Poverty Persists in Mineral-Rich Area of India Despite Economic Prosperity

MUMBAI, India – The World Day of the Poor was marked recently by Archbishop Vincent Aind of Ranchi, highlighting the struggles faced by individuals in an area rich in minerals and forest yet plagued by economic and social poverty.

In Jharkhand, a state in eastern India, Archbishop Aind spoke about the immense disparities between wealth and poverty, stating that "some of the citizens are poor economically...and many more are poor in several other ways." This archdiocese is one of the richest in the country in terms of minerals and forest resources but struggles to address poverty among its residents.

According to the Archbishop, Muslims make up over 14% of the population, Christians around 4.3%, which surpasses national averages, while Hindus comprise nearly 68%. One group that particularly needs attention is the Tribals, who often find it challenging to access basic services due to their nomadic lifestyle and lack of proof of identity.

"These people have no proof of address, no bank account, no legal residence...They are struggling because they don't even have proper identification documents," Aind explained. "The Tribals of Chotanagpur must wake up in every sense."

Archbishop Aind also highlighted the issue of spiritual poverty, with some individuals abandoning their faith and turning to more materialistic pursuits. He urged that this year's World Day of the Poor focus on the multitudes of poor, embracing a wide range of socio-economic needs.

"This is not just about economic poverty but also about lacking in courage, knowledge, motivation...It's about those who are spiritually poor," Aind said.

As India marks the 8th World Day of the Poor, Archbishop Aind's words underscore the urgent need for addressing multiple forms of poverty. His voice echoes through Jharkhand and beyond, calling for collective action to uplift the marginalized communities in this remarkable country.