The year 1999 began in the tragedy in Gujarat where dozens of churches and chapels were destroyed in communal frenzy. It saw the cruel burning alive of Graham Stuart Staines and his sons Timothy and Philip. The year saw outrages against nuns and other religious persons. It also saw attempts to use FCRA and visa regulations against NGOs and church bodies. The minority communities look to all political parties, and specially those who are in governance at the Centre and in the States, to ensure that the minorities in India do not feel neglected, that small religious groups, Dalits and Tribals do not feel threatened or coerced.
History is a great teacher.
We must never repeat the mistakes of the past but do our best to emulate the good that has been done. Add Love to Freedom, and you have a formula for a happy nation that delights in its freedom, and a people that look forward to the New Year and the new millenium with hope. That is my Christmas and New Year message, a prayer of Love and hope for all our people. Copyright 1999 - All rights reserved.