Santosh Digal

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party are pushing for a law that would introduce a statewide ban on the conversion of Hindus to other religions. Similar laws are in place in seven other Indian states. Catholics are critical of the project.

The support of Obama may be the key to push the Indian government to end religious discrimination, and grant equal rights and benefits for Dalit Christians also. The first state visit to India of the United States President of the (6-9 November).

The first visit by the US president is an opportunity for Indians to boost their country’s economic development but also improve their human rights, this despite the Indian government’s low expectations. New trade deals between the United States, India and other South Asian nations are a strong signal against the backdrop of Chinese expansion into the region.

The Congress Party identifies extreme nationalism, fanaticism and excessive claims of autonomy the greatest dangers that India is facing today. Father Prakash: The government should promote religious tolerance.

Santosh Patnaik considered the main author of rape will go on trial today, but has already figured among the main suspects accused in the court of Cuttack. To date, Sr. Meena has recognized five of the 10 extremists who raped her and beat her during the anti-Christian pogrom of 2008 in Kandhamal.

A Kandhamal court convicts 12 people, acquitting another 46 in relation to house burning and murder during the August 2008 violence. Observers criticise botched investigation and lack of cooperation on the part of some witnesses.

The Supreme Court clears the way for Gujarat courts to rule on the 2002 train fire, which set of bloody communal violence that left more than 2,000 people dead.

This is what the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) confirmed during the national ecumenical conference on justice for the Dalits (22-25 October 2010). The common commitment of Catholics and Protestants to break down the caste system.

The Catholic Health Association of India has decided to do more for AIDS patients in terms of infection prevention, medical and psychological support and education against discrimination. AIDS affects primarily heterosexual, drug users and sex workers.

The Word of God is celebrated in the new diocese of Miao (founded in 2005) by bringing the Holy Scriptures directly to the homes of the faithful, surrounded by flowers, incense and songs.

At the concluding Mass of the eighth National Conference of Indian youth (10-17 October 2010) Mgr. Salvatore Pennacchio quotes the words of Benedict XVI. The conference was an opportunity to encourage young people to renew their lives through the Word of God, and to contribute to building a better society.

At the request of Paschim Medinipur district magistrate, the Salesians have organized training courses for young people without a job. The attempt is to provide them with the skills necessary to resist Maoist influence.