Standing Up for My Belief System

Fr Tom Mangattuthazhe –

In the quiet corners of Assam, where the lush greenery meets the vibrant culture of its people, lies a tale of dedication, faith, and unwavering commitment. It is a tale woven through the corridors of schools, where knowledge blossoms and futures take shape. And in this tale, I find myself as both witness and participant, a humble servant in the grand tapestry of education and enlightenment.

My journey has taken me through the hallowed halls of Dokmoka Krist Jyoti School, Assumption School Chokihola, Holy Family School Japrajan, and besides being an acting principal of Don Bosco School, Diphu, St. Joseph School Dolomora, Principal of St. Mary’s School Diphu, Principal of Little Flower School Manja, Principal of Krist Jayanti School Dhansiri, Principal of St. Mary’s School Daldali and many others scattered across the landscape of Assam. As a teacher, as an acting principal, as a principal—I have walked these paths with reverence and purpose, knowing that each step I take is a step towards shaping young minds and nurturing the seeds of wisdom within them.

But beyond the titles and the roles, there lies a deeper truth that guides me—the truth of my faith, the truth of my calling. As a Catholic priest, I wear my cassock not just as a uniform but as a symbol of my commitment to the priesthood of Jesus Christ. It is a mantle of responsibility, a reminder of the sacred duty bestowed upon me to serve others with love, compassion, and humility.

In a world where divisiveness and discord seem to be on the rise, I am confronted with a choice—to stand idly by or to speak out, to conform to the status quo or to challenge it. And I choose the latter, not out of defiance, but out of a deep-rooted belief in the values that I hold dear. For I believe that true courage lies not in the absence of fear, but in the willingness to stand up for what is right, no matter the cost.

I have seen the statues of famous figures that adorn our government buildings, parks, and memorials—figures who have shaped the destiny of our nation and left an indelible mark on history. And just as we honour and commemorate these individuals, so too do Christians honor and preserve the memory of the saints who have walked before us. They are beacons of light in a world shrouded in darkness, guiding us with their examples of faith, courage, and selflessness.

But amidst the noise and clamor of the world, I am reminded of the simple yet profound teachings of Jesus Christ—to love one another, to treat others as we would like to be treated, to uphold the dignity and worth of every human being. And so, I stand resolute in my commitment to these values, ready to defend them with every fiber of my being.

To my students, to their parents, to all who call Assam home—I urge you to embrace the sacredness of our constitution and the magnanimity of Christian works. For it is through these principles that we can build a society rooted in justice, equality, and compassion.

And as I reflect on the countless lives that have passed through the doors of our schools, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and humility. For it is in the faces of these young minds that I see the hope and promise of a brighter future—a future built on the foundation of humanity, decency, and mutual respect.

So let us rise above the divisions that threaten to tear us apart. Let us stand together as one community, united in our shared humanity and our common purpose. For only then can we truly safeguard the values that define us as a people, and only then can we fulfill the promise of a better tomorrow for generations to come.