India's Forgotten Poor: Archbishop Speaks Amidst Jharkhand's Wealth and Poverty
MUMBAI, India – On World Day of the Poor, an archbishop from Jharkhand spoke candidly about the lives of people living amidst abject poverty and limited opportunities in a state rich in minerals and forest.
Archbishop Vincent Aind of Ranchi emphasized that despite Jharkhand's abundant resources, many citizens suffer from economic poverty. A significant majority of people in his archdiocese are poor not only financially but also educationally, spiritually, or lack motivation.
Jharkhand is one of the most impoverished states in India, with nearly 68% of its population adhering to Hinduism, over 14% identifying as Muslim, and 4.3% belonging to Christianity – a higher percentage compared to national averages. The archdiocese covering Ranchi is home to Tribals and "Dalits," meaning the "untouchables" under the ancient caste system, who often face significant barriers in accessing basic services.
Archbishop Aind highlighted the challenges faced by these communities, citing issues such as a lack of proper identification, mobility, and access to education. These obstacles prevent individuals from opening bank accounts, establishing legal residence, and accessing vital government resources.
"The Tribals of Chotanagpur must wake up in every sense," Archbishop Aind emphasized, warning that his community's plight is urgent and requires immediate attention.
The World Day of the Poor, instituted by Pope Francis, aims to raise awareness about the plight of the poor and marginalized. As Archdiocese of Ranchi observes its 8th World Day of the Poor, it sheds light on various forms of poverty that affect communities in Jharkhand and across India.
With millions of Indian Christians identifying as Tribals or "Dalits," advocacy groups are pushing for measures to mitigate social and economic exclusion. Archbishop Aind's words underscore the pressing need for compassionate action and recognition of these marginalized populations' rights.
The World Day of the Poor will continue to serve as a catalyst for change, highlighting the need for collective effort in addressing the complexities of poverty that plagues India today.