PANAJI
The Goa Jesuits, along with friends and collaborators, gathered on Wednesday to commemorate the second death anniversary of Fr Stan Swamy, a champion of justice and equality.
The event featured a thought-provoking panel discussion aimed at carrying forward Stan Swamy's legacy and addressing the prevalent violations of human rights in today's society.
Fr Bolmax Pereira, the event's moderator, presented the inspiring life story of Stan Swamy, while Joe D'Costa's composition titled "A Straw in My Hand" encapsulated the essence of Stan's mission.
The panellists comprised industrialist and entrepreneur Blaise Costabir (President of Goa Management Association), Educationist and Political Commentator Professor Prabhakar Timble (former state election commissioner), Architect and Activist Tallula D’Silva, and Advocate Afrin Khan (working for the reconstruction of society).
They shared their expertise and insights, emphasising the significance of justice, the interconnectedness of human rights and the environment, and the need for comprehensive justice system reforms.
The panellists shed light on the pressing issue of human rights violations and the danger to democracy that we are facing today. Many issues were put forward to challenge the audience: eg, the judiciary and the media forgetting their role in upholding Constitutional values; youth disillusioned by the poor example of the Church in Goa in allowing and even felicitating corrupt politicians during church-related programmes; jail becoming the norm and bail becoming rare even though the Supreme Court has often reminded that the opposite ought to be the case; the sale and destruction of Goa’s land to the highest bidder; the damage done to the environment and indigenous knowledge; and so on. They passionately shared their insights and perspectives, urging the audience to reflect on these injustices and take action. The discussions served as a call to the government to address the violations and ensure the protection of human rights for all.
The event also paid tribute to the BK16 (Bhima Koregaon) activists, academicians, social workers, and lawyers who have steadfastly upheld the values enshrined in the Constitution of India. Despite more than five years having passed since their arrests, the majority of them remain in prison without bail or the commencement of their trials.
The panellists called on the audience to remember Fr Stan Swamy's powerful words, "We are not silent spectators!" and to strive for truth, justice, and reconciliation.
They also appealed to people to renew their commitment to stand alongside the poor, the marginalised, and those whose dignity has been violated.
Throughout the panel discussion, participants expressed the pressing need to raise awareness about individual rights and unite in a collective effort to fight for these rights.
Solidarity and activism were highlighted as crucial in addressing the injustices prevalent in society.
Jesuit scholastic Irivo Joao later expressed gratitude on behalf of the organising committee to the panellists, attendees, and collaborators who contributed to keeping the legacy of Stan Swamy alive.
The event featured a thought-provoking panel discussion aimed at carrying forward Stan Swamy's legacy and addressing the prevalent violations of human rights in today's society.
Fr Bolmax Pereira, the event's moderator, presented the inspiring life story of Stan Swamy, while Joe D'Costa's composition titled "A Straw in My Hand" encapsulated the essence of Stan's mission.
The panellists comprised industrialist and entrepreneur Blaise Costabir (President of Goa Management Association), Educationist and Political Commentator Professor Prabhakar Timble (former state election commissioner), Architect and Activist Tallula D’Silva, and Advocate Afrin Khan (working for the reconstruction of society).
They shared their expertise and insights, emphasising the significance of justice, the interconnectedness of human rights and the environment, and the need for comprehensive justice system reforms.
The panellists shed light on the pressing issue of human rights violations and the danger to democracy that we are facing today. Many issues were put forward to challenge the audience: eg, the judiciary and the media forgetting their role in upholding Constitutional values; youth disillusioned by the poor example of the Church in Goa in allowing and even felicitating corrupt politicians during church-related programmes; jail becoming the norm and bail becoming rare even though the Supreme Court has often reminded that the opposite ought to be the case; the sale and destruction of Goa’s land to the highest bidder; the damage done to the environment and indigenous knowledge; and so on. They passionately shared their insights and perspectives, urging the audience to reflect on these injustices and take action. The discussions served as a call to the government to address the violations and ensure the protection of human rights for all.
The event also paid tribute to the BK16 (Bhima Koregaon) activists, academicians, social workers, and lawyers who have steadfastly upheld the values enshrined in the Constitution of India. Despite more than five years having passed since their arrests, the majority of them remain in prison without bail or the commencement of their trials.
The panellists called on the audience to remember Fr Stan Swamy's powerful words, "We are not silent spectators!" and to strive for truth, justice, and reconciliation.
They also appealed to people to renew their commitment to stand alongside the poor, the marginalised, and those whose dignity has been violated.
Throughout the panel discussion, participants expressed the pressing need to raise awareness about individual rights and unite in a collective effort to fight for these rights.
Solidarity and activism were highlighted as crucial in addressing the injustices prevalent in society.
Jesuit scholastic Irivo Joao later expressed gratitude on behalf of the organising committee to the panellists, attendees, and collaborators who contributed to keeping the legacy of Stan Swamy alive.
