Be a part of the culture of life, says Kurian Joseph

We are in a culture of silence. But, the nation calls us to the culture of life. One has to raise his voice against injustice. As Swami Vivekananda said we have to rise and be awakened till we reach our goal, said Supreme Court Judge Justice Kurian Joseph.

He was speaking during the valedictory of the 10th National Youth Convention organised by CBCI and Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) at St Aloysius College premises here on Sunday.

He further said that the Indian Constitution and Christianity both preach us to shun discrimination of any kind. Therefore, if one becomes a good Christian, one is a good Indian as well. Christianity says that all are equal before God. The Indian Constitution too, states that all have equal rights regardless of their status and stature, he said.

Religious equality
In India, despite having several languages, all have an equal identity of being Indians, before any religious identity. India has welcomed all religions and has never said no to any faith. We are being given the right to preach, practice and propagate any religion.

He meanwhile called upon the youths to be the change they look forward to. The youths should partake in development activities because it brings peace. Unless the youths contribute towards nation building, they cannot be responsible citizens of the country. Active participation in development programmes of the nation is an active participation in the kingdom of God.

He meanwhile said that everyone has a duty to pay taxes and evading tax is a sin.
The prime minister has given the call for Swacch Bharat campaign. We have to take pledge to keep our environment clean. One has to support the civil society movements meant for a good cause, he added.

Bengaluru Archbishop Most Fr Bernard Moras said that Christians have been following secularism and standing for the rights of the minority. But, efforts are being done to dilute these rights. If such efforts are not opposed and fight for the rights is not carried forward, the rights may disappear one day. We have the right to proclaim our faith, he said.

Prior to the valedictory, thousands of youths took out peace rally from Rosario Church to the programme venue. Youth from 170 dioceses and 12 regions took part in the convention. Cultural programmes were held on the occasion.

Mangaluru Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Udupi Bishop Fr Jerald Isaac Lobo, Ballari Bishop Fr Henry D’Souza, Belgaum Bishop Fr Peter Machado, Msgr Fr Denis Moras Prabhu, Rajya Sabha MP Oscar Fernandes, Government Chief Whip in the Legislative Council Ivan D’Souza and Mangaluru South MLA J R Lobo were present.
DH News Service