This is the 4th issue of Prajwalana- An Offshoot of Writers' Forum. September -2013

1. “Trust as if everything depended on God,
act as if everything depended on you.”
Karnataka Jesuit Scholas cs
rajwalanaPP
Sch Ryan Rodrigues
Pope Francis has released his first
encyclical, 'Lumen Fidei', 'the light of
faith' that highlights the need to let
Christ's love transform and renew
our lives, so that we may be agents of
transmi ng faith to all genera ons.
Faithisbornofanencounterwiththe
living God who calls us and reveals his uncondi onal
love to us to build a be er community. The absence of
faith will not be sufficient to brighten the future. It will
remain shadowy with fear of the unknown leaving
everything confused, making it difficult to choose
between good and evil. The encyclical has the capacity
ofilluminingeveryaspectofthisourhumanexistence.
God called Abraham by his name and he faithfully
listened and responded with love. We are all called to
do likewise. Faith is God's free gi which calls for
humility and courage to trust and entrust. The first
chapter focuses on this love. It says that, faith is a new
way of seeing things in Christ. Through Christ we are led
tobefilledwithfaithwhichcanleadustosalva on.
The second chapter deals with belief in God by
discussing faith and truth, theology and faith and the
knowledge of truth and love. Technology today has
made truth rela ve. Does this give true happiness to
human beings? The Pope says that theology without
faith is like a barren land. Faith fulfills theology, for it is
lightthatleadstogreaterspiritualinsight.
The third chapter talks about faith being transmi ed
through various forms in the Catholic Church which
itselfisthemotherofourfaith.Wehavetotransmitthis
faith to others as it was done by Abraham, Moses, Job
andChrist.
Issue No . 4 www.jesuitwriters.com June-Sept. 2013
-St Ignatius of Loyola
LUMEN FIDEI, 'The Light of Faith'
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Editorial
Most of us will agree with these words of St Ignatius. Trust in
God and appropriate action go hand in hand in our lives. One
without the other is directionless. Paulo Coelho says, “None of
us knows what might happen even the next minute, yet still we go
forward because we trust and because we have Faith.” “Action
itself, so long as I am convinced that it is right action, gives me
satisfaction,” said Jawaharlal Nehru. Hence it is a healthy
conscience that we ought to build so that we can perform proper
actionsspringingfromadeeprootedtrustinGod.
This issue of Prajwalana – A fire that kindles, is based on three
themes: Ignatius, Corruption and Women. While Ignatius is
our Founder and model, his life and teachings are ever so relevant
to us today. Corruption on the other hand is a parasite that is
hittingeverysphereofournationandifthisisnotcontrolleditwill
go on to destroy trust amongst individuals. A Woman is truly a
miracle of God. Atrocities on the women in our country are on
theriseanditsurelycallsforsomereflectiveactiononourpart.
My heartfelt thanks to the entire team of the Writers Forum
without whose help this issue would not have been possible. We
are also happy about those who support us in our venture whole
heartedlyandhaveregularlyfollowedourwebpage.
May this issue help us to become persons who foster right
relationships taking our inspiration from St Ignatius to sweep
out corruption from our nation and to have a special concern
towards Women so that they can lead a respectable life holding
their heads high and competing with everyone in this fast moving
world.
Haveapleasantreading!
AN OFFSHOOT OF WRITERS' FORUM
Contd. on Page 06...

2. I am happy to know that this issue of Prajwalana is going to feature St Ignatius, Corruption
and Women. A rather unusual potpourri, someone would say! What has St Ignatius to do
with corruption and women? In fact, plenty! Wasn't it Ignatius who gave us the famous
exercise of Two Standards, where he clearly described how the "enemy of human nature"
aims at destroying the good work of God's grace in individual personalities and in human
society as a whole precisely by luring us to amass wealth by all possible means, fair as well as
foul? What is corruption if it is not the fruit of unmitigated greed? As Mahatma Gandhi says
the world has enough to meet everyone's need but not everyone's greed. St Ignatius would
agree a hundred percent.
Fr Frankie Serrao SJ
Fr Ivan Mendonca, SJ
We need to teach the younger generation to look at women with dignity and worth. And coming to St. Ignatius, it is
interesting to know that of the 7,000 letters Ignatius wrote, some one hundred letters are addressed to women,
most of whom helped him in various ways. In Rome, Ignatius founded an organization where women could help
other women. In 1543, Ignatius founded St. Martha's, a house for young and endangered girls. Several of these
women sought admittance into the Society. Many did the Exercises and were committed to the Society's
expanding mission. Imbibing the spirit of Ignatius, we Jesuit, more than anybody else need to be committed to the
cause of protecting the dignity of women. I wish that the articles contained in this issue of Prajwalana may give us
enough food for thought and prompt us to action.
As for women, they were some of his closest and the most devoted disciples and benefactors right from the
beginning of his conversion. St Ignatius had a great respect for women as some of his letters amply illustrate.
He utilized their good offices to further the ends of the Society, and when it was necessary to leverage his
influence in the corridors of power both ecclesiastical and royal, he did not hesitate to grease the key hinges
of the social, political and ecclesiastical power structures of his times with the influence and favour he
enjoyed with powerful ladies of high standing. Even though in his Constitutions he strongly forbids Jesuits
getting involved in the spiritual direction of women and nuns, that was not because of his antipathy towards
the fair sex but because of his anxiety that the fledgling Society should not be caught up in such works to the
detriment of its availability for Papal Missions.
