North East Catholic Research Forum

Latest from us

Environmental Degradation

Opinion | Articles | M L Satyan |

Ecological imbalance; environmental degradation; global warming; and climate change are the most widely spoken topics these days at various levels - national and global. I regularly watch news, debates and some tele-serials in Sun TV and other Tamil.....

The Nun who stood firm

Current Updates | NE Brief | NECARF Rep |

Sr. Fatima the Brave Heart

The unprecedented mayhem that shocked the state of Manipur and stirred the conscience of the country and the world would stand as one of the darkest chapters of human history, except for the people behind the dirty game, who would probably chest thump as.....

Grand Parents Rejoice

Opinion | Articles | Chhotebhai |

Though a creature of the day, I am not particularly enthused by various “Days” like Father’s, Mother’s, Doctor’s, Constipation etc. I suspect that in the era of greeting cards (now extinct) they were invented by manufacturers like Archies, to promote thei.....

Sexual Abuse through Social Media

Opinion | Articles | M L Satyan |

A few days ago, one of my friends shared with me some sad news. His college-going daughter was found to have had severe depression for almost a week. During the counseling, she revealed that she was being blackmailed by her classmate. She had posted her f.....

John Yesong: Tuensang’s First Catechist

Opinion | Articles | Benjamin Chang |

John Yesong, the first Catechist from Tuensang

John Yesong: Tuensang’s First Catechist. John Yesong was born on May 1, 1949, at Phelungre Village. He was born to very humble, non-Christian parents, Lt. Mr. Yutsalo and Lt. Mrs. Kiuthsangchi. At the young age of ten, he and his younger brother, Moses T.....

Four, Five and Eleven

Opinion | Articles | Chhotebhai |

This is obviously not a mathematical equation. Let me tell you why I chose these random numbers. The number Four reminded me about the Readers’ Digest. It invariably carried a feature, “Drama in Real Life”; of how human beings endured and overcame insurmo.....

Extending Education Service to the Far Flung

Opinion | Articles | M L Satyan |

Extending Education Service to the Far Flung I had an opportunity to conduct training for teachers in St. Peter’s English Medium School, Barikhajuri (Garhwa district), St. Claret School, Barwadih (Latehar district) and Deepti Niketan School, Nawadih (P.....

Holy See: Cardinal Zuppi in Moscow to open paths of peace

Current Updates | Editorial Pick | Editorial team |

The meeting in Moscow between Zuppi and Patriach Kirill

In a communiqué issued on Friday, the Holy See described the visit to Moscow from 28 to 30 June by Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the Holy Father's Envoy, as a visit aimed at “identifying humanitarian initiatives that could open up paths to achieving peace”. It .....

Religiosity Versus Spirituality

Opinion | Articles | M L Satyan |

Religiosity Versus Spirituality A few days ago, I read a news report about four nuns of a religious congregation taking their final vows. The report mentioned that these nuns were trained by a priest on “deep spirituality” as per the bishop who celebra.....

The Blame Game Continues

Opinion | Articles | Chhotebhai |

The Blame Game Continues A highly respected and erudite clergyman from Kerala sends me his articles. Of late he has made three claims: 1. The Jews killed Jesus 2. Priests have always manipulated people to commit violent acts, justified in the nam.....

Many Faces of Child abuse

Opinion | Articles | M L Satyan |

Many Faces of Child abuse A few days ago, I was traveling by a taxi in Bengaluru. At a major traffic signal, I noticed a middle-aged woman on the footpath carrying a young baby on her shoulder. The child was quiet. As soon as there was red signal, all .....

Children in times of violence

Opinion | Articles | Felix Jajo |

Children in times of violence “If there is no more war, then I want to go to Imphal”, responded my seven year old son, when my wife asked him, if they should go back to Imphal. Due to the unprecedented violence that erupted in Manipur on 3rd May, 2023,.....

