POVEMBER 17: Archbishop Slams Poverty Amidst Mineral Riches

MUMBAI, India - As the church observed World Day of the Poor on November 17, Archbishop Vincent Aind of Ranchi, Jharkhand, shed light on the stark contrast between poverty and wealth in one of India's richest regions.

Aind highlighted that despite Jharkhand being "one of the richest in the country" in terms of minerals and forests, many of its citizens suffer from extreme economic poverty. He stated that some individuals are poor due to lack of resources, while others struggle with a lack of courage or motivation to improve their circumstances.

The archbishop also pointed out that there is a significant number of people who possess modern technology but fail to utilize it to enhance their minds or socio-economic status. Furthermore, he noted that a substantial portion of the Christian population in India, comprising 28 million Tribals and Dalits, face exclusion and social marginalization.

"These individuals often lack proper proof of identity, which prevents them from accessing basic services like banking and government benefits," Aind emphasized. "It is crucial that we address these systemic issues to ensure every person can break the cycle of poverty."

The World Day of the Poor was instituted by Pope Francis in 2017 as a way to raise awareness about the pressing issue of poverty worldwide. The theme for this year's celebration, "The prayer of the poor rises up to God," resonates with Aind's message for the need to empower marginalized communities through education and spiritual revitalization.

As India's Christian population continues to grow, it is imperative that their voices are heard and their rights are protected. The Indian government has implemented policies aimed at uplifting Tribals and Dalits, but more efforts must be made to ensure equal access to resources, opportunities, and social welfare programs.

"We must act with empathy and compassion towards these communities," Aind urged. "By addressing the root causes of poverty and providing support for education, spiritual growth, and economic empowerment, we can help these individuals rise above their circumstances and achieve a brighter future for themselves and their families."