Poverty Persists Amid Abundance in Mineral-Rich Jharkhand Region, Says Archishop
MUMBAI, India – November 17th marked the 8th World Day of the Poor, an occasion instituted by Pope Francis to highlight the struggles of the world's poor. In a poignant reminder that poverty is not limited to economic disparity, Reverend Vincent Aind, Archbishop of Ranchi in India's Jharkhand state, shed light on the various forms of poverty faced by residents of his archdiocese.
Jarring statistics paint a stark picture – despite being rich in minerals and forest resources, the region boasts an alarming rate of poverty. The vast majority – over 68% – live as people. Christians account for less than 5% of the population, yet they make up nearly a quarter of India's total Christian community.
Reverend Aind stated that despite facing considerable social and economic barriers, Tribals – often referred to as "Dalits," meaning "untouchables" in ancient Indian caste hierarchy – continue to struggle. Migrant youth face difficulties securing identity proof for banking services or obtaining legal residence due to limited documentation, entangling them further into precarious situations.
The reverend stressed that Jharkhand's Tribal communities need urgent attention and vigilance saying 'The Tribals of Chotanagpur must wake up in every sense.' This awareness is a crucial component in fostering social change for these marginalized groups. The World Day of the Poor aims to shine light on widespread disparities and strive towards inclusive solutions through interfaith understanding.
"It's astounding that despite abundant resources, many people lack basic necessities," added Reverend Aind during this solemn occasion, drawing emphasis upon unity between all parties concerned in fighting poverty.
A deeper dive into Jharkhand reveals disturbing statistics – nearly 28 million Christians live among India's largely untouchable populations, yet there lingers a sense of hope surrounding the potential of their faith as well as its role to alleviate social issues. Here and abroad, efforts are on the increase to uplift those left behind through shared struggles and collective awareness.
As Pope Francis observed that 'the prayer of the poor will rise up to God', Reverend Aind's speech reflected this thought by calling for spiritual intervention: 'we must take care of the poor in every sense of the poor!