Safety of women in India

Opinion | Articles | M L Satyan |

“In our country every woman has to struggle to survive”, said a woman at Jantar Mantar. She further said to a press reporter, “Today women in our country are not safe. If the medal winning women wrestlers are sexually abused, then, what about other common.....

Ntheo Louis Yanthan: A Pastor, a Catechist and a Pioneer Catholic

Opinion | Articles | Benjamin Chang |

Lt. Catechist Ntheo Louis Yanthan of Lakhuti Village was a Baptist Pastor, who later embraced Catholic Faith and became one of the longest serving Catechist in the Diocese of Kohima, Nagaland. He served as a Baptist Pastor and Catholic Catechist for 35 (t.....

Editorial

How serious are educational Institutions about the mental health of young people?

During the monsoon session of the Parliament in July 2025, Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar informed the house that student suicide cases accounted for 7.6 per cent of all suicide cases reported across India in 2022, showing a slight.....

Religious Persecutions in the Land of Vivekananda and Gandhi

The dictionary meaning of ‘persecution’ reads as ‘unfair or cruel treatment based on race, religion, or political belief’. Therefore, persecution can occur through racial discrimination or political exploitation and is not necessarily limited to the relig.....

From a Murderer to a Pilgrim of Faith

Prior to June 27, 2025, not many people in this country and elsewhere would have heard of Chengu@Sudharsan@Chandu Hansda, who at the age of 13 turned into a murderer when he joined the mob that brutally burnt alive an Australian missionary, Graham Stewart.....

Ominous Signs and the Catholic response

India is a country that boasts staggering diversity—a colourful mix few in the world have the privilege of sharing. Since independence and the enactment of the constitution, freedom, liberty, and equality before the law has always been our treasured right.....

The New Pope and His Message

This time, 1.39 billion Catholics across the globe were fortunate to see the white smoke come out of the Sistine Chapel chimney on the second day as Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected by the cardinal conclave in the fourth round of voting, one less than .....

The Pope didn’t Sulk or Shun

The Vatican News released a video of Pope Francis extending Easter greetings to a multitude of people at St. Peter’s Square in Rome, which was one day before his final journey to the eternal world. A close look at that video reveals that the Holy Father w.....

The CBCI blinks yet again

The Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI), regarded as a father figure by an estimated 23 million Catholics in this country, has yet again shown lack of wisdom while taking decision on crucial matters. While the organization may like to downplay som.....

Persecution as an Opportunity

The history of the church is replete with stories of persecution; the crucifixion of Christ itself being the greatest of all. Rome, where the Vatican, the supreme seat of the Pontiff, stands today, in fact was one of the foremost places where Christian pe.....

Weaving a Christian Relationship

His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama, in his book, Toward A True Kinship of Faith, wrote, “I have boundless respect for my Buddhist faith, but to see it within the context of its brother and sister religions has afforded me a vision of the grandeur and exten.....

We hope the Church Hierarchy is listening

According to the media report, the son of a pastor, Ramesh Baghel, has been prevented from burying the dead body of his late father in the village cemetery because some Hindutva activists from his village did not allow the burial to take place. He appeale.....

The Twin Pillars of the Catholic Church

Dealing with the differences between the laity and clergy, the two pillars of the church, is a perpetual problem for the Catholic Church. Though the problem is real and sometimes threatens to tear apart the cohesiveness of the synodal church, it has alway.....

It is time Christians learn to read things between the lines

The recent statement from the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court, proposing a regulatory body to oversee church properties akin to temple boards and waqf boards for Hindus and Muslims, undoubtedly raises concerns. However, given the number of controve.....

Previous Articles

Golden Jubilee Year of Kohima Diocese Inaugurated

Opinion | Articles | Editorial Team

The Diocese of Kohima (Catholic Church in Nagaland), erected in the year 1973, entered the Jubilee Year with the official inauguration at Mary Help of Christians Cathedral on October 16 by Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima. Simultaneously the.....

The Power of One

Opinion | Articles | Chhotebhai

Some of you may have seen my latest YouTube Hindi video 1+1=11 (eleven). It is the title of a 2003 Bollywood movie starring Govinda and Sanjay Dutt. You may also have heard the Hindi saying “Akele channa bhar nahin phor sakta” (A single grain of gram cann.....