It is to the credit of the Society in our days that one of our recent General Congregations has even issued a
whole decree on the subject of our apostolic collaboration with women.
Therefore, while congratulating all those who are the real torch bearers of Prajwalana, let me express a
wish that this particular issue brings the necessary light to bear on a topic of such great importance in these
troubled times, namely, Ignatius, Corruption and Women.
Fr PCF Speaks...
Fr Provincial's Message
I am happy to know that the theme of the present issue of 'Prajwalana' is centered around three
topics: St. Ignatius, Corruption and Women. It's a fact that corruption and crimes against
women are rampant across our country. No one can deny the growing menace of corruption in
our country. The assets of political leaders and corporate bodies grow by leaps and bounds
every day. It is important that committed people come forward to fight against corruption. The
brutal gang rape and murder of Nirbhaya awakened the whole nation from its deep slumber. It
has drawn great public anguish because it symbolized the collected grievances of hundreds of
millions of women. The society needs to change its attitude towards women.
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3. PPPPPrajwalanarajwalanarajwalanarajwalanarajwalana
CORRUPTION
A THREAT TO ECONOMIC GROWTH
Today we can witness
many scams, bribery and other
corrupt activities. Corruption
doesn't restrict itself to mere
monetary aspects; rather it goes
beyond. It even includes getting
the job done easily through
influence, thus depriving those most deserving of
their due. This happens in the case of admission
to prestigious colleges or in job recruitments too
where it is achieved based on huge amounts of
donation or through caste preference. There are
three stages in corruption: the first is stagnant,
which is inefficient. The second is expanding, and
the final stage is declining. India is in the declining
stage of corruption. Corruption is the crime of both
the giver and the receiver. If there was no giver,
then there would not have been a receiver either.
But the law in India focuses on the bribe receiver
rather than on the giver. So the giver does not
feel shy to indulge in such an act.
Causes: The chief cause of corruption is the
desire to avoid paying tax. This is done by paying
bribes to tax authorities and creating fake income
statements. Secondly, it is a lack of transparency
on the part of the government. Huge amounts of
money allotted for many a project is falsely
accounted for. Even personal properties and assets
of political leaders were not revealed until recent
years. Besides, all the anti-corruption rules are not
that strong to punish the culprits.
Hindrance to Economic Growth: Corruption
poses a big threat to economic growth. Through
tax evasion billions of rupees slip from the
government revenue. Large profit making firms,
bribe the officials to evade tax. Thus personal
income tax which is the major source of the
government's income decreases and as a result,
the government does not invest enough on
infrastructure and other developmental works.
According to the report of global financial
integrity, India has lost $462 billion because of tax
evasion after independence. It also stated that out
of the total tax evasion 68% took place after 1991
i.e. after India's economic reforms. According to
reliable information, Indians have deposited over
$1.5 trillion in Swiss Bank accounts, that is, more
than any other country in the world. It is almost
equal to the size of the modern Russian economy.
Corruption also takes place in certain other cases
like business organizations that pay heavy bribes
to government officials to bring strict rules and
regulations to control the growth of smaller firms
so that the bigger firms can have monopolies in
business. Even establishing of new businesses
becomes too expensive with multi-level approvals,
complex procedures and heavy bribes that have
to be paid to authorities. Thus entrepreneurs dry
up!
Reasons: First of all political interference
hinders the proper juridical trial of the accused.
Secondly, delayed justice: it takes several years
for the Indian judicial system to pass a verdict on
the accused. Thirdly, the Lokayuktas in the states
are not given full power to combat corruption.
Finally involvement of multiple agencies; various
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4. PPPPPrajwalanarajwalanarajwalanarajwalanarajwalana
agencies are involved, including politicians,
businessmen etc. who make the process of
combating corruption difficult.
The Way Forward: The right to information
act (2005) is the way to uncover all the scams and
illegal wealth amassed by public servants. Along
with that, there should be zero tolerance towards
corruption and stringent rules and regulations to
punish the culprits. Finally a good ethical and
moral training is a must for all the government
officials.
Benefits: First of all the people who are living
in rural areas and suffering from innumerable
hardships will benefit. They will get proper
infrastructural facilities and other basic needs.
Secondly the problem of unemployment will be
solved, as the government will be able to invest in
some projects to create employment opportunities.
Along with that, regional difference in terms of
development will be reduced. Thus reduction in
corruption will increase the scope for investment
in public services like education, health etc. Above
all, poverty in India will come down. The Chinese
proverb, "if the water is clear, you can't catch
fish," holds good to the Anna Hazare movement.
When no one raises a voice, everything seems to
be perfect. But when someone digs up an issue,
everything seems to unfold. So we need such
revolutionaries, so that they stir the calm surface
of the water of uncovered scams.
Sch Vishwas Misquith
THE POTHE POTHE POTHE POTHE POVERVERVERVERVERTTTTTY LINE!Y LINE!Y LINE!Y LINE!Y LINE!
Even before my child saw the light
I dreamt his future to be bright
I worked hard day and night
Only to see him growing right
To make him work, I thought never
But poverty seemed to consume us forever
So, he went to work to make a better future
Thus gave up his education for ever
He worked hard day and night
Rarely did he meet my sight
For he found his work to be his delight
But I saw his future to be a dim light
Will he escape poverty's trap? I wonder
Or lose his childhood? I ponder
Only if I had a magic power
I would at least make his future better
There are a million children at work
Whose future seems to be dark
With mere education right
Can their future be bright?
Without stomach being fed
Can the mind be refreshed?
Thus can they have a bit better life?
