TAKING TO THE STREETS

The laity today is increasingly finding Christ in the market place. Be it the SEZ issue, Pereria Wadi demolitions, blasphemous films, attacks on activists or deprivation of constitutional rights, the faithful have come out on the streets, raised their banner of protests and shouted hoarse for justice. This is the making of a new age laity that won't harbour any nonsense, is ready to take the bull by its horns and storm the bastions of autocracy that is making the lives of millions miserable.

It was a heartening sight to see the parish priests and their teams from the Bandra Deanery come prepared to march on the streets of Bandra on June 14, 2008 to protest against the unjust demolition of 24 houses in Pereira wadi. The laity is impressed by the clergy who prefer to 'lead from the front'. Pereira wadi has become a notorious example of how the builders lobby bulldozes people's will into submission in connivance with the Government. It is also an example of how people's power takes on the mafia and exposes the ugly face of the Government that thinks little of putting people to hardship by demolishing their homes during monsoons. Christian organizations have shown that they have got the spunk to stand up against odds.

The agitations at Uttan and Gorai against the proposed Special Economic Zone (SEZ) are another example of citizen power. Prayer Meetings, Padyatras, Rasta Rokos, Dharnas, Boat Blockades and Public Rallies with large attendance became examples of a new age Christian activism. The BCS organized Rally at Azad Maidan is the largest ever non political Rally organized in the city. Citizen power has pushed the developer and the government on the back foot with regard to their plans that threatens the environment and livelihood of the locals. However the threat continues till October 4, 2008 when the six month extension period for the in-principle approval of the SEZ in the region would come to an end.

The residents of Sahar too have shown that they will not allow the Government and Corporates to ride rough shod over their lands and usurp their rights as citizens on the issue of the airport expansion. Candle light processions have been used to convey that this new age citizenry won't be easily pushed around and would not be coerced into giving up their lands without knowing what it is being acquired for.

Come elections and the credentials of the ever increasing political power aspirants is questioned. Citizen candidates with impeccable records, such as Adolf D'Souza, are supported against party backed candidates. People's power triumphs over money and muscle power as a result of the citizen's painstaking effort, sacrifice and rallying on the streets.

Hell is let loose when a brave heart like James John is attacked while gathering evidence against rioters who were trying to hold the city to ransom by enforcing a bandh. Hundreds of shocked citizens marched on the streets of Andheri to demand 'rule of law' and tell the powers that be that such goondagardi would not be tolerated and that they better book the culprits who were protected by politicians.

Benedict XVI, who has been crowned Green Pope in the U.S., would be pleased on seeing the increasing green activism of his faithful. Shocked at the Government's move of giving away 1200 acres of eco sensitive and (1000 acres of which are mangroves) for tourism projects through a tender notice, citizen groups from Manori and Gorai have taken the State Government to Court for this dastardly act that threatens to ruin their environment and livelihood. They were successful in obtaining a status quo order but wait with bated breath for the outcome of the case which comes up for hearing on the June 25, 2008. Even the Government's move to do away with CRZ and replace it with Coastal Management Zone (CMZ) has met with stiff opposition from fishermen and environmentalists all over the country. The new notification has enough loopholes that could be exploited by the builders lobby to destroy the environment and the coastline. Mass protests are being planned before this month end to stop the notification from being enforced.

While this is but a tip of the iceberg a lot is left to be done to ensure the peace and wellbeing of mankind. Christ is increasingly being found in the market place. The horizontal dimension of spirituality is recognized. A wider meaning of God's 'Kingdom' is being found and people are ready to accept the stewardship of His creation. The harvest is indeed great and the labourers are increasing.

Gordon D'Souza
Vice President - The Bombay Catholic Sabha
Editor - The Christian SPOTLIGHT
Tel 26163555 / 981962838