Writers' Forum - January 2015

Creativity is seeing what everyone else has seen
and thinking what no one could think” Albert
Einstein
The Oxford Dictionary defines the word
creativity as use of human imagination to create
something new and innovative. The root word of
creativity comes from the Latin word “Creare” which
means to make or to create.What sets us apart from the
rest of animal kingdom and makes us unique is
human's ability to be creative. Humans in their deepest
being long to be creative. What makes us human is the
intense inherent striving to be creative, to be
innovativeandtobeimaginative.
Unfortunately in today's globalised world
creativity is restricted to very narrow and simplistic
terms. In today's Inter-National Business Meet when
the business tycoons speak of being creative and
innovative, what they mean is the art of being
deceptive and cunning. How can a particular product
be produced at a low cost and make it attractive to
customers and sell it at a higher price worldwide to
generate profit? Cheap and best is the mantra of the
day. Creativity sometimes is even equated to being
weird and crazy. Today creativity remains at the level
of peripheral cosmetic changes. Being creative in
today's context is to design the latest and the cheapest
automobiles, electronic gadgets, skyrocketing
buildings,unintelligibleartpiecesandpaintings.
There is a deeper dimension to creativity.
Being creative is the very essence of every human
being. In the book of Genesis we read that God created
human being very differently from the rest of the
creation. God does not create humans by his words
alonebutshapes manandbreathesintohis nostrilsHis
very breath, creative spirit and God puts humans as the
stewards of His creation.Thus they name each of the created
beings and become co-creators with God. This mission of
Co-creationis anindispensiblepartof beinghuman.
For every Jesuit, creativity is not an end in itself. It is
always accompanied by fidelity to the God-given mission.
Pedro Arrupe called it “Creative fidelity”. It is seeking and
searching for the will of God in one's life and mission and
being faithful to it until one's last breath. Arrupe himself
stands as a role model to us for creative fidelity. Adolfo
Nicolas, the Superior General, addressing the Latin
American Jesuits said, “Church needs men of thoughtful
consideration and deep reflection, masters of culture and
wise.”ThisaptlysummarizesJesuitCreativity.
Being creative in today's context calls for acute
awareness of the issues affecting us, sharp analysis of these
issues and deep reflection on radical alternatives to existing
problems. It is to create new structures and societies where
human freedom, human dignity and human rights are not
violated. Being creative is to build relationships between
people of different cultures, languages, religions. Being
creative is working towards the liberation of the oppressed,
the poor and the marginalized. Can we put this God-given
inner urge, potential energy and imagination to work toward
establishing a society where every human being, animal and
naturefeelscaredforandloved?
EditorialEditorialEditorial
Bala Kiran SJBala Kiran SJBala Kiran SJ
jAnuArY 2015jAnuArY 2015jAnuArY 2015 Writers’ ForumWriters’ ForumWriters’ ForumPg.02Pg.02Pg.02

Day after day man began to cudgel his brain in
order to live a happy, peaceful life. Yes, he was
feeling uneasy in this consumerist world. He saw
numberless animals and birds, huge trees and
mountains, deep valleys and rivers and increasing
number of fellow human beings. He was tired of all
these things. So he decided to get rid of these things
andlivewithfullfreedom.
Day 1: He saw the green
earth and the blue sky. He
didn't like the combination
of colours. Therefore he
started burning plastics and
thermocol. It affected the
ozone layer and caused
also air pollution. Man saw
whathedid,itlookedgood.
Day 2: Then he saw
streams and rivers flowing
with a soft noise. He
wanted to silence them, so
he dumped all sorts of
waste into the rivers and
polluted the water. After that, he saw what he did
andfelthappy.
Day 3: On the third day he saw beautiful plants and
trees .So he began cutting them down in order to
make use of the land and the wood. Then he saw his
hardwork; itwas good,hethought.
Day 4: He saw plenty of birds and fish. He started
catching them and killing them. Thus all birds and
fish losttheirlives.Hewas happyaboutit.
Day 5: Now he saw different kinds of animals, running
around and enjoying life. So he caught them and put them in
cages. He also killed many. Then he saw his work and
appreciatedhimself.
Day 6 : On the sixth day he saw women singing and
dancing. He disliked that and began abusing them. He used
them to spoil the minds of youth. He made gadgets and
movies. He made use of women as objects
to advertise goods. With the pollution of
air, contamination of water and
adulteration of food, millions died.
Whoever opposed his ways was finished
off. Then he saw what he did; it looked
fine.
Day 7: So on the seventh day nothing was
left on the earth. He had destroyed
everything. He wanted to share his victory
with someone. But there was nobody to
listentohim.
There was no rain, no crops. There
was nothing to eat and drink. Man was left
alone; he felt lonely. He didn't have
anyonetotalkto.
After all this havoc he finally rested, and rested for
ever,nevertogetup again– avictimof his own making.
And He Rested....ForeverAnd He Rested....ForeverAnd He Rested....Forever
Arun Lobo SJArun Lobo SJArun Lobo SJ
Writers’ ForumWriters’ ForumWriters’ ForumPg.03Pg.03Pg.03jAnuArY 2015jAnuArY 2015jAnuArY 2015