At least above the poverty line!
Sch Nithin Coelho
LAUGH...!LAUGH...!LAUGH...!LAUGH...!LAUGH...! ☺☺☺☺☺
A man goes to the doctor and says, "Doctor,
wherever I touch, it hurts."
The doctor asks, "What do you mean?"
The man says, "When I touch my shoulder, it
really hurts. If I touch my knee - OUCH! When
I touch my forehead, it really, really hurts."
The doctor says, "I know what's wrong with
you - you've broken your finger!"
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5. PPPPPrajwalanarajwalanarajwalanarajwalanarajwalana
AGONY OF A WOMANAGONY OF A WOMANAGONY OF A WOMANAGONY OF A WOMANAGONY OF A WOMAN
Freedom in most parts of the
world has been acquired by hard
work, fights and even revolutions.
The idea of attaining freedom may
sound outdated and vague, but
there are countries in the world
where people do not have even basic freedom,
and India is a stark example.
For centuries, women in India have been
struggling for freedom and for the basic
right to be treated with equality. Medieval
times in India were a "dark age" for
women who played the role of a
daughter, mother, sister, friend and
spouse and were treated as the
property of their father, brother or
husband who constrained their freedom.
However, in the recent past, women have had
to struggle with issues related to their health,
education and presently, the issue that all women
face is one of basic safety. Women need to be
treated like human beings and not be dominated
over through sexual assault and ill treatment.
Why is the situation like this?
God, it is said, created woman out of man's
rib to symbolize that they are made for each other
and so that man would not feel a sense of
loneliness. The sanctity of this, however, has now
been lost. Men have become violent towards their
own flesh - the women; a clear example of which
is seen in the case of Nirbhaya, the young woman
raped in Delhi last December. The cases of abuse
against women are increasing day by day, and
daily newspapers carry these daily issues which
beckon our consciousness. It is making people live
in fear.
Women are a precious source to ensure the
smooth flow of a balanced world and we must
realize that if one side is weak, the other side is
automatically in trouble. Showing respect towards
women and understanding feminism are
important aspects of a civilized person. The
human being is a rational being and cannot act
like an animal. We live in the world for a purpose
and our goal is to achieve the common good.
Let us take an oath to protect women. Let us
not indulge in a violent behavior which depicts
that we are not humans. The mistakes of the
past need to be fixed and those women
could make a big difference if they were
to be treated equally and that is what
we need to make the nation progress.
Let us not make them feel fearful
or insecure and let us walk together
in building a better society.
Sch Royston Pinto
AN UNHEARD CRY
In the woods where I stood
The winds whispered soulful stories
Ancient rocks which were unrolled
Spoke a thousand tales untold
Melodious songs of love and praise
Sang the birds in unison
Creepers, plants, trees and bushes
Joined the birds in chorus fresh
Ringing torrents danced down the rocks
To the tune of music created all around
With wonder and awe there I stood
Looking at the gorgeous sight of the woods
At once I heard an unusual cry
Oh! How fierce and terrible that was!
It's a voice which I have never known
In the thick and dark woods it groaned
Was that wind or the cold rocks?
Or the wild beast or trees or plants?
Confusion and chaos filled the air
Amidst all I heard nature cry
"You are destroying us slowly
But you will be destroyed quickly"
Sch Calvin Michael
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6. PPPPPrajwalanarajwalanarajwalanarajwalanarajwalana
IS INDIA REALLY FREE?IS INDIA REALLY FREE?IS INDIA REALLY FREE?IS INDIA REALLY FREE?IS INDIA REALLY FREE?
Only a few days left ahead of the 66th Independence Day of our Nation. The
Prime Minister will speak; on the central grounds the national flag will be hoisted.
People will salute the fluttering tricolour. Amidst all this suppose a boy in the crowd
asks you, "Is India really free?" What would be your answer to him? Though India is
celebrating three scores of its independence, it isn't free from the bonds of evil. The
biggest evil that exists today is corruption. Corruption has spread like a wild fire in the
country. People come forward to put off this fire but there are some who are against them. Durga
Shakti Nagpal, the IAS officer who battled against illegal mining was suspended. This is an instance
that shows in crystal clear fashion, India's lack of freedom. We want everything to be a big hit. But
to have an experience of freedom, sacrifice is a must. Our conviction leads us to this sacrifice.
Gandhi's conviction led him to sacrifice his everything and to bring freedom to our country. Are
you and I ready to be called persons of Gandhian calibre, and work for India's true freedom?
Sch Noel Dias
YES, IT'S GOD'S OWN COUNTRY!YES, IT'S GOD'S OWN COUNTRY!YES, IT'S GOD'S OWN COUNTRY!YES, IT'S GOD'S OWN COUNTRY!YES, IT'S GOD'S OWN COUNTRY!
"All things bright and beautiful, all things great and small, and all things wise and
wonderful the good God made them all". This beautiful hymn was echoing in my mind,
while I was visiting various beautiful places of Trivandrum. I wanted to know why
people say Kerala is God`s own country; why not our state? When I saw the beauty of
nature, the sea roaring like a lion etc, for a moment I just wondered at the brilliant
work of the creator of this magnificent panorama. I never thought that such a thing
could remind me of God! Amazing, isn't it? Many such questions arose in my mind. They are: If
God could create such mighty things, how mightier He must be! If God could create such beautiful
and fabulous nature around here, how far more beautiful He must be? To my further questions, I
struggled to find answers. I decided to remain silent and listen to the voice of God. After a long
period of silence I was reminded of St. Ignatius of Loyola's words: "In all things to love and to serve
the Lord". God created all things for us to find Him in them and I found Him here. So now I am
prepared to agree with what people say about Kerala. Yes, it`s God’s own country!
