North East Catholic Research Forum

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Why Pope Francis couldn’t visit India

Opinion | Articles | Leivon Albert Lamkang |

His presence here could have been a moment of healing and recognition. It would have signalled that religious pluralism is not just tolerated in India—it is honoured. In diplomacy, sometimes what doesn’t happen is as telling as what does. The recent news.....

After Francis, Who?

Opinion | Articles | Chhotebhai |

Focus now shifted to the Camerlengo (the papal custodian till the election of the new pope). It was now his duty to follow the guidelines for the election of a new pope as specified in Universi Dominici Gregis (UDG), promulgated by Pope John Paul II on 2.....

The Messenger is Gone, but not the Message

Opinion | Articles | M L Satyan |

After a very long period, God selected a modern, pro-poor Francis Assisi in the form of a pope to reform the church that was rusting. Definitely, he too had been seriously reflecting on the contrast between the wealthy Vatican and the acute poverty outsid.....

A day after He went, memories of Pope Francis come piercing with Realization

Opinion | Articles | James Pochury |

The news broke quietly, like a whisper lost in the noise of our indifferent world: Pope Francis had passed away. For many, it was a passing headline. For those who understood what he represented, it was the end of an era. And for those of us shaped by rig.....

In Pope Francis’ death the world is orphaned!

Opinion | Articles | Cedric Prakash |

In Pope Francis’ death the world is orphaned! In the death of Pope Francis, the world has lost one of the greatest personalities of modern times! We are saddened that he is no longer in our midst! He was truly a compassionate pastor with a warm, lovi.....

‘Transitus’ of Francis: End of an Era and a Great Legacy Pope Francis (1936-2025)

Opinion | Articles | George Plathottam |

The world mourns for Pope Francis at his ‘transitus’, to use a word that is both rich in meaning and familiar to the Church and the Franciscan spiritual tradition to describe one’s passing. His death, no doubt, is the end of a remarkable era. He leaves b.....

The Holy Week’s Lessons - For Leaders

Opinion | Poem | Anthony Dias |

The Holy Week provides Precious lessons, on compassionate, Humble and courageous leadership Through the Teachings and Actions The cataclysmic Crucifixion Of the Historical, Jesus of Nazareth! Who demonstrated What a genuine servant-leader shou.....

The lament of Calvary this Lent!

Opinion | Articles | Vijayan MJ |

Passion week is that time of the year when Christians all over the world remind themselves about the sufferings, anguish, pain and the bloody crucifixion that Jesus Christ took on himself, as part of his mission of emancipating the people and establishing.....

Job Fair in Don Bosco Kohima

Education | College | NECARF Rep |

Job Fair Notice

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

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.....

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.....

Should we believe in Miracles?

Opinion | Articles | Chhotebhai |

My wife and I were back from Sunday Mass. I was at my writing table while she was on the phone. I heard her say something about speaking in tongues, so I asked her whom she was talking to, as she is not the “charismatic” type. It was on old friend who.....

Changing the Religious and Cultural Landscape of the Northeast through Saffronization

Opinion | Articles | Pamreihor Khashimwo |

Abstract The religious and cultural landscape of Northeast India has undergone significant transformations due to the increasing influence of Hindutva ideology, often referred to as Saffronisation. This process, driven by organisations affiliated with th.....

Fails, Ails & Travails

Opinion | Articles | Chhotebhai |

These words are not just a rhyme; there is reason behind them – fails, ails and travails. I use them in the context of the church in India and more specifically the Catholic Church. Looking at its grandiose institutions, wealth and prestige one could wond.....

Editorial

Sanju Samson's Silent Prayer was the Loudest Thanks giving

In a country where cricket is not just a game but considered next only to religion, a spectacle unfolded on March 1 inside the mammoth and iconic Eden Gardens cricket stadium in Kolkata, where the Indian and West Indies teams played the last of the Super.....

Stooping Beyond a Limit

When Himanta Biswa Sarma exited his parent party, the Indian National Congress, in 2015 and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, not too many eyebrows were raised since such leapfrogging from one political party to the other was nothing new in Indian politi.....

The Culture of othering is an unhealthy trend

A German Lutheran pastor, Martin Niemöller, was against the Communist ideology and also against Semitism. His distaste for them made him a natural ally and supporter of Rudolf Hitler. When Hitler ultimately assumed power and insisted on the supremacy of t.....

Persecutions in the land of Tagore, Vivekananda, and Gandhi

India is fortunate to have given birth to three outstanding sons, Rabindranath Tagore, Swami Vivekananda, and Mahatma Gandhi, who inspired generations not only in India but across the world. Apart from their liberal thinking, their thoughts on religious f.....

The determination was written on every Indian player’s face

On the intervening night of November 2nd and 3rd, the Indian women’s cricket team created history by winning the ICC Women’s World Cup for the first time at the DY Patil stadium in Navi Mumbai. They defeated South Africa, a team dubbed by many cricketing.....

Zubeen Garg unites people even in his death

Many ordinary people who are not connected to music and art might not have even heard of Zubeen Garg, despite being an iconic artist and a person who cared for others. However, after his unfortunate and untimely demise on September 19, 2025, social media.....

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.....

Previous Articles

Tele-serials Propagate Destructive Values

Opinion | Articles | M L Satyan

Of late I have been watching a few Tamil television serials. I was surprised to note a running thread in all the serials. What is it? HATRED. This hatred is usually fuelled by different types of revengeful activities. For this purpose, every serial has a .....

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 .....