Writers’ ForumWriters’ ForumWriters’ ForumPg. 04Pg. 04Pg. 04
AN INTEGRAL SWACCH BHARAT?AN INTEGRAL SWACCH BHARAT?
A NEW OUTLOOK AT THIS ABHIYAANA NEW OUTLOOK AT THIS ABHIYAAN
AN INTEGRAL SWACCH BHARAT?
A NEW OUTLOOK AT THIS ABHIYAAN
Lancy Fernandes SJLancy Fernandes SJLancy Fernandes SJ
This year has been a year of several innovative
campaigns (abhiyaans). Campaigns do bring in a
lot of enthusiasm and find highlight in news
channels. But some questions still remain. Why
don't they subsist longer? Do these campaigns
really target an effective change in immoral
structures that hamper good values or peripheral
change? Yes, if campaigns do not continue to
address beyond personal motives, they will meet
the same fate as the “India against corruption”
venture.
This year the innovative fire began with the
Ice Bucket Challenge in theWest for a noble cause,
namely, ALS (Amyotropic Lateral Sclerosis)
patients suffering from the neuro- degenerative
disease. Several celebrities gave thumbs up for it.
Due to the
g r o w i n g
g l o b a l
connectivity
, it spread to
India too.
But it also
f a c e d
c r i t i c i s m
from several
activists due to its negligent attitude towards
ecological concern of water wastage. Yet an
alternate campaign to it that enthralled all, was the
Rice Bucket Challenge (the typical desi flavour) to
feed the needy and poor. But my sympathy goes to
another campaign, Mud Bucket Challenge
(ecological initiative of a biodiversity preservation
group) that hardly made headlines.What a plethora
of ideasSirji?4G?
Similarly a few years ago we saw the 'pink
chaddi' campaign against ruthless moral policing
in the south. Muthalik's Sri Ram Sena was silenced
and scared. This recently found its new shoot as we
witnessed its nuanced and innovative form of
protest - the 'Kiss of love,' a unique challenge
starting in Kochi, Delhi, Mumbai and getting a
grand response. It is due to spread to Bangalore
soon amidst controversies. The political arena also
learnt from these campaigns when we saw an
innovative challenge, namely the Swacch Bharat
Abhiyaan. It was a wonderful move from a new
governmentwhichwantedtoprovetothepeople
that they too are pro-people and pro-national. It spoke well
to the sentiments of the people. Many celebrities were
challengedtocontinuethisnobleventure.
But one thing that needs clarity is that these
campaigns as such will not hit the core of Indian psyche,
unless they force an attitudinal change. Swacch Bharat is a
wonderful move like other campaigns. But the Indian
psyche has not yet understood the gravity of the matter of
cleanliness and the eco-friendly way of life because of its
effect. Eastern religions, by their charisma, see God in every
aspect of nature. But in practice adherents of some religions
cannot but find a place to litter anywhere and everywhere
possible. It is a known fact that Indians give utmost priority
to keep their compounds and house yards clean, but will not
ever feel anything about dropping the dirt and waste into the
neigbhour's compound.
The reason for the failure of the above mentioned
campaigns is that they have not effected inner
transformation. These have remained at the external realm
as outward commitments or external actions. Only a
campaign which speaks for and forces an attitudinal change
will boost external cleansing. For instance, the 'Kiss of
Love' campaign is resisted because it has a message for
immediate attitudinal change. But obscenity cannot be
compromised. Who decides what is obscene is another big
question.
We Indians need to get rid of our corrupt interior for
life's issues and nature. The day we begin to see nature and
people as subjects we will cease to be corrupt and will be
clean inside (conscience/heart). Then external Swacchata
will be relatively easy. The day we see nature too as having
its share of respect for life, that will be the day we will begin
to respect it and keep it clean. This is the change needed
beforeendorsinganexternalchangetobearfruit.
jAnuArY 2015jAnuArY 2015jAnuArY 2015

