Tribal community pays homage to Fr. Stan Swamy
A gloomy yet glorious year has just passed-by the death of Fr. Stan Swamy. There are certain individuals who are never forgotten but through the memories, one can take forward their legacy. On 3 July 2022, nearly 125 tribal communities from the Chota Nagpur belt gathered to pay their home to the late Stan Swamy and take a pledge to move ahead to fight for their rights and keep the flame lit of his immortal life. The tribal’s are celebrating his death anniversary with the intention to keep his flame burning so that the darkness in our country the form of inequality, violence, and discrimination grows fades away and justice, liberty, fraternity, reconciliation, and equality are established, of which Stan was an epitome of it.
Mr. Prakash, the local coordinator said “remembering Stan Swamy’s involvement among the tribal community was tremendous and unforgettable. Most of the time, he spent his moments on the roads, protesting for the rights of the tribals. He always stood for human dignity and fought tirelessly for Jal (water), jungle (forest) and Zameen (land) for tribal people. Stan felt at home with the tribal community.” The tribal’s presented various theme songs during the program, which brought life and sentiments of belonging to our mother nature.
\”A caged bird can still sing.” These words were chanted in a nostalgic manner and in chorus. Fr. Joe Nazareth reminded the tribal community that Stan Swamy though no longer present with them physically but his love for the constitution and human rights need to be promoted in our daily life. Today, all of us are caged and not able to sing the chants of justice and human dignity. Sr. Berna, Superior General of the Holy Family of Nazareth Congregation stressed on coming together, feeling one with the community and supporting each other during their distressing situation. She highlighted how we need to respect and value the tribal culture in Goa.
Ms. Pooja who works in Verna as a domestic worker said that “Stan Swamy today stands as a symbol and beacon of justice for the marginalized. After his death, he continues to live in the hearts of many as a cult figure. The death of Stan has sparked a new ray of hope, as he unites different cultures, religions, and nationalities to courageously walk the path of the human family, creation, and justice.” Fr. Simon Fernandes expressed his sentiments on Stan by saying that his love for the poor and underprivileged cannot be replaced. He emphasized on the importance of the constitution in our life. Stan Swamy was the lover of the Indian constitution and we ought to cultivate the habits of knowing it and begin to love it.
Under the leadership of Sr. Philishin and Fr Mario Vaz, they made sure that the tribal community felt at home and welcomed. Believing in the immense power of God and with all the people of goodwill, they sang the song “hum honge kamyab …,” assuring oneself and others that we need to continue to carry forward the legacy of Fr. Stan Swamy, that of human dignity, and rights.
Fr. Joseph Nazareth SJ