Indian Jesuit human rights activist receives France's Legion of Honour
Delhi (AsiaNews) Three days after the horrific railway bombings in Mumbai, which "have reminded us of the need to protect human rights", Fr Cedric Prakash, a Jesuit clergyman, is to receive the Legion of Honour, France's highest honour for foreigners.
Archbishop Oswald Gracias, Bishops' Conference of India chairman, told AsiaNews that "Father Prakash is an ardent defender of human rights. He is on the frontline wherever they are violated. It doesn't matter whether the victim is Christian, Hindu or Muslim, he is there to make sure they are protected and that those who violate them, including governments, respect them."
"I know," the archbishop added, "that he has received death threats, but he has always been fearless in pursuing his mission in defence of human rights."
Father Prakash began this mission just days after the massacre of Muslims in Gujarat. Since then he has become a leading human rights activist in the country heading the Prashnt Human Rights Centre.
French President Jacques Chirac awarded the Legion of Honour on April 18 in a letter sent to French Ambassador in Delhi Dominique Girare, but it is conferred today, Bastille Day, France's national holiday.
"This honour is well-deserved," Mgr Gracias said. "It is an honour for him, a Jesuit, but I also see it as an honour to an Indian who has laboured to improve the human rights situation in [our] society".
"It is especially important" that the honour is given just a few days after the Mumbai bombs, which "remind us of the need to protect human rights, promote justice and peace and get actively involved in our society's development. We must understand that it is urgent that our society develop fully, that it is important we work together."
"We are comforted by the fact that Father Prakash's efforts in favour of a more just society are recognised at an international level," said Archbishop Stanny Fernandes, Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops' Conference. "The honour provides concrete support to the efforts of the Church and its affiliated agencies in favour of justice and human rights. For a priest who worked with the backing of the Church in the field of human rights, the Legion of Honour is a source of great pride."
.png)
09/01/2020 10:24
