George Kurien, Vice-Chairman, National Commission for Minorities, New Delhi, has urged Christian minority community to make use of funds available for Christians as a minority community. Kurien was the chief guest at the installation Ceremony of Office Bearers & Managing Committee of Bangalore Malayalee Catholic Association (BMCA) on July 9, Sunday.

George Kurien, an Advocate by profession said 80% of the fund available for minority scholarship was not made use of by Christians. Charges were leveled against a particular community that all the funds were going to them. However, he pointed out that even 20% applications were not received from Christians. Vice Chairman appealed to the members of the Christian community to apply for scholarship and avail the funds. He also informed those present to take advantage of Usdar which is a training programme, giving 25,000 for a student. He expressed surprise that no Christians apply for the civil service exams which doles out 50,000 for each student.

When confronted, O Rajagopal, former Union Minister told George Kurien who was Kerala State General Secretary of Yuvamorcha, that he had taken oath and was a central minister and respected all people belonging to different religious faiths. George Kurien said, “I am proud to be a Christian, Malayalee and an Indian. The present situation speaks about concerns and intolerance. At a meeting of all denominational Christians, in which bishops were also present, some of the questions that came up included that “Are you deciding what food to eat and are you stopping the foreign contributions etc.

The Vice Chairman said he resigned from all political posts on May 20 and now only Vice Chairman of National Minority Commission. He need not report to any political parties but only to Parliament. If any members of the minority community face problems or attacks, the local DC and SP would be contacted to take action. Still not satisfied, the aggrieved party would be called to Delhi and the Commission could take steps to issue warrants against the perpetrators of violence and attacks. When reports reached his office about attacks on Christians, no one, including the local bishops, was aware of any such attacks or brutality inflicted on any minority Christians, George Kurien ,who was also Yuvamorcha National Secretary, National vice president, Minority Morcha Spokesperson BJP Kerala, National Executive Member BJP and BJP State vice president, said among other things.

Earlier, all the office bearers of present and outgoing were called to the dais. After and invocation by Tina Jacob, the outgoing president of BMCA, Biju Thomas, welcomed the chief guest, guests of honour and all others. All the guests were presented with bouquets. In his parting words before changing baton of responsibility to the president, Biju said he and his team performed a lot of activities, which were not done in the past 61 years of BMCA’s history. He said he remained satisfied and contented. This was the first time three guests of hour were invited for a programme of this sort. They had a brain-storming meeting as soon as they took over one year back. They went for contemporary changes such as Facebook, Creating website, sending sms, uploading photos of events and to give importance to charity. A committee was constituted to execute the decisions. The achievements included marathon run for HIV infected poor kids and others and collected Rs 600,000. They distributed wheelchairs at St. John’s medical College Hospital. BMCA also carried out blood donation camps at different localities of the city and collected blood from 400 people. BMCA also performed celebrations, sports and cultural programmes in which eminent sports persons and actors were invited.

Ms Celine Kunjukunju, one of the patrons installed the new office bearers. The new office bearers stood with lighted candles. Speaking on the occasion, she said the Association started in 1956 is a social association ready to serve the needy in any emergency situations and when the need is felt. It is great honour to render dedicated service to fellow beings more than any other organizations do. She called for cooperation, dedication, sacrifice and unity among the members at all times. Ms Celine, patron of various organizations and a social worker herself exhorted the 8 new team to strive towards ‘formulation, execution and revival (of all sectors) to grow to greater heights by being industrious and an idealist. A leader must have compassion, perseverance and confidence. One should have also a sense of tolerance and forbearance to do utmost. Ms Celine asked the new team to raise their right hands to affirm their consent and implore divine light for guidance and direction.

Dr Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General, Conference of Catholic Bishops in India, in his brief talk appreciated the great works of charity done by the members of BMCA. Dr Alathara, an author of 12 books and hundreds of articles, columnist, educationist, theologian and visiting professor in various ecclesiastical universities and among other portfolios he held wished God’s blessings on the Association and the new office bearers.

Jaijo Joseph, the new president introduced the new committee members. In his acceptance speech he said the post of a Vice Chairman is a top rank and it is equivalent to a minister of State of central government. He made a mention of prominent members present. Jaijo, an active social worker, owner of an advertising agency for the past 20 years besides being involved in educational and cultural activities, said BMCA is more vibrant and has achieved more results during the last 61 years. BMCA got the best chief guest for the day. The new president also urged all present to give in writing to the Vice Chairman the problems the minority members face in any part of the country, instead of passing to face book and whatsapp. The post the Vice Chairman holds is the highest ‘political appointee’.
Earlier, The vice president of BMCA, Wills Warunny, introduced the chief guest and presented a brief profile of the Vice Chairman, George Kurien.

Fr Jomon Kolencherry CMI, Chancellor, Diocese of Mandya, said he saluted BMCA for paving the way for new generation in phase of 61 years. He appreciated the great good works done by the Association. Fr Jomon also Secretary for the Commission for Education, Diocese of Mandya, said he was edified at the aim of the Association, its uniqueness and unity. The goal to achieve the target is what makes all come together and “let us come together.” An MBA, MPhil holder and pursuing PhD in Christ University, Fr Jomon said he breathed a relief when George Kurien turned a savior, saying “Jesus is with us”. He has come as a great helper to “address our problems.”

Fr Joel Mathew OIC, Parish Priest, St. Joseph’s Malankara Church, Mathikere, spoke high of the charitable activities of BMCA. We have heard eye for an eye and pay wickedness with wickedness but Jesus said we can never overcome bad with bad but win bad with good. He wondered if we pluck out someone’s eye for doing the same or kill for murder, how it helps. He invoked God’s blessings and offered prayers and wishes for the greater growth of the organization.
Others who felicitated the newly elected included Thomas Chandy, Patron,Tony Vincent, Patron, Lt Col. Rappai A K and P V Kurien.

The guests present included non-Christians and non-Malayalees. P V Dominic, secretary, proposed a vote of thanks. Jolly Joseph compered the programme. Talented singers sang songs in different languages to entertain the guests and members during the fellowship meal.