The Journey to my Vocation Part-II

Opinion | Articles | Benjamin Chang

The Journey to my Vocation Part-II In my previous post, I had written about My Vocation as Part I and I am so overwhelmed by the response and request for ‘My Vocation Part II.’ I ended with a note that I was given a break and with all the limited resourc.....

Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez’s address

Current Updates | Editorial Pick | Editorial team

Synodality: Why No, and Why Yes Some have hoped that our new pope would ease up a little on this matter of synodality. Instead, Pope Leo has expressed a strong desire to continue along the path of synodality. For example: “Synodality becomes a mindset, .....

The Holy Week’s Lessons - For Leaders

Opinion | Poem | Anthony Dias

The Holy Week provides Precious lessons, on compassionate, Humble and courageous leadership Through the Teachings and Actions The cataclysmic Crucifixion Of the Historical, Jesus of Nazareth! Who demonstrated What a genuine servant-leader shou.....

Synodal Church: A Need to Walk the Talk

Opinion | Articles | Joseph M Thohrii

Pope Francis has declared that Synodality is what God expects of the Church in the 21st Century. He has put his own transformative stamp on the meaning and conduct of synods, saying that a synod involves mutual listening in which everyone has something to.....

Should we believe in Miracles?

Opinion | Articles | Chhotebhai

My wife and I were back from Sunday Mass. I was at my writing table while she was on the phone. I heard her say something about speaking in tongues, so I asked her whom she was talking to, as she is not the “charismatic” type. It was on old friend who.....

NECCOD Easter Mass at Sahoday

Current Updates | NE Brief | NECARF Rep

Come April 4, 2021, and the campus of the Sahoday School in South Delhi’s Hauz Khas, was invaded by a spectrum of colours as the North East Catholic Community of Delhi (NECCOD) met to celebrate Easter together – the first organized Programme the organisat.....

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, .....

May They All be one

Opinion | Articles | Chhotebhai

A person’s dying wish is sacred. Jesus’ last desire, when “he raised his eyes to heaven” (Jn 17:1), was “that they may be one like us” (v11) and again “May they all be one” (v21). Jesus’ call to oneness (unity) of his disciples was based on his own deep r.....

Catholic Education, Indigenous Primacy, and the Courage of This Moment

Opinion | Articles | James Pochury

A reflection for the Church in Northeast India The recent unease surrounding curricular changes in a Catholic school in Dimapur — particularly the introduction of AI-related initiatives — has stirred discussion across our region. Some parents have felt.....

Current Updates

ICF Writes to the President of India

Editorial Pick | Editorial team |

Hon’ble Smt Draupadi Murmu, PRESIDENT OF INDIA Rashtrapati Bhawan New Delhi presidentofindia@rb.nic.in 31st December 2025 Respected Rashtrapatiji, Sub: Christmas attacks on Christians Namaskar! I respectfully place before you some of the.....

Attacks aginst Christians increased by 500% since 2014: Rights Groups

Editorial Pick | Editorial team |

Attacks Against Christians Increased by 500% Since 2014: Rights Groups New Delhi: On November 4, Christian rights activists assembled at the Press Club of India to release a report about an alarming and sustained annual surge in incidents of violence a.....

An MSMHC Nun from Mizoram did the North East Proud

NE Brief | NECARF Rep |

Sr Rose Paite

October 14, 2025: Sr Rose Paite, an MSMHC nun from Mizoram, received the prestigious National Award from the Catholic Mental Health Ministry (CMHM) at the World Mental Health Day Conference in Kerala. The prestigious award was handed over to the recipie.....

Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez’s address

Editorial Pick | Editorial team |

Synodality: Why No, and Why Yes Some have hoped that our new pope would ease up a little on this matter of synodality. Instead, Pope Leo has expressed a strong desire to continue along the path of synodality. For example: “Synodality becomes a mindset, .....

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.....

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

International Women’s Day 2026: “Give to Gain”, a slogan well coined

Articles | Joseph M Thohrii |

“I want every girl to know that her voice can change the world”. (Malala Yousafzai) India's women have made significant progress since the days when they had to endure severe exploitation and conform to well-defined societal norms. In the last few decad.....

Sanju Samson's Silent Prayer was the Loudest Thanks giving

Editorial | John S. Shilshi |

In a country where cricket is not just a game but considered next only to religion, a spectacle unfolded on March 1 inside the mammoth and iconic Eden Gardens cricket stadium in Kolkata, where the Indian and West Indies teams played the last of the Super.....

Asia’s Fragile ecosystem may well be further complicated by the US-Israeli war with Iran

Articles | John Dayal |

The eruption of hostilities between Israel, the United States, and Iran — codenamed “Operation Epic Fury” — has thrust Asia into a precarious and highly sensitive geopolitical and humanitarian crisis, evoking a hesitant response of protest rallies and pea.....

Sowing the Wind

Articles | Chhotebhai |

At the beginning of the year, shortly after Trump invaded Venezuela, I had written “As Thick as Thieves”. I re-read it before writing this piece. I had then warned that the Venezuelan “success” would embolden Trump to flex his muscles elsewhere too. Tr.....

The Gujarat Carnage 2002: Never Forgotten!

Articles | Cedric Prakash |

It took place in 2002! A tragedy that will NEVER be FORGOTTEN! The Gujarat Carnage 2002 is easily one of the bloodiest chapters in post-independent India. The burning of the S-6 compartment of the Sabarmati Express (from Faizabad to Ahmedabad) some distan.....

Cries for Justice in India grow louder!

Articles | Cedric Prakash |

Cries for Justice in India grow louder! Come 20 February and the world will once again observe the ‘World Day of Social Justice’. It is an annual feature during which many all over (particularly the politicians) will wax eloquent on the need and import.....

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