Pope’s new Encyclical speaks to India and its multicultural society

(July 11, 2009) There is much for India in this Encyclical of Pope Benedict XVI, Caritas in Vertate(Charity in Truth). Although the Holy Father is speaking to the Whole World, it appears that in parts he seems to have placed his finger on the challenges facing the rapidly growing economy of India. His call for full human development, which he borrows from Paul VI should serve as a warning bell for Indians that what matters is not only material progress but progress of the whole human person. The Holy Father has touched on almost all modern day challenges and problems—the financial crisis, economic inequality, poverty, corruption, workers’ rights, unbalanced development, war, violence—all of which touch India. For Fr Theodore Mascarenhas SFX who is Indian and in charge of the Asia Desk at the Pontifical Council for Culture, ‘Caritas in veritate’ deals “with the challenges facing the rapidly growing economy of India” and is invitation to people to understand the impact of globalisation on Indian culture. Also of great importance is the call for the protection of worker rights and the need for social welfare spending, something our governments would do well to keep in mind. Holy Father’s shows his concern regarding the right to food and basic necessities of life. He speaks on globalisation and globalisation is a big risk to indigenous cultures in India. It has its good effects too. In today's world, cultures are in continuous dialogue. Very often the dialogue is not even voluntary because it is forced by an invading culture. How our indigenous cultures respond is very important.