India's Wealthy Region Suffers from Extreme Poverty, Archbishop Says

MUMBAI, India - As the worldwide Christian community marked the World Day of the Poor on Nov. 17, an archbishop from a impoverished region in eastern India highlighted the suffering faced by many of his parishioners.

Archbishop Vincent Aind of Ranchi stated that despite Jharkhand being one of the richest regions in the country, thanks to its abundance of minerals and forests, economic poverty is rampant among its citizens. He expressed concern about the "poor" not just economically but also spiritual poorness, lacking motivation, knowledge, or access to modern resources.

Archbishop Aind noted that despite comprising nearly 14% and 4.3% of its population's Christian community, Muslims and Christians respectively, Jharkhand remains one of the most impoverished regions. Specifically, several minority communities including Tribals and Dalits face significant challenges, mainly due to a lack of proper documentation.

"The Tribals of Chotanagpur must wake up in every sense," he emphasized. This marginalized group often migrates from their homes as teenagers, struggling with establishing valid identity records that allow them to bank opening or access local services.

Archbishop Vincent Aind has called it the need for increased attention towards the plight of this region and more importantly, emphasizing how "the prayer of the poor will rise up to God." It highlights a dire requirement for compassion.