Originally from Kerala, he had travelled to the district of Ballia for a meeting with several families. Hindu nationalists accuse him of luring people with financial incentives, but the case is part of a wider context in which Bajrang Dal “vigilantes” are breaking into Christians' homes. Activist Dinanath Jaiswar of Alliance Defending Freedom India: “Attacks on the rise, fear in communities”.
In London, the award for Best Children and Family Film went to a Manipuri-language production directed by Lakshmipriya Devi. Filming wrapped up before the outbreak of ethnic violence in 2023. The film touches upon timely topics such as migration and political tensions. In calling for peace, the filmmaker said that “forgiveness” is “humanity’s greatest strength”.
Fr. Arisher Joseph, principal of St. Francis School in Khunta Kheda, was detained and released on bail after being physically assaulted following accusations of “inappropriate behavior” with students. But many parents of the school are defending him, claiming it is an attempt to discredit the Catholic institution. Bishop Jesuraj: “No one can take justice into their own hands; the incident must be properly investigated.”
A ruling has called for a halt to the forced exhumation of the bodies of tribal people who converted to Christianity, which often meets with opposition from villagers. Similar incidents have also occurred in Orissa, where a family was denied burial of their son in the village cemetery.
On Monday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Summit, welcoming world leaders from more than 20 countries and major AI industry giants. Several new investments were announced, while India is adopting new regulations governing the use of advanced technologies.
On the first day of Lent, a health camp was organised by the Xavier Institute of Social Research together with Kurji Holy Family Hospital, the Holy Cross Sisters and the Bihar Migrant Hub. Medical check-ups, maternal and child care and free distribution of medicines were offered to about 150 families. In Bihar, one in six inhabitants is a migrant.
