Verghese V Joseph & pictures by Novel Kiran –
Bangalore: On the occasion of India’s 74th Republic Day, the Chief Guest, His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman and President of Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), unfurled the National Flag at the sprawling St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences campus in Bengaluru at 7.45 am on Thursday.
This is a significant day that marks the transition of India to a republic with a democratically elected government and a written constitution. It is a day to celebrate the country’s Constitution and the values it represents, such as democracy, secularism, and unity.
Over 150 Indian Church leaders comprising the Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops besides a huge gathering witnessed the hoisting of the National Flag marking the 74th Republic Day at St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences and singing unanimously in one voice the National Anthem.
In his address on the occasion, Cardinal Neri said that this day of 26 January is of singular importance in the history of modern India. The Republic Day, the day when the Indian Constitution came into effect, brings out in every one of us a true sense of patriotism that is not seen every day.
His Eminence said, “The Indian Constitution was promulgated on the 26th January 1950, two years and five months after India attained independence from the British rule. The values assured in the Constitution to all the citizens are JUSTICE, LIBERTY, EQUALITY and FRATERNITY, ensuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation.
In his message, he called upon the gathering to introspect “How am I living out my Christian calling in this land of my forefathers which I call my home? In what ways am I contributing to make tomorrow better than today, for my country, for my Church, for the world? This is the time for us to deeply reflect on our role as Christians engaged in the work of nation-building.”
He went on to exhort the people to realize that “We need to be proud that the Church has always been on the vanguard in the matter of caring for the underprivileged and the marginalized. It continues to lead the way, even to a heroic degree. We are all standing in the campus of a Catholic medical institution that has for its Vision “a world where quality healthcare is accessible and affordable even to the poorest.” You, doctors, nurses and other healthcare personnel, are committed to serve, especially the underprivileged, with integrity and compassion, in the spirit of Christ. This is the day to recommit yourselves to this your noble mission.”
And finally, he led the gathering to take a pledge. “On this day let us make a promise to strive for justice, freedom and equal rights for every Indian and for peace and unity among all our fellow-citizens. Let us promise that we will do everything to preserve and enrich our heritage, our ethos and, above all, our unity in our diversity.”
After Cardinal Neri’s address, students of St John’s National Academy of Health Sciences enacted a play depicting the supreme sacrifice rendered by Indian Braveheart soldiers and their families in safeguarding the country from enemy forces.