Sch Kiran Leema
In the last chapter of this encyclical faith and the common good, and faith society and family
are given much importance. It is said that the light of faith is capable of encouraging the richness of
human relations, their ability to endure, to be trustworthy and to enrich our life together. It keeps
us united and helps us to discern good from evil. Faith is truly a common good. Its light does not
simply brighten the interior of the church, nor does it serve only to build an eternal city thereafter:
it helps us to build our societies in such a way that they can journey towards a future of hope.
In union with faith and charity, hope exalts us towards a sure future, set against a different
horizon with regard to the illusory issues of this contemporary world. It lightens our life, to be a
person of love and care, faith and service, and sacrifice and complete surrender to our God.
Sch Joyson Sujay Vas
contd. from Page 01...
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7. PPPPPrajwalanarajwalanarajwalanarajwalanarajwalana
JESUITS TALKJESUITS TALKJESUITS TALKJESUITS TALKJESUITS TALK
The present issue has the opinion of four
Jesuits. They are, Sch Anthony D Souza
(Deacon), Fr John Pradeep (young priest doing
his studies in Ignatian Spirituality in Spain), Fr
Richard Rego (an experienced hand in the field
of media and communication) and Sch Royston
Pinto (student of first year of philosophy)
sharing their views on
1. How can we, as Jesuits, priests and
scholastics, counter corruption, in our
present day society?
Dn Anthony: Corruption is an entrenched
reality of our society. Basically we forget our
humanness in order to become artificial human
beings by creating a society which favours only
the haves and the have not's. As scholastics we
can be with the have not's by being simple in
our life style and adhering to the values of the
Kingdom.
Fr John Pradeep: Frankly speaking, when I
was a regent at Navasadhana, Bangalore, I
bribed a traffic police who caught me for not
wearing the helmet. Later I felt that instead of
paying the bribe, it would have been
appropriate for me to pay the stipulated fine
and get a receipt for it. In my opinion, as a Jesuit
one can counter corruption, by respecting the
rule of the land and teaching others to do the
same.
Fr Richard Rego: A very common corrupt
tendency among religious is to be a 'yes-man',
resorting to flattery, and trying to curry favours.
This leads us to betrayal of human dignity,
honesty and transparency; it breeds corrupt
practices in religious life. Hence we must be
counter cultural.
Sch Royston Pinto: Corruption takes place
in a subtle way when we give extra money to
buy a product. Sometimes bills are written as
per our wishes. Hence we Jesuits must be
careful in getting adequate and authentic bills.
2. Do you think that the call for Lok Pal bill,
by team Anna will be an answer to the
rising corruption in our country?
Dn Anthony: No. It is a call for the elite to
become more aware of their assets and
involvement in political power rather than
helping the downtrodden to emerge as a force.
Fr John Pradeep : The anti-corruption
movement initiated by team Anna has
undoubtedly stirred the consciences of a large
number of Indians however, I am of the opinion
that it is not the number of legislations enacted
in the parliament which will weed out
corruption from our country rather the
conversion of heart.
Fr Richard Rego: The call is only a call for a
beginning of awareness, not for an action itself.
Besides, the call was coloured by ulterior
political motives (which have been expressed
in political terms and formation of political
outfits by power-hungry, ambitious, corrupt, or
communal individuals).This bill therefore as it
stands will raise more questions than answers.
Sch Royston Pinto: I think that this bill is
only an attention seeking drama. Corruption
can be eradicated only by people's activism
individually to overthrow all these dirty games
of politics and corruption.
3. Do you think the religious, who are
supposed to live by the kingdom values,
promote corruption?
Dn Anthony: Yes, the religious due to various
unavoidable situations sometimes become prey to
this evil system. We need to fight this system.
Sometimes we put the need of the religious
congregation above values. On other occasions we
take the place of the elite by showing our
OPINION POLL
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8. PPPPPrajwalanarajwalanarajwalanarajwalanarajwalana
helplessness and reasoning it out.
Fr John Pradeep: As a matter of fact if any
religious person/ institution wants to avail
government facilities or wants to purchase a piece
of land and do the registration of the same or if
one desires to put up a school/college building
one is forced to resort to some sort of corrupt
practices. By and large, religious don't promote
corruption but are helpless when asked to pay.
Fr Richard Rego: I feel religious fool themselves
by criticizing corruption in public places, a bit too
much, while being blind to them. Greed for power,
money, easy access to public figures/facilities and
transparency/justice can't coexist.
Sch Royston Pinto: I can't say 100% people live
by it. But a majority of religious desireto stand by
it.
4. What solution do you suggest to curb
corruption?
Dn Anthony: Education is the best tool to fight
corruption at the root. There should be a proper
follow-up plan to enhance this.
Fr John Pradeep: I firmly hold that it is only
awareness that can curb corruption. Therefore, I
suggest that we make use of the moral science
classes as well as the school/college notice boards
creatively in our institutions so as to inculcate in
our students some basic human and societal
values.
Fr Richard Rego: Unless people straighten their
lives, make them more transparent and
accountable, become tolerant and compassionate
after the example of the one whom they claim to
follow, one cannot curb corruption in the public
sphere. You can't demand a clean public sphere
and live rotten private lives!
Sch Royston Pinto: I personally think there needs
to be a change in the form of overthrowing of the
powerful. This must be initiated first by students.
