Poverty Strikes Despite Riches: Indian Arch bishop Speaks on World Day of the Poor

MUMBAI, India – As Christianity marks the World Day of the Poor, an archbishop in India has shed light on how poverty persists despite a region being rich in minerals and forest.

Archbishop Vincent Aind of Ranchi, who is overseeing a diocese that covers nearly 68% of Hindus and other communities in eastern India's Jharkhand state, emphasized that "the good majority of people living in the area are poor" - a stark contrast to the region's vast mineral resources.

The archbishop discussed this at the World Day of the Poor, held on November 17, with its focus being "The prayer of the poor rises up to God" (Sirach 21:5). This year marks eight years since Pope Francis established the observance, which is celebrated across the world in various dioceses.

According to Aind, poverty manifests in different forms – lacking financial resources to support oneself economically; having limited capability or courage when it comes to finding ways of improving life; migrant workers without a steady income; the poor who lack basic knowledge due to inadequate education; individuals with low motivation; and those struggling spiritually, losing touch with their faith.

A disproportionate share of India's Christians are part of the Tribals and "Dalits," groups often associated with social and cultural disparities. Arch bishop Aind drew particular attention to the tribal population in Ranchi State, who often lack adequate documentation needed for financial transactions or formal identification due to migration before adulthood.

"The tribals of Chotanagpur must wake up in every sense" emphasized Archbishop Vincent Aind in his address, reflecting the importance of these groups recognizing their poverty and overcoming it with faith in God.