Book Launch: ‘We, Indian Christians’ – Small Number But Huge Contribution to Nation-Building

Shefali Alvares & Photos by Parul Merchant –

Mumbai: Author Dr. Kranti Kiran Farias on Tuesday launched her new book “We, Indian Christians” in the presence of family, close friends, and some of the people featured in the book. The event was held at Loyola Hall, St. Stanislaus High School, Bandra, Mumbai. The book is published under the aegis of the Church History Association of India, Western India Branch to commemorate and celebrate the 75th Anniversary of India’s Independence in 2022-23.

The author’s daughter Namita Farias compered the evening. After sharing an overview of the agenda for the evening, she invited Rev. Thomas Jacob, Priest, St. Stephen’s Church, C.N.I., Bandra to begin the event with a prayer and singing of the National Anthem. Then followed the introduction of the Chief Guest, Dr. Mohan D. David, President of the Church History Association of India, Western India Branch.

Dr. David, President shared an excellent overview of the book, showering the author and the work with praises. While talking specifically about the contents of the book, he touched upon the research done by Dr. Farias on the Indian Christian community and their involvement in nationalism and in nation-building, belying some accusations that Christians were ‘indifferent’ citizens of India.  He also highlighted the chapter on the Christian members of the Constituent Assembly of India, a fact, which is not well known to many. He made reference to Dr. Farias’ erudition and scholarship as seen in her previous book, “The Christian Impact in South Kanara” which was based on her Doctoral thesis and had also been published under the aegis of the Church History Association of India, Western India Branch in August 1999.

Dr. David also recalled that the Chief Guest of Honour, Padma Bhushan Dr. Usha Mehta, had shared with them that Alice Alvares, the mother of the author was in Yeravada Jail, Pune with her. Both ladies had been incarcerated for their involvement in the “Quit India Movement of 1942” and she informed of the husband of Aliceben (as she affectionately referred to her as), Cyprian Alvares, also being jailed. There were other Christians of Bombay who were frontline agitators including Joachim and Violet Alva and Peter and Leela Alvares. The new book has three chapters devoted to Indian Christian freedom fighters.

Dr. David informed the audience about her research on the Jewish communities of India, which she hopes to publish soon after the current book. Dr. David concluded his speech with a humorous but apt observation about the character of Dr. Farias: “She has grit and determination… she writes her book, edits her book, publishes her book and also markets her book!”

With great pride and joy, Zoe and Zara Farias, the grand daughters of the author presented a wrapped copy of the book to Dr. David and the author for launch. Floral bouquets were also presented by Zoe and Zara followed by close family, friends, and well-wishers.

Following the unveiling of the book, Shefali Alvares, niece of the author, read two poems composed by Alice Alvares, which are featured in the book. One small poem on freedom was composed in jail and the other was during the Indo-Chinese War of 1962.

Dr. Farias spoke last to share other highlights of her book which include: the history and the origins of South Kanara Christians, their unique culture, and the contribution of Kanarities to various aspects of regional life in South Kanara and elsewhere. She spoke about ‘Kaka’ Joseph Baptista, and the role played by the Catholics of Mumbai in Indian nationalism. Other chapters showcase the dedicated work of Christians as educationists, healthcare givers, social workers, and activists who are dedicated to uplifting the marginalised in Society.

The books will be available in March 2023 and anyone interested in the purchase of the book may look out for a press release or notices in local and community papers closer to that date.