Sch Cyril Castelino
LET LIVE ... WOMANLET LIVE ... WOMANLET LIVE ... WOMANLET LIVE ... WOMANLET LIVE ... WOMAN
I, God's beautiful art
Created equally as a man's draft
Bone of his bones, breath of his heart
Never we both fall apart
But today this dream is killed
And no more it seems to be fulfilled
Desire, lust and hatred abound
Human sacredness rarely found
Everywhere spreading Gloom!
Where shall I bloom?
Was it my mistake to be born?
Could God's heart hear my moan?
You can bruise my body
Tell all kinds of profanity
And batter me with red coal
But can't touch my soul
Now start to think anew
Give me a chance to live
Help me to smile
By your act of love
Sch John Prashanth Saldanha
True, I am in love with
suffering, but I do not know
if I deserve the honor.
- St. Ignatius of Loyola
Everytime you smile at
someone, it is an action of
love, a gift to that person,
a beautiful thing.
- Mother Teresa
* * *
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9. PPPPPrajwalanarajwalanarajwalanarajwalanarajwalana
HUMAN IN WOMANHUMAN IN WOMANHUMAN IN WOMANHUMAN IN WOMANHUMAN IN WOMAN
She knew her end was at hand
When she saw stones in their hands
She was dragged into the daylight
Forshewascaughtinadulterylastnight
Before a man, she was brought
For a judgment on her he was sought
But he was busy scribbling on the ground
So, she thought, "Is he different from men around?"
They pressed him for the judgment
So, he straightened up for a moment
And said, " Let him stone her
Who has not sinned so far"
He scribbled and scribbled on the ground
As stones dropped from the hands around
They dared not fight their conscience and stone her
Who was awaiting death, so near
She felt freed from the trap of men
As she caught the gaze of that man
Who sought from her no gain
Bur only asked not to sin again
She prayed, "For the sake of woman
Let the world know this man
Who is not caught in the world of men
But sees the human in every woman"
Sch Nithin Coelho
O! INIGOO! INIGOO! INIGOO! INIGOO! INIGO
A young knight born in Spain
Lived his life all in vain
Wandered for earthly pleasures
Foughtbattlestogainabundanttreasures
A cannon ball brought him conversion
Leading him to total renunciation
Journeyed miles to quench his spiritual thirst
Tossed and battered by life's quest
Never gave up, stood with audacity
Surrendered to God's generosity
Allowed to be a student of God
Arose as the soldier of the Lord
Mortification and prayer renewed him
An agent to fill others to the brim
Many joined this daring hero
Not knowing that they would be saints tomorrow
Young and old, brown and white added to his number
Though all were filled with loads of cumber
Each one did one thing and the same
That is to work for God's greater glory and fame
Under the banner of the cross
He did plant a sapling for a cause
Now grown as wide as the sea
Serving God like a bee
Sch Lumnesh Swaroop
There's the rising sun in the east
Little birds chirp in their nests
Another day with works galore
To toil and sweat in the heat
Food and money I really need
For I have six mouths to feed
If work I don't in this land
I will get nothing in my hand
I owe a huge debt to the Landlord
He makes me work tight and hard
Threats of danger frighten my ears
My eyes always moist with tears
Help, where can I go and get?
I have been in struggle and debt
Death always seems so near
And I have been living in fear
I have nothing of my own
Only light that God has shown
I wait to see some ray of hope
For I have nothing else but hope
Sch. Leston Lobo
VOICE OF A POOR FARMER
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Faith is believing in something when
common sense tells you not to.
- Anonymous
Page 09

10. PPPPPrajwalanarajwalanarajwalanarajwalanarajwalana
BEING FRUITFUL
With a gloomy face, piercing eyes
Bushy beard and straight hair
Gazing towards the sky, I wondered
How fruitful can my life be?
Nowhere could I find the answer
But something pinched within me
While I was closeted within the four walls
I found the answer to my haunting query
A cool breeze awakened my senses
And the fan said, "Be cool"
High above the fan I found the roof
And it said, "Aim high"
A heavy breeze rattled the window
And the window said, "Take pains"
Then in silence I heard the clock ticking
And it said, "Every minute is precious"
My deep-set eyes turned towards the mirror
And it said, "Reflect before you act"
Then the calendar reflected in the mirror behind
Said to me, "be up to date"
There came a heavy bang on the door
Which said, "Push forward"
Thenwhilebanishingthedarknesswithintheroom
The burning lamp said, "Be a light to others"
Sch Joswin Joel Pereira
MY PRETTY ROSE!
I love you dear! I love
Tell me who you are?
Tell me of your beauty!
Of the charming colour you possess
How's that so attractive though you are
I fail to savor that beauty?
Tell me where you come from
For, I don't see you in the thorny stem and in the
cluster of leaves
How lovely you look!
I forget myself at your sight
I just keep on wondering, as I scratch my head
I don't know who you are!
Your fragrance is that of frankincense
Very rare, to be found
How miraculous! Your fragrance too differs
With your delightful beauty
I just keep quiet!
I have no words to describe you
I have no wisdom to know your beginning and end
You are marvellous, praiseworthy and full of life
But remember! Your creator is the source of all
that you are
Sch Antony Sudeep
RED FLAGS THAT MADE THE DIFFERENCE
It was a bright day. The sun had risen in its full glory. I was quite excited to visit
the city of Trivandrum. The warmth of the sun made me realize that we would have
a good outing. We visited three important places but the last place made a deep impact
on my life. Kerala, God's own country, is famous for its beaches. The beach which I
visited gave me an insight into life. Around 4.00 in the evening, we reached the beach.
