The Diocese of Jamshedpur in Jharkhand committed to tribal communities
Catholic charities are working to prevent child marriage through development and the fight against superstitions, helping everyone, regardless of religious affiliation. “We focus on community development, human dignity, and empowerment,” said Father Birendra Tete.
Ranchi (AsiaNews) – Combating social ills like child marriage, child labour, witchcraft, and superstitions is the daily service provided by the Catholic Diocese of Jamshedpur in some 30 villages in various districts of the Indian state of Jharkhand.
“We focus on community development, human dignity, and empowerment, particularly for the underprivileged tribal and Dalit communities in the region,” said Father Birendra Tete, director of Catholic Charities Jamshedpur (CCJ), who is also responsible for the organisation Samekit Jan Vikas Kendra (SJVK), speaking to AsiaNews.
Recently, CCJ celebrated its annual day in 10 of the 30 villages in which it operates.
“We work in 30 villages. There are only around 45-50 Christian tribal families out of a total of 1,170. However, we serve all the Tribals without discrimination of faith,” the clergyman explained.
“Child marriages are common,” he added. “Educating both adolescents and their parents is essential. At the same time, we have to empower the young girls with education and vocational skills to be self-reliant and financial independent, which can curb child marriages.”
Last Sunday, an event was held in the village of Kulidodand, Chaibasa as part of the Pioneering Resilience and Education for Responsible Nurturing of Adolescents (PRERNA) project.
During the activity, teenagers enthusiastically highlighted, showing their talents, the importance of education, environmental care, and the life and cultural skills they have acquired.
“We stressed the importance of using all the opportunities that are being provided by us to learn and grow in life,” some said.
When asked by AsiaNews about the false accusations of conversions and far right harassment against Christians in many parts of India, Father Birendra Tete replied that such behaviour does not occur in the area where this group operates.
“We have a very good rapport with the villagers, PRI members and government officials,” he said. “In the villages, we don't face this accusation.”
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