Ignored by Christian Educationists: Fr. Jerome D'Souza SJ: A Pioneering Patriot and Diplomat

Author: Frank Krishner

It's been a while since I've put down some of my really frank views on any subject.

Yesterday night, I was in an online meeting, listening to one of our noted peace activists, and there I heard him speak of Reverend Father Jerome D'Souza, one of the framers of our Indian constitution.

My reaction was "what the *&%#@?"

I have studied in Catholic schools and colleges, and taught in some as well. Why the dickens do we not know of Fr Jerome D'Souza? Why haven't I been able to flaunt him alongside Ambedkar and the other chaps? Why have we know information about him in our textbooks?

So, for those of you interested people, here is a very brief and sketchy piece, which you teachers and others can hopefully use in your lessons.

Jerome D'Souza: Patriot and Diplomat

Fr. Jerome D'Souza SJ, a Jesuit priest of remarkable intellect and unwavering dedication, played an instrumental role in shaping modern India. As a member of the Constituent Assembly, he contributed significantly to the drafting of the Indian Constitution. 

Admired by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Fr. D'Souza's influence extended beyond  politics, into diplomacy and international relations, leaving an indelible mark on the our modern history.

Born on August 6, 1897, in Mangalore, Fr. D'Souza joined the Society of Jesus in 1921 and was ordained a priest in 1931. His academic brilliance shone through early in his career, earning him a reputation as an erudite scholar. This intellectual prowess made him an invaluable asset to the Indian National Congress, particularly during the crucial period leading up to India's independence.

Fr. D'Souza's entry into the Constituent Assembly in 1946 marked the beginning of his direct involvement in the nation-building process. He was one of the few non-Hindus in the assembly, representing the interests of minorities and advocating for a secular state. His contributions were marked by a deep commitment to social justice, equality, and religious harmony.

Voice of Reason and Compassion

In the assembly, Fr. D'Souza was a voice of reason and compassion. He emphasized the need for a constitution that safeguarded the rights of all citizens, irrespective of their religious or social backgrounds. His speeches often reflected a profound understanding of India's diverse cultural fabric and the necessity of unity in diversity. His ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity and conviction earned him the respect of his peers, including Pandit Nehru.

Pandit Nehru's admiration for Fr. D'Souza was well-known. The two shared a mutual respect that transcended their religious and ideological differences. Nehru valued Fr. D'Souza's insights and often sought his counsel on matters of national importance. This camaraderie was not merely a testament to Fr. D'Souza's intellectual acumen but also to his character and integrity.

Fr. D'Souza's role extended beyond the Constituent Assembly. Recognizing his diplomatic skills and deep understanding of international affairs, the Indian government appointed him as a delegate to the United Nations. As a diplomat, Fr. D'Souza represented India with distinction, advocating for peace, justice, and cooperation on the global stage.

Role in the UN

At the United Nations, Fr. D'Souza's contributions were multifaceted. He participated in numerous debates and discussions, bringing India's perspectives to the forefront of international discourse. His interventions were marked by a commitment to the principles of the UN Charter, emphasizing human rights, decolonization, and international solidarity.

One of Fr. D'Souza's notable achievements at the UN was his involvement in the discussions on decolonization. He passionately argued for the rights of colonized nations to self-determination and independence. His eloquence and moral authority lent weight to India's position, contributing to the broader movement for decolonization that swept through Asia and Africa in the mid-20th century.

Fr. D'Souza's work at the UN was not limited to political matters. He also focused on social and economic issues, advocating for policies that promoted global development and poverty alleviation. His holistic approach to diplomacy underscored the interconnectedness of peace, justice, and development.

Throughout his career, Fr. D'Souza remained deeply committed to the Jesuit principles of education, social justice, and service to others. He continued to be actively involved in educational initiatives, recognizing the transformative power of education in building a just and equitable society. His legacy in this field is reflected in the numerous institutions that continue to uphold these values.