It was raining cats and dogs. Though the rain poured heavily, I stepped out of the bus
to have a view of the beach. Red flags reminded me of danger and warned me not to
go further. Having my trust in the Lord, I crossed them and saw others doing the same. At this
moment, I realized that red flags are common in everyone's life. What are these red flags? Red flags
in life are those things which symbolize our fears, obstacles, anxieties and so on. God makes us
aware that these red flags aren't the end of our life but just the beginning. Crossing these red flags
brings out the worth of our life as humans. We have some great personalities like Helen Keller,
Beethoven, Sudhachandran, Nick Vujic and the like who showed us the art of crossing red flags of
life. Even my response to my vocation was a crossing of the red flags. My profound 'yes' on my vows
day was to challenge these red flags. For, what I am today is because of these red flags. Thanks to
the red flags that made all the difference.
Sch Noel Dias
Page 10

11. PPPPPrajwalanarajwalanarajwalanarajwalanarajwalana
LIFE
Our life is a generous gift from
God; it reveals the love of God for
each human being. Since God loves
us unconditionally, our life ought to
be a blessing for all, especially for
those who hunger and thirst for love
in our ministry and counseling where we
encounter so many broken hearts. It is our duty
to heal all those hearts and all those orphans, the
sexually abused, the marginalized, the dalits and
the differently abled people; we have to help them
to recognize the hand of God which is present
even in their lives, so that their lives become
meaningful. As a result they should be able to
experience the love which no thing or human
being in the world can give.
We religious must not forget that we are
called to live counter-cultural in a consumeristic
world. Yet to live our lives with a set of values
and qualities is very demanding, because the
world looks so attractive. It requires our
faithfulness to spiritual life and to rigorous hard
work. I consider spiritual life as the major means
or tool to tackle all the obstacles of the world in
our own life. When I speak of spiritual life, I do
not refer to how many hours you spend in prayer,
the retreats you attend, the spiritual direction you
take. Certainly not! May be the limited time you
have invested in spiritual life makes an impact on
you. But it can make an impact on others only
when we incarnate our prayer experience in our
daily activities; it must be shown through our
words and deeds; only then can our life be a
message to the outside world. It's true that people
in the outside world mature faster than the
religious. So we religious cannot afford to live a
cozy way of life. Our lives and principles must be
something unique and special in this consumerist
or modern world.
We should always gain inspiration from the
works and sacrifices of our forefathers,
missionaries and saints; their example should
move our hearts to serve our Lord and the Society
of Jesus with total devotion, dedication and
determination. Only then can our lives bear
witness to the outside world. As I said, such a
life is demanding; it's true that we do experience
pain, difficulties, challenges, and tribulations; but
let's remember that a Jesuit is a man who never
quits. Let the words of St Paul always give us
strength "If Christ is for us, who can be against
us?" So let's live our lives so well that even death
loves to see us alive. Let's fight so hard that even
fate accepts its defeat.
"Life is a gift, so let's share it.
"Life is of difficulties, so face it.
"Life is of sweetness, so taste it.
"Life is precious, so use it.
"Life is beautiful, so enjoy it."
Sch Infant Vivian
"LIFE IS BEST FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO LIVE IT
LIFE IS DIFFICULT FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO ANALYSE IT
LIFE IS WORST FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO CRITICIZE IT"
Teacher : What do we learn
from the quote
"Behind every
successful man
there is a woman"
Student : Easy! We should
just stop wasting
our time in studies
and find that
woman...
Smile Please...!
Page 11

12. PPPPPrajwalanarajwalanarajwalanarajwalanarajwalana
THE RUPEE CRISIS
The value of the Indian Rupee
against the US Dollar is falling
indicating a weakening, at least for
some time, of India's soaring
economic power. India has
maintained a stubbornly high
economic growth for decades however those great
days are over. The fall in the value of Rupee against
the Dollar is a manifestation of this.
What causes the ongoing decline? More than
one factor can be identified in this regard. One of
these is India's recent sluggish growth
performance, especially in the last fiscal year.
Earlier India grew by about 8.0 per cent per
annum. Its growth flexibility attracted both direct
and portfolio foreign investment. The country first
skidded from the high growth trajectory in 2009
following the global economic and financial crises.
Backed by sound policy
action, the economy started
catching up the old
trajectory in the following
years boosting the
confidence of
investors, both local
and foreign.
Unfortunately, the
performance of the
Indian economy
became a matter of
concern for investors. But it grew only by about
5.0 per cent last year. This definitely hurts the
confidence of the investors in India. As a result,
the investors in the Indian capital market started
withdrawing their investment, increasing the
demand for the Dollar and pushing the Rupee-
Dollar exchange rate up, thus to the advantage
of the Dollar. Given the looming threat of the US-
led war against Syria, the world economy is likely
to face a new wave of turbulence. Like any other
country, India is also likely to be affected by this.
The world has already reacted to this scary threat
of war; price of oil has jumped and stock price
indices of the leading capital market have
declined already all over the world. This also has
increased the demand for Dollars in the Indian
market and the value of the Rupee has started
falling accordingly.
The second reason is the country's large
budget deficit financed by foreign debt. Most of
its deficits are financed by issuing Dollar
denominated short-term bonds. With their
maturity, the immediate liability to repay Dollar
denominated bonds increases. The country has a
reserve foreign exchange of about 272 billion
Dollars. Currently, India is liable to repay about
172 billion US Dollars of its short-term credit. That
is the accounting for about 64 per cent of its total
foreign exchange reserve.