A Tribute to a Pioneer Nun

Opinion | Articles | Benjamin Chang

Our family joined the Catholic Church in 1988, when Lt. Rev. Sr. Blessilia was serving as the Superior of Tuensang Convent. My mother was serious about our new-found faith. She was quick to pick up the prayers and songs. We had evening rosary service ever.....

As The Pandemic Scourges on - Musings In The Times Of Covid-19

Opinion | Articles | Philip Lyngdoh

Pandemic life has been tough and we all need a fresh start. Especially as Covid now posits a mortal threat not just for people beyond 45 and with co-morbidities but also for younger people. All this while many - rather most, - liked to brush away Covid a.....

Make Love Not War

Opinion | Articles | Chhotebhai

Make Love Not War As teenagers in the 1960’s we were exposed to the anti-establishment pop culture of the Beatles, and the anti-war protests of the hippies. The latter’s war cry (sic) was “Make love not war”. As I write this the Russian invasion of.....

Need for Serious Rethinking on Formation Norms

Opinion | Articles | M L Satyan

In the wake of frequent ‘suicide by priests’ there have been quite many articles written answering to questions like why does it happen? How does it happen? What could be the motive? What/Who is to be blamed? What should be done? etc. Based on my experien.....

Being Aatmanirbar and the Demand and Supply sides of our Economy

Opinion | Articles | Victor Ferrao

Indian economy was already struggling before being hit by the global pandemic. Like every other country, India is fighting its war against covid-19. Social distancing, use of masks and sanitizers have become the new normal for us all. Severe lockdown im.....

Women Today: A tribute on International Women’s Day

Opinion | People's Edit | Joseph M Thohrii

“One Woman Can Change anything, Many women can change everything” -Tony Moririson In this 21st century, to be a woman in India is a challenge. Looking and studying the present scenario of women in India, she has to battle hard and fight an uncertain.....

Bad Apples, Sad Couples, Glad Tidings

Opinion | Articles | Chhotebhai

Fortunately I belong to a small parish where just a handful of people come for the Sunday evening Mass. It is therefore a time of quiet reflection for me. These reflections then are based on the first two readings of the first Sunday of Lent. The first.....

From Fundamental Rights to Fundamental Duties: Christian Response to Crisis in India

Opinion | Articles | Acharyasri

In every Military Academy around the world, the one principle of war taught is ‘Offense is the best form of defense'. I have spent the best years of my life (from 24 years of age when I was Commissioned as a Pilot Officer with the Trophy for the 'Best O.....

Prominent Festivals of Tangkhul Tribe

Current Updates | Culture | TS Shimreingam Angelus

Nearly a century back, when Christianity, under the denominational name of the American Baptist Mission, reached Tangkhul, the missionaries of foreign origin could not fairly understand the believe and practices of the Tangkhul People, their culture, cust.....

Education

Job Fair in Don Bosco Kohima

College | NECARF Rep |

Job Fair Notice

For kind attention of young boys and girls who are interested in getting recruited in different Comnpaies......

Step in to the World of Journalism and Mass Media

College | NECARF Rep |

Niscort Media College

For those who aspire for the world of Mass media.....

Avail Early Bird Discount in Media Studies

College | NECARF Rep |

Admission Notice

NISCORT, one of the Premier Media Colleges in the National Capital area, announces admission for several graduate and post-graduate level courses in Media studies. Interested students may visit www.niscort.com for details......

NISCORT Announces three different courses in Journalism and Mass Communication

College | NECARF Rep |

aa

For those Interested in Journalism studies, the above affordable courses comes as a boon.....

NICORT Media College Announces Short Courses in Media fields

College | NECARF Rep |

Annoucment

NICORT Media College Announces Short Courses in Media fields.....