Jesuit Fr. Jerome D'Souza SJ was a pioneering patriot whose contributions to India's constitution, diplomacy, and international relations were profound.His intellect, integrity, and compassion left an indelible mark on India's history. 

Jibber Jabber on the Jab

Author: Frank Krishner

"Have you been vaccinated yet? Come on, don't delay. Go for your jab!" 

Goodness me, everybody seems to have become so pushy nowadays, especially my nosey-parker colleagues, some of whom even flaunt their 'I've been vaccinated' status.

But there are other 'worldly wise' fellows, who're saying, hang on for a spell. 

Why? 

Because the single dose Johnson and Johnson jab will be out, and then you can flaunt your 'single jab' pedigree- or even better still, you may even get the chance to sniff, "What jab? I opted for that truly exclusive nasal spray!"

Even if you are safely ensconced in your fortress like home, and your only contact with civilization is the weekly grocery delivery dropped at your door, you can't escape the Vaccinate! Vaccinate! vaccinate! jibber jabber that's cluttering up practically every available space.

Ringtones blab about the jab in a cacophony of dialects! Switch on the news and most of the time they're serving up even more 'jabber talk'. And let's not even think about the  Whats App - Facebook -Social Media Tsunami of posts, reposts and look- at- me- with- a- needle- in- my- arm pictures!

Let's not mention the social snobbery : "I'm proud to have the Indian vaccine!" "Really? But isn't the Astra Zeneca the one with the more reliable data?" "Oh, nothing, really, no side effects at all. I wonder how people claim to have side effects!"

It's interesting to see how local authorities are trying their best to cajole, browbeat, and even threaten those who haven't been vaccinated. And all this, for goodness sake, when it's common knowledge that most of the states haven't received enough of this much touted magic potion to go round.

In Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, they say that cops  handing out  'patriot missiles' in the form of oversize badges to the vaccinated, who have 'proven their deshbhakti', and they're hanging posters with a skull and crossbones around  the necks of those who haven't been able to access the dose. Well, so much for  human respect and dignity! So much for not stigmatizing others!

The thing is that the vaccine doesn't stop you catching COVID-19 and from transmitting it to others. What it really does is reduce your chances of infection. 

If you're vaccinated and do catch the bug, you have a  really great chance of not kicking the proverbial bucket.

So I'm not really sold on all this 'patriotic' drivel.

The vaccination is really about protecting me from possible death and black fungus and the horror story that goes with it.

That's what immunization is all about in the first place.

In some areas, all shopkeepers have been asked to get vaccinated if they want to get their business running again when the unlock happens. This makes sense, because shopkeepers and their assistants are the ones who have to interact with loads of unknown strangers.

The Meghalaya Government has directed its employees to take COVID-19 vaccine. The Meghalaya government has directed all employees, who are aged 45 years or above, working in the State Secretariat and other government offices to get themselves vaccinated.

Those employees who do not take the jab, will become 'non-eligible' for special leave in case they get infected with COVID-19.  “Those who have got themselves vaccinated, will be eligible for special leave against COVID infection, which will however not available to those who have not been vaccinated,” the order said.

Nice move. Talk about the carrot and the stick!

Interesting, huh? If you take the jab and then get

COVID-19, you'll get special leave.

The vaccine doesn't stop the bug from getting to me and doesn't stop me passing it on to others. So why are the powers that be doing this song and dance? Why the pressure?

And  what's all this about 'patriotic duty'?

Use your common sense buddy.

Yes, come the third wave, infections may rise but hopefully, things will be under control.

If you're vaccinated,  and if COVID-19 does host a party in your system, you ain't gonna be in line for oxygen cylinders and expensive treatments.

Your loved ones aren't going to be  screaming out their private emotions and frustrations  in front of TV news cameras.

You will not be among the dear departed.

You'll have flattened the curve.

And no prizes for guessing who's going to hog the credit.