The third reason reflects from the recent
decision of the American government to issue
bonds worth 50 billion Dollars. To many investors
of international capital market, bonds issued by
the US government are a superior substitute to
that issued by the Indian
government. These are
likely to reduce their
possession of the
Indian bonds to buy
the American ones.
Thus they have
contributed to the fall
in the value of the
Rupee.
The Fourth
reason is the rising deficit as it exposes the
economy to the risk of a sudden stop and reversal
of capital flows. In case of an event shock, for
example if the U.S. federation withdraws its bond
buying programme, there might be a sudden
outward flow of money, leaving India scrambling
for Dollars. The slowdown in the Indian economy
has made the current situation even more volatile
because the government is unable to generate a
heavy capital inflow. India's current account
deficit was equivalent to a record 6.7 per cent of
its gross domestic product in December.
The Fifth reason is the rising import bill. Oil
and Gold imports account for 35 per cent and 11
per cent of India's trade bill respectively. Traders
Page 12
contd. on page 13...

13. PPPPPrajwalanarajwalanarajwalanarajwalanarajwalana
FOUR WAFOUR WAFOUR WAFOUR WAFOUR WAYS OF MEETING THE IMPOSYS OF MEETING THE IMPOSYS OF MEETING THE IMPOSYS OF MEETING THE IMPOSYS OF MEETING THE IMPOSSIBLE IN LIFESIBLE IN LIFESIBLE IN LIFESIBLE IN LIFESIBLE IN LIFE
When do we say something is impossible in life? Or is there something called
impossible in life? Very often in our life we conclude that what we can't do, is impossible.
Things become difficult or impossible for us when we do not try them out. Can you
think of the things which you feel impossible in life, and now, can you make them
possible? Let us see the four ways of meeting the impossible in life!
1. Constant effort: Constant effort is one of the key tools which we should
remember in life. The people who have constantly worked to achieve certain things in their life,
have not only achieved them, but have mastered them. So first we should remember in our life that
constant effort is the key which unlocks our potential to reach the impossible in life. Indeed there
are difficulties and failures, but we must make the failures our steps to reach the peak.
2. Optimistic brain feeding: Our brain is like the hard disk of a computer. Its capacity is
unimaginable and incomparable. It is very important for one to learn how to feed one's brain with
positive suggestions. When you say to your brain, this thing is very difficult, I can't do it, your brain
will just register the same and it will never allow you to do it even if you want. So we must always
feed our brain with positive suggestions like "I can and I will."
3. Aim High: Aiming high is another significant thing which we should remember in life.
Often we fail in achieving things because we do not aim high enough. It is my experience that
when I aim at 40% I achieve just 20%, but when I aim at 100% I am sure to achieve at least 80%. So
aim high. Aim at things which you feel difficult or impossible and you can be sure you will achieve
things in the long run.
4. Giving One's Best: If you just simply follow the three suggestions given above you will not
be able to achieve anything unless you give your best to it. Giving one's best is nothing but total
concentration and total dedication. People have made great things possible in life just by giving
their total self to the task. So ultimately everything depends on how much dedication you put in.
Can the impossible be immediately possible? No, but it is possible when you aim high, make constant
effort, remember to give your best and feed your brain with positive strokes. So, now are you ready
to turn the impossible into the possible!
Sch Ashwil Lobo
say that there has been continuous demand for the greenback from oil importers, the biggest buyers
of Dollars in the domestic currency market, pushing the Rupee lower. Similarly, falling gold prices
have offset the governments and the central bank's moves to reduce gold imports, which lead to
increases in current account deficits and weighs on the currency.
What can be done to stop Rupee's fall against Dollar?
The RBI can ask exporters to convert their Dollars into Rupees. It can talk to financial institutions
and banks to raise money abroad in foreign currency and then lend it to India. The Government can
make some reforms and allow FDI in sectors which have limits. The Government can issue bonds
abroad. The import of gold could be moderated. Public transport could be made use of. All these
measures can provide some short term relief to the Rupee and thus help it hold its value in the short-
term. In the long term, there is no solution other than to make our economy stronger. It will take time
for us to boost our exports. Our industry is not very competitive globally. Hence we need more investors.
Sch John Prashanth Saldanha
contd. from page 12...
Page 13

14. PPPPPrajwalanarajwalanarajwalanarajwalanarajwalana
WHAT I ADMIRE IN ST IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA
'St Ignatius of Loyola was a
person who taught the world how
to swim against the currents of the
day. Quite often when we hear the
word, 'saint', we are put off,
thinking these humans belong to
some other realm of existence and their teachings
are other worldly. I believe this sort of thinking is
far beyond reality. St Ignatius of Loyola, the
founder of the Society of Jesus, his values, the way
he led his life, are still meaningful and relevant,
even today. The soldier saint of Loyola came to
the rescue of the Catholic Church in the most
troublesome times of Reformation. When the
world joined Luther and his followers in
condemning the church, Ignatius taught the
world that, if there is a wound in a finger, we do
not cut off the hand, rather we treat it. His quiet
yet stern work, helped to build and strengthen
the church amidst the troubled waters. In this
short write up, I am focusing on 3 important
factors/values that I gained from St Ignatius:
1. Insight on personality: There are times in our
lives, when we are full of life and enthusiasm.