Writers’ ForumWriters’ ForumWriters’ ForumPg.05Pg.05Pg.05
Therefore a possible alternative is an abhiyaan that
would help Swacchatha abhiyaan, namely, Swacch
tan-man-dhan Abhiyaan that will ultimately lead to
Swacch Rajneeti Abhiyaan. All these abhiyaans are
interlinked.
Let us see for ourselves what the present
government is speaking and doing. Today bringing
back the
b l a c k
m o n e y
seems to
b e a
political
gimmick
and not a
genuine
landmark
. Is there subtle politics even within than enterprise
to safeguard those affiliated to the ruling party?
What we need today more, along with Swacch tan-
man-dhan abhiyaan, is Swacch politics abhiyaan.
On the campaign trail earlier this year, India's Prime
Minister, Mr Narendra Modi, appealed to voters by
promising to combat corruption and clean up
politics. He was rewarded with a huge national
electoral victory as well as success in state elections
lastmonth.TalktheWalk?
Recently Mr Modi considerably broke the
promise of real inclusive Swacch Bharat when he
named 21 new members to his cabinet which
included at least five people charged with very
serious offenses as rape and rioting; a total of seven
are facing prosecution. Ram Shankar Katheria from
Agra, who was named junior education minister, has
b e e n
accused
of more
than 20
criminal
offences
including
attempted
m u r d e r
and the
promotio
n of religious or racial hostility. Hansraj Gangaram
Ahir, the new junior chemicals and fertilizer
minister,was anothereye-catchingchoice.
He is charged with around 20 offences, including intent to
wage war against India, criminal intimidation and abetting a
mutiny. On most occasions, this is shaken off by excuses
suchaspoliticalrivalries.WalktheTalk?
According to the Association for Democratic
Reforms in India, about one third of central and state
legislators face charges, and amazingly politicians facing
criminal charges are twice as likely to win election as those
who are not. In India this is not new. But when will it change?
Yes, only when there is an inclusive 'Swacch Bharat'
beginningwithinteriorswacchatha.
Are Mr Modi's ways a contradiction in terms when
he wishes to clean India without total internal cleanliness at
its root? Political sanitation is as important as sanitary
cleansing. A new political culture is the need of the hour.
That will
lead to an
i n t e g r a l
S w a c c h
Bharat.
W h y
d i s p l a y
d o u b l e
standards if
the motive
to cleanse
I n d i a i s
genuine? Swacchata must be internal first, then external.
One cannot speak of rooting out corruption and bringing
back Black money and at the same time continue inducting
corrupt people to represent the cabinet.We need non-corrupt
leaders to lead India in its drive to cleanse our nation. This is
the ultimate Swacch Bharat abhiyaan. Only then India will
benefit from campaigns. When we don't catch the devil by
hisearswewillnotbeabletotameit.
Above all, there is need for 'Swacch Mind' of
governance. Our nation is truly in need of many other
Swacchata Abhiyaans like cleansing from discrimination,
communal tendencies and the concocted concept of
development. But let us cleanse our inner motives first.Then
development will not merely be signing projects that build
industry and infrastructure and cleanse sacred rivers and
build bullet fast trains. It will be a development that will take
into account the well-being of the poor, raising their living
standards and bringing a smile on their faces. May the tribe
ofAbhiyaanwalaswithpuremotivesincrease!
Lancy Fernandes SJLancy Fernandes SJLancy Fernandes SJ
AN INTEGRAL SWACCH BHARAT?AN INTEGRAL SWACCH BHARAT?
A NEW OUTLOOK AT THIS ABHIYAANA NEW OUTLOOK AT THIS ABHIYAAN
AN INTEGRAL SWACCH BHARAT?
A NEW OUTLOOK AT THIS ABHIYAAN Cont’d from pg. 04Cont’d from pg. 04Cont’d from pg. 04

