Mumbai: People now believe in taking initiatives rather than passively waiting. Women of Talasari in particular feel empowered with the kind of assistance from a group of nuns who acknowledge receiving help and guidance from the Jesuits.
Taking note of the traditional yet creative initiatives in various units, JESA Secretary, Sannybhai who was on a visit to the zone from June 24-27 encouraged the Jesuits and collaborators to document them as success stories to benefit Jesuit units of other zones. Suggesting for a review of Social Action Activities in the Province, he emphasized the need for inter-ministerial collaboration and networking with secular NGOs.
He expressed happiness and gratitude to the tribal leaders in the units for their candid sharing of knowledge and information with him. This exercise of sharing was a re-assuring experience for the
leaders to discover that peoples’ lives and livelihood opportunities have improved, the level of education has gone up, people have become more conscious of the need to protect the environment, youth leadership is emerging, and migration has decreased to an extent.
Sannybhai visited Manor, Talasari (including Shilonda), Ashagad, Uplat and other places from June 24-27. He met and interacted with men and collaborators who are engaged in services to the poor, especially tribals.
On the 27th, he attended a meeting held in Talasari along with 15 Jesuits from Shirpur, Nandurbar and Nasik.
“Are we willing to learn from the tribals? Are we willing to treat them with respect and dignity and not consider them as beggars?” These questions by a few Jesuit brothers gave way to new perspectives during the meeting, highlighting tribal strength and their inherent qualities.
Fr. Anthony Dias SJ, CSA-Mumbai and WZ
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