Left and Congress have been accussing RSS and BJP for being anti-minority. But, Fr. George Nellikkunnu’s participation in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh-organised programme is a befitting reply to the pseudo secularists of all feathers.
When a section of the Catholic Church is also raising its voice against the alleged attacks on nuns in Central and North East Bharat, participation of a priest from the Pala diocese of the Syro Malabar Church in an RSS programme naturally raises a few eyebrows here and there in Kerala.
Fr. George Nellikunnu Chericu Purayidom is Director of Care Homes project under the Care Homes project under the Pala Diocese and Deepika Friends Club. He presided over Shankoli 2025, a student conclave jointly organised by the Poonjar, Meenachil and Ramapuram Khants of RSS on August 15, Independence Day.
Highlight Bharat’s Glory on World Stage
Addressing the gathering, Father Purayidom said that it was the generation inspired by India’s spiritual heritage and the freedom struggle that went on to shape modern Bharat. Today’s younger generation must strive to project the nation’s glory on the world stage, making effective use of organisation and technology.
On the occasion, RSS-inspired Desheeya Adhyapaka Parishat, State Vice President Jigi Master delivered the keynote address. A priest, with an anti-RSS mindset, observed that Fr. George Nellikunnu Cherivu Purayidom’s participation in the RSS programme “only reflects how sections of the Catholic clergy remain insensitive to the sufferings of their fellow believers in BJP-ruled State’.
Proud to Attend I-Day Event
The incident has paved the way for discussions in the social media and within the Catholic society. However, Fr. George Nellikunnu Cherivu Purayidom made his point clear that he addressed the programme with the clear knowledge of Pala Bishop Joseph Kallarangatt. He decided to attend since the programme was related to the country’s Independence Day. The organisers invited him and he delivered a speech on the theme of the event. He does not see any reason to interpret it in some other manner.
Fr. Joseph Thadathil, Vicar General of the diocese, maintained that the priest must have attended the programme in his personal capacity. The diocese does not interfere in the matters of any political party. It does not support any of them. Even though a priest addresses a programme, it does not make any difference.
Observers take Fr. Joseph Thadathil’s statement as a policy statement in principle. But, basically Christian priesthood and believers view Bharatiya Janata Party and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh as their saviours. They are grateful to BJP leaders and governments for interfering fruitfully on the Chhattisgarh issue. The other day, BJP leader PC Geroge told a public meeting that it was young RSS swayamsevaks who saved Pala Bishop when religious extremists congregated to attack him in 2021.
