North East Catholic Research Forum

Latest from us

The Church Cannot Heal what it Refuses to Hear

Opinion | Articles | James Pochury |

I often ask myself: why does the liturgy fail to move me? The sacraments, the Eucharist—so central to Catholic teaching—feel, at best, like rituals observed from afar, never truly touching the depths of my being. I’ve sat through Masses hoping for a word,.....

Student Suicides - A Silent Epidemic

Opinion | Articles | M L Satyan |

A recent article with the headline: “Suicide of Ashir Nanda in Kerala: A Wake-Up Call for Schools” by Fr Suresh Mathew OFM Cap is an eye-opener. In his article he mentions that the recent suicide of 14-year-old Ashir Nanda, a Class 9 student at St. Do.....

The Holy Eucharist is Central to the Catholic Faith

Opinion | People's Edit | G.L. Khing |

One of the most fundamental teachings and practices of the Catholic Church is the Holy Eucharist. The Church derives its life from the Eucharist. The Eucharist is the “source and summit” of the Catholic faith because it is the sacrament in which Jesus giv.....

Radical Changes by Pope Leo-XIV

Opinion | Articles | M L Satyan |

I watched a very inspirational and thought-provoking video on Pope Leo. The narrator mentions that the new Pope, soon after assuming the office of papacy, has made radical changes in the Catholic Church that are sending shock waves to the Catholics, espec.....

Emergency, Surrogacy, Suffocation

Opinion | Articles | Chhotebhai |

Trains and aircraft have emergency exits. Not so with politics. I vividly recall this day 50 years ago. I was attending a Youth Animators’ Training Programme in Allahabad, the epicentre of the Emergency earthquake. It was promulgated by Prime Minister Ind.....

NEIRBC Gets a new Education Commission Team

Current Updates | 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.....

Who is Responsible for Human Disasters?

Opinion | Articles | M L Satyan |

Soon after the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad we have witnessed mixed feelings expressed by public – shock, sadness, anxiety, fear, suspicion and anger. Also, various theories are evolving like bird-hit, technical fault, high temperature, pilot’s mist.....

The Temporariness and Unpredictability of Life

Opinion | Articles | Cedric Prakash |

It is a tragedy of immense proportion! One of the worst in the history of civil aviation in India! An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (AI-171), from Ahmedabad to London, crashed shortly after take-off. The flight departed at 1:38 pm from the Sardar Vall.....

Corporate Swindling amounts to Human Rights violations

Opinion | Articles | M L Satyan |

Two days ago, I came across a YouTube video in which a group of human rights activists are campaigning in a bus in Chennai. The motive of the campaign was to sensitise the common people about corporate companies looting the forests in Madhya Pradesh, Chha.....

Francis’s Bottle Craft: Miniature Homes in Glasses

Current Updates | 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.....

A Challenge to Communicators

Opinion | Articles | Cedric Prakash |

On Sunday 1 June, the Catholic Church will observe the 59th World Day of Social Communications. The day is significant becuse ‘communications’ is an important and integral dimension of the Church. ‘Communications Day’ is one of the oldent ‘special days’ .....

When did God Die?

Opinion | Articles | Chhotebhai |

Another startling headline? It isn’t about Holy Friday. It was occasioned by a Special Edition (100 pages) of Time magazine totally dedicated to Pope Francis, on his death. Strangely, there was no mention of this in the Catholic media. A soft copy was sen.....

Religious minorities and caste census

Opinion | Articles | John Dayal |

The 2025 Census is still some time away, but some unusual groups are looking at it with very mixed feelings. For Dalit Christians and Pasmanda Muslims, the question is if the Census, which this time will also enumerate the caste affiliations of citizens, .....

War as consequence of human Error

Opinion | Articles | M L Satyan |

Why there is a sudden war between India and Pakistan? Is this an economic war or a political war? The war between India and Pakistan is very much human-induced and a result of failures. It was reported that the Pakistani terrorists killed 26 tourists at .....

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

Hermeneutics of Love, and its Intriguing Nuances

Opinion | People's Edit | Victor Ferrao

We love our life and we are trying hard to preserve it against the novel coronavirus. Our life is no stranger to death but when it comes to pandemic deaths becoming omnipresent, we have to fight for life. This is why we try to police the virus and prese.....

Denial of permission to CAAD is not just what meets the eye

Opinion | Articles | John S. Shilshi

In recent times, this country has been unfortunately witnessing increasing instances of injustice against the Christian community in different parts of the country. From physically attacking priests and nuns to harassment in different forms, Christians, p.....

Fourth Largest Economy in the world v/s Infrastructure and Citizen’ Happiness

Opinion | Articles | Basil A. D'Cunha

Fourth Largest Economy in the world v/s Infrastructure and Citizen’ happiness Our Honorable Prime Minister has stated that in the current year 2025, India stands as the world’s fourth-largest economy in the world. It places us behind only the United.....

Holistic Education for Peace in Northeast India

Opinion | Articles | Paul Lelen Haokip

Northeast India boasts of rich biodiversity, but peace is still a longing. Insurgency, inter-tribal hostilities, boundary disputes, and trust deficits abound galore. Inhabitants of these eight states of India are vulnerable to media influence, political p.....

TODAY, is WORSE than the ‘EMERGENCY!’

Opinion | Articles | Cedric Prakash

TODAY, is WORSE than the ‘EMERGENCY!’ India will and should never forget that infamous night of 25/26 June 1975, when, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had a state of emergency declared all over the country. During that dark chapter of the country.....

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.....

Nongstoin Diocese gets a New Bishop

Current Updates | NE Brief | NECARF Rep

According to a press release issued by Rev. Fr (Dr) Stephen Alathara, the Deputy Secretary General of CCBI, Rev. Fr Wilbert Marwein has been appointed as the new Bishop of Nongstoin Diocese. The communiqué also adds that Fr. Wilbert Marwein was born on 1.....

All Saints Day’ and ‘All Souls Day’

Opinion | Articles | Benjamin Chang

Catholic Church observes ‘All Saints Day’ on November 1 as a day to honor all the saints in heaven and ‘All Souls Day’ November 2 to pray for the souls in purgatory. ‘All Saints Day’ is intended to honour the memory of countless unknown and uncanonized s.....

The Hug, Unplugged

Opinion | Articles | Chhotebhai

On 31st October 2021, Christians in India woke up to a screaming headline, accompanied by a large photograph of Pope Francis and Narendra Modi hugging each other. It evoked mixed reactions. As per views expressed in the Catholic media, it gave an impressi.....

Marching along with the Risen Lord

Opinion | Articles | Myron J Pereira

Even a cursory reading of the Gospels leads us to encounter a Jesus who is always on the move. As an itinerant preacher who scarcely had a place to lay his head and whose message of healing was given to all — especially to the sick and the dispossessed —.....

What is Education without Character?

Opinion | Articles | M L Satyan

I was deeply disturbed when I watched a video in WhatsApp sent to me by a Professor in Kerala. A Plus One student in a government higher secondary school at Anakkara in Palakkad, Kerala, issued a death threat to a teacher. The student's anger was sparked .....

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.....

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.....

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 .....

Top