For those interested to make a Career in Mass Media and Journalism, NISCORT provides the opportunity

College | NECARF Rep |

NISCORT opens Admissions for Course in Mass Media and Journalism

NISCORT opens Admissions for Course in Mass Media and Journalism.....

Opinion

An Initiative to empower Needy Christian youths

Articles | Isaac Harold Gomes |

Participants in the Programme

On Sunday 14th September 2025, St Lawrence Old Boarders’ Association (SLOBAN) organized a Career Guidance Programme (for classes 8-12) at St Teresa’s Parish, Kolkata. Several college-going students from Morapai (Baruipur Diocese, South 24 Parganas) also.....

Iconoclasm: Yesterday and Today

Articles | Chhotebhai |

Iconoclasm is the destruction of things (often held sacred or precious), persons or even ideas. What is an icon? Millennials would be familiar with the icons (symbols) on their mobile phones, laptops or computers. Originally, an icon was usually a religio.....

How serious are educational Institutions about the mental health of young people?

Editorial | John S. Shilshi |

During the monsoon session of the Parliament in July 2025, Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar informed the house that student suicide cases accounted for 7.6 per cent of all suicide cases reported across India in 2022, showing a slight.....

Why Do Catholic Priests become Fanatics?

Articles | M L Satyan |

Prior to second Vatican Council the Catholic Church believed that all those who belong to other religions will not get salvation. The second Vatican Council changed this fundamentalist view. Respect for other religions, inter-religious dialogue and incult.....

WHERE IS GOD?

Articles | Chhotebhai |

WHERE IS GOD? Those watching TV on 27th August evening would have been jolted by two tragic events. The first was of hundreds of pilgrims washed away in flash floods/ landslides in the Jammu region. The second instant was of two young girls shot dead w.....

Youth- A Time to Focus.

Articles | Capt. Eddie Viegas |

In our Solar system, the largest body is the Sun. It has a diameter of 1,392,000 Km.i.e. it is 109.3 times the size of the Earth. It has an effective temperature of 5,740º K. enough to melt the hardest materials several times. Yet Life on Earth survives .....

Current Updates

North East Catholic Community of Delhi puts up a Glittering show

NE Brief | NECARF Rep |

Mr Lalduhoma and Archbishop Anil J T Couto, with other dignataries

The North East Catholic Committee of Delhi (NECCOD) accorded a warm welcome to their new members who had joined them in the Delhi NCR region with spiritual and a social gathering worthy of the colours mix of the region they come from. This was the 33rd oc.....

NEIRBC Gets a new Education Commission Team

Editorial Pick | Editorial team |

Guwahati, June 25, 2025 – The Northeast Bishops Council’s Commission for Education has appointed a new leadership team, with Fr. Dr. Paul Pudussery, a Holy Cross priest, taking the helm. This transition marks the third leadership handover since the commis.....

Francis’s Bottle Craft: Miniature Homes in Glasses

Editorial Pick | Editorial team |

The Miniature Artist of Sikkim

In a quiet corner of Sikkim’s Lingzey, Gairigaon, an artist has been creating entire worlds inside bottles—one intricate house at a time. Meet Mr Francis Rai, the man behind Francis Bottle Crafts, whose passion for miniature architecture has turned into b.....

Convenor of ICF writes open letters to four Indian Cardinals

Editorial Pick | Editorial team |

In an open letter to Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, Cardinal Baselios Mar Cleemis, Cardinal Antony Poola, and Cardinal George Koovakad, Chhotebhai, the Convenor of the Indian Catholic Forum, wrote that the Catholic community in India is proud of them, that.....

Christian Today in Conversation with Dr. John Dayal.

Editorial Pick | Editorial team |

As India marks its 76th Republic Day, the Christian community faces what many describe as an unprecedented crisis of religious freedom. Recent appeals to both President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paint a troubling picture: over 720 in.....

Statement of Concerned Catholics

Editorial Pick | Editorial team |

On Thursday 4 April 2024, Pope Francis in a very incisive message to the participants in the First Colloquium between the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, held in the Vatican said, “We n.....

Top