on the floor, surrounded by four circles of people representing different levels of support, from the family to the nation.

Novice Lungsinliu Joycy Gonmei

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