CREATIVE RELIGIOUSCREATIVE RELIGIOUSCREATIVE RELIGIOUS
CV George SJCV George SJCV George SJ
Unless we are creative in conducting any
programme, the audience or the participants will not be
interested in us. They feel bored. The present generation is
growing with a modernized culture. My nephew is just 11/5
years old. But the fact of the matter is that without a mobile
in hand he is not quiet. As we come
across such participants in our
ministry we are expected to be more
creative. We must be able to go
through their door and come out
throughours asSt.Ignatiussaid.
Sometimes we fail to come out
through our door, because we get
stuck with distractions. The trust
placed in us should be well used. We
can be creative. But that does not
mean that we need to break all
religious boundaries and go far. Even
people outside are more competitive
and creative than us. The difference is
that our creativity should lead to the
spreadof thevaluesoftheKingdom.
Once there was a crib-making
competition .All tried to do it
creatively. One particular group's crib
was very creative and attractive with ample light
arrangement, hills, waterfalls, and buildings. But the pity
was that baby Jesus was neglected; his manger was
somewhere in a corner. Our creativity should not sideline
thevaluesof Christ;ratheritmustradiatethem.
Once a novice master asked a novice to write
nicely the words: Finding God in All
Things. He also asked him to be creative, so
that it could be displayed in public. The novice
looked for a creative way. On the final day he
showed the chart to his novice master: it had the
words: Finding things in all
God.
We religious strain
ourselves to be creative. For
we know how important it is
to be so. We try out our
creativity in various fields.
And we see that the outcome
is different. So we try to be
more creative in prayer, work,
games, ministry and even in
therefectory.
I u s u a l l y p l a y
volleyball. At times my
companions are so creative
that while serving the ball
they send it below the net
rather than send it the usual
way. And we call it their
creativity.
In this modern world what do people expect
from us as religious? Does the secular world need
people confined to the four walls and are
distinguished only by the label `holy'? No.
Religious are expected to form a creative
community.We need to become creative; it does not
matter whether we are confined to the four walls or
areoutintheworld.
All of us know the saying, when there are four
Jesuits there are five opinions. That must be our
creativity. At times I wonder what makes each one
come out as such a creative person. All through my
formation I have seen how creative my companions
can be. It is the fruit of the freedom and total trust we
haveintheSociety.
Religious life is basically leading a life of
freedom with responsibility. When we are given
freedom, we think out of the box, feel free to
experiment new things, develop new creative skills.

CREATIVITY: LETTING GOCREATIVITY: LETTING GOCREATIVITY: LETTING GO
Ryan Rodrigues SJRyan Rodrigues SJRyan Rodrigues SJ
Creativity can be summed up in the phrase
'Letting Go.' I was uncomfortable with the
very word when I began my Jesuit journey.
When I reflect on those initial days and asked
myself why I felt so then, the insight that I received
enlightened me. I reduced creativity to art and
painting and drawing and thermocol cutting and the
like. I am no good at it as many other computer
savvy people might be; but does that mean that I
can't be creative? That is merely one type of
creativity. Creativity grows out of limit situations.
To be creative means to be ready to experience
changes around you. To be creative is to embrace
challenges and to learn from the hard realities of
life.And forallthis,onehas to'LetGo.'
Is systematic lifestyle diametrically opposed
to creativity? To be creative, have we to be
unorganized? Well, I believe that even highly
systematic people can be creative. There is a certain
order in the universe and yet there is disorder. The
universe is unpredictable; time and time again when
God chooses to surprise us, He is being creative.
Creativity emerges from randomness. It springs
from taking time off a daily routine. In fact what we
think about when we have nothing to think about is
beingcreative.
In this fast moving and internet age
everything is at lightening speed and we look for
instant results. Creativity does not emerge as fast as
we would like it to. It is a process that takes place in
leisure. Creativity relaxes. It helps at times to take a
rest and then give, live and work with ever renewed
vigourandzeal.
Creativity needs a courageous self. It often
scandalizes others when we dare to be different, but we
o u g h t t o b e
prepared to face
t h e
consequences of
it. It is important
to finish doing a
creative task
before you start
to lose faith in
y o u r s e l f .
Creativity does
not spend much
t i m e i n
rehearsing or
thinking or doing
a kind of self talk
all the time with
nothing concrete
in reality even if
we are not experts at it. A creative person is not afraid to
experiment.
Let me sum up. Keeping to a routine is important, so
also is being organized, may not be so much for our own
selves as we can always find order in disorder, but for the
sake of others who put up with us. However, creativity lies
in taking time off from the humdrum of life. Creativity has
to show itself in the Sitz im Leben – life situations. If we
think that there exists a time for ourselves where we can
express our creativity, that time will never come by. What
drives me always forward when I reflect on creativity is the
words of late Steve Jobs, “stay hungry, stay foolish.” It is a
searching mind that can never rest from being creative. We
may run out of ideas if we only rely on ourselves all the time.
Reading, reflection and, more so, seeking inspiration from
otherscanhelpus inthisour creativeventure.

“The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge, but
imagination,” says Albert Einstein. There is a lot of
scope for creativity for everyone on this earth. In this
context it is important to see creatively the things
which are already created. Seeing things creatively is
also a kind of creativity
w h i c h b r o a d e n s o u r
imagination. Often we are
inclined to think that
creativity is the sole quality
of artists, poets, architects,
scientists, inventors and
such other highly talented
persons. We need to remind
ourselves that God loves
each human being; He has
created him/her in His own
image and likeness. I would
like to focus on three
categories of people, in
whom this quality of
creativity is seen very significantly. First, the
differently-abled people, secondly, the martyrs for
thefaith,andfinally,themissionaries.
First, the differently-abled
people are those deprived of one or other faculty:
some have no eyes, others no legs, some others no
hands, some are mentally