Nirmala Carvalho

Archbishop Oswald Gracias, “before the most precious relic we have”, asked that “through the passion of Christ, the Church in India, in such times of difficulties and persecution, can continue to bear witness to the Gospel”.

A group of Hindus torture young Christian man. Using violence, they drag him to a Hindu temple, where they “re-convert” him. Police charge five of six attackers, but without taking them into custody. Christian activist believes that “hidden interests” are behind incidents of this type.

Lenin Raghuvanshi, director Pvchr speaks of a "black day" for the survivors of the tragedy. Sentence to two years in prison for the defendants - already free on bail - shows the shortcomings of a system that is "powerless before international elite ". The Madhya Pradesh government announces an appeal.

Politicians and activists announce protests, call on the Indian government to intervene decisively to help Sri Lanka overcome its post-war problems and rebuild war-ravaged regions. Some accuse New Delhi of supporting Colombo acritically.

The director of the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy tells AsiaNews that on the 21st anniversary of the tragedy, we must commemorate the event with prayers so that the students’ “wishes will be fulfilled one day”.

A woman with HIV is forced to give birth in the street. Card. Gracias to AsiaNews: " AIDS patients need love, not discrimination. They are Jesus in our midst. " A health care worker reports: "In this State, people with HIV are killed."

Mgr Menamparampil visited Uzbekistan as chairman of the Office of Evangelisation of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences. The prelate talks about a community that is small but strong in its faith. In his formula of announcing the Good Word, he suggests, “whispering the Gospel to the soul of Asia”.

At least 200 injured, some still trapped in wreckage. The Church of Bengal condemns violence and calls on the Maoists and government to keep dialogue open. The Maoists claim to be defenders of the peasants and ethnic minorities. But according to Mgr. D'Souza, the poorest are the victims of violence. Maoist Resistance - present in 20 of the 28 Indian states - has launched a "black week" to counter the government's campaign against terrorism.

After a fatwa is issued, saying that women must wear a veil in public places, a debate on Islam and Qur‘anic laws begins in India. Ashgar Ali Engineer, of the Centre for Study of Society and Secularism, tells AsiaNews that Islam needs its own Renaissance.

Organized in Bangalore and Mumbai by the Disciples of the Divine Master to mark the end of the Year for Priests. Special intention and prayers for vocations to the priesthood.

Joel D'Souza, 24, comes from a Catholic family. He thanks God for 'saving my life. " His mother: it is a "new Pentecost." Investigators are searching for the second part of the black box, which contains the flight information. The toll from the airline tragedy is of 158 dead and eight survivors.

Plane was carrying 163 passengers and 6 crew members. Eight people may have survived. Card Gracias, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, sends a message of condolences.