Nirmala Carvalho

Upon the recommendation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Gujarat's chief minister will run the campaign for the 2014 general election. For Fr Cedric Prakash, party leaders want to capitalise on the vote of Hindu fundamentalists, who are Modi supporters. However, the decision has been divisive within BJP ranks. One of the party's founders, LK Advani, has resigned over the issue.

Sajan George, head of the Global Council of Indian Christians, complains of a climate of terror imposed by the Rashtriya Swayanmsevak Sang (RSS). On Wednesday, more than 50 extremists attacked the Protestant community in Mandal (Hyderabad). Six pastors were beaten and left unconscious. The authorities failed to intervene.

For Sajan George, head of the Global Council of Indian Christians, the Christian community can now feel safe. However, the newly elected state government led by the Congress Party must bring to justice Hindu extremists responsible for eight years of religious persecution.

On World Environment Day, AK Merchant underscores the concern the pope has expressed for nature and all living things. By reasserting the warning the Holy Father issued in the general audience, he is promoting a balance between "material and spiritual elements," reiterating the importance of service to the poor and marginalised in society.

Sister Gemma, prioress of the Carmelite Monastery in Mumbai, underlines the importance of the feast of the Visitation for the poor and for people who suffer. With her visit to Elizabeth, Mary brought to the world the love of Jesus, exemplified nowadays by charity and love of neighbour. This Sunday's Worldwide Eucharistic Adoration with Pope Francis provides an opportunity to bring Christ's face and love to the world through Mary.

People of all religions flock to Mary, so much so that 80% of the pilgrims to Marian shrines are non-Catholics, including Muslims. On the occasion of the feast of Mary Help of Christians, AsiaNews speaks with an expert in the scriptures, Fr. Errold Fernandes, to understand this phenomenon of interfaith harmony.

The new auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Mumbai speaks to AsiaNews: "My appointment by Pope Francis a joy and an honor. I will try to be an instrument of the divine ministry with ever greater strength”. Growing religious intolerance in India "witnessing to the values of the Gospel is not only a right but a necessity."

Pope Francis appointed the priest along with Mgr John Rodrigues, as auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Bombay. He will "defend life and the equality of man and woman," as well as stress the importance of rediscovering the holiness of everyday life.

The intellectual died in Mumbai at the age of 74 after a long illness. A Muslim who was a friend of AsiaNews, he carried out a relentless fight "against all forms of religious bigotry."

By tradition, tribal communities in Rajgarh district sell their daughter's engagement up to four times to the highest bidder. For human rights activist Lenin Raghuvanshi, "Extreme poverty dehumanises the community" with the authorities looking on, silent.

A militant from an armed group, the United Jihad Council, accuses priests of converting the poor in exchange for money. The president of the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) slams the rise of religious intolerance against Christians. Two South Koreans were beaten and arrested for handing out Bibles in the street.

Sajan George, president of the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), comments on the defeat of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the last election in the state. The results of the vote are a warning to all parties "not to misuse religion, protect minorities and work for the common good."