There are also times when we are lethargic and
lifeless. The deep thinker St Ignatius, in his book,
'the Spiritual Exercises' - presents us, with 3 types
of personalities.
a. Procrastinator - the one who always says,
'tomorrow'
b. Compromiser - I will give up everything,
except this particular thing.
c. One who surrenders: one who reflects and
makes up his mind about something and
then lays down everything to achieve it. This
insight of St Ignatius has affected my life
much. This has kept my way of going ever
in check, to find whether I am moving
ahead or stuck in this journey of life by being
a compromiser or a procrastinator.
2. Decision making: A couple of years ago, my
family was in a deep crisis and I was deeply
troubled and terribly confused whether to
continue my life as a Jesuit or to quit. It was then
that I sought the help of the golden tool that St
Ignatius presents.
A. Never decide when you are too low or too
high in spirits.
B. Have a total knowledge of the decision you
are inclined to make.
C. Have a look at the pros and cons of your decision.
D. Imagine yourself on the death bed and
know, if you are facing a similar situation,
when you are about to die, what would you
decide?
I took time in those moments of crisis and
then was sure that at the hour of my death, I would
never make such a hasty
decision as to quit this
noble Society.
3. The Magis: For St
Ignatius, there isn't
anything like the 'best'. He
speaks in terms of better
than the best - Magis, a
typical Jesuit term.
Whenever I am tired and
down, when I am
inclined to quit, when I think, I have done enough,
St Ignatius pricks me with his favourite value, -
Magis! There is still room for improvement.
Having spoken about the three values, finally
I would like to share one last thing. The Gospel
verse that he often addressed to St Francis Xavier
was: "If you win the whole world and lose your
soul, what will you gain?" Whenever I think of
these lines, I am reminded of the story of the dog,
which used to run behind a truck everyday with
rage. After some time, it would get tired and give
up the chase and walk back. Let's imagine one
fine day, this dog manages to catch hold of the
truck. What can it do with it? St Ignatius, in very
subtle ways sends us the message, that 'success in
itself is not everything. The journey needs to be
enjoyed and made meaningful'. Let this holy man
inspire us all.
Sch Rayan Lobo
Page 14

15. Womb to Tomb
Out of blue, I heard a voice of hope
Which was as soft as breeze and sharp as sword
'Your body is doomed for corruption in the tomb
Yet your repented spirit is as pure as it was in the womb
I was pure in spirit and body
When formed in her womb
And had no idea of the world
Until I came out of her womb
In her arms I learned to love
As my mind and heart grew
Yet, I was not safe for long
From the attractions of the world
My mind became corrupt
As I was drawn to the porn's world
I knew no other world than this
Where I thought me to be the best
To get my heart's desire
I went by corrupt ways
So, I looted people around
Of their wealth and joys
When my heart and mind were too corrupt
I thought it's beyond repair
So, I chose to put an end
To this life in despair
-Sch Nithin Coelho
Nithin Coelho
Pradeep R S
Praveen Martis
Sch Martin Joseph: Colours Bleed http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIb7FQwbhFY
Pay Back 2 ForwardSch Jeevan Gomes : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jglkwcMbYro
CorruptionSch Felix A: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqiAixNMzqw
St IgnatiusSch Rayan Lobo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbEjw_vf3aU
Writers Forum Productions
Page 15
rajwalanaP

16. An Unforgettable Experience
The Capacabana beach looked too small to hold the 3 million people who had
gathered for Pope Francis's concluding Mass of his tour of Brazil.The Pope gave the
cheering youth a call to get out in the streets to build up the Catholic Church. “Jesus
offers us something bigger than the world cup',he told the football-crazy Brazilians.
`We were dying of cold,but it was worth it',felt some.`It was a tiring day,but it was a
great experience', felt some others. The Presidents of Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia,
Suriname,UruguayandPanamawere present for the PapalMass.
All along, the Pope appeared in his humanness, now kissing a baby, now blessing from the
Popemobile a child held aloft,now taking a sip of the mate tea offered to him,and catching gifts on
the fly, the security guards running to keep up with the Pope working the crowds. Many at the vigil
had tears in their eyes as they listened to Francis's call for them to be not part time Christians,but to
build up their church as St Francis of Assisi was called to do his.Pope Francis waved to the Masses as
theWYD celebration came to an end.`I have never seen something here in Rio so marvellous as what
we have justlived',exclaimedone of those present.Manyanother musthave feltthe same.
Sch Cannon Fernandes
The Team
Coordinators : Sch Ryan Rodrigues, Sch Lumnesh Swaroop
Editors : Fr Freddie D'Silva, Fr Richard Sequeira
Guiding Team : Fr Provincial, Fr PCF, Sch Lancy Fernandes, Sch Rayan Lobo
Section Coordinators: Merwyn Fernandes, Joyson Vas, Pradeep R S, Ashwin D'Silva, Leo Florence
Leston Lobo, Martin Joseph, Calvin Michael, Nithin Coelho, Ashwin Rebello
DearReader,
We would like to thank you for the support you have extended to us in this venture. Your support
has encouraged us to express ourselves in writing and other forms of creative works. This magazine
‘PRAJWALANA’ is only the tip of the iceberg. You can support and encourage us more by going
throughmoreofourworksonourwebportalwww.jesuitwriters.com
Please do subscribe to our updates and feeds there so that we keep in close touch. Join us on
facebook and follow us on twitter as well. And at any time feel free to leave a comment or a
suggestiononthewebsiteoremailtousatksjwriters@gmail.com
Lookingforwardforyourcontinuedsupportandencouragement!
www.jesuitwriters.com
To
Page 16
rajwalanaP