India's Christians Struggle with Poverty Despite Rich Natural Resources
MUMBAI, India – In a poignant reminder of the lingering effects of poverty, Arch Bishop Vincent Aind of Ranchi in eastern India has spoken out about the struggles faced by some members of the local Indigenous community.
The arch bishop's comments come as the global Catholic Church observes the World Day of the Poor on November 17th and marks the eighth anniversary of the institution by Pope Francis. The theme this year, "The prayer of the poor rises up to God," highlights the need to address poverty in all its forms – economic, spiritual, and social.
Jharkhand, where Ranchi is located, boasts an abundance of natural resources, including minerals and forests, but a significant proportion of the population remains economically disadvantaged. The region's Christians, who make up 4.3% of the population, are disproportionately affected by poverty, with many belonging to marginalized communities such as Tribals and "Dalits" – the traditional term for those belonging to the "untouchables".
Arch Bishop Aind noted that these groups often struggle with basic identification documents, which hinders their ability to access essential services such as banking facilities and legal residency. This has created a cycle of vulnerability and poverty, which continues to perpetuate disadvantage even in areas with seemingly abundant resources.
"The Tribals of Chotanagpur must wake up in every sense," the arch bishop emphasized, highlighting the need for increased awareness and action within these communities. He also stressed that poverty can manifest itself through various means, including a lack of education, motivation, or access to technology.
"Again, there are those who afford to possess modern gadgets but do not use them to sharpen their minds," he added, underlining the importance of addressing the spiritual poverty that often accompanies economic hardship.
As international attention is drawn to the plight of India's poor during this World Day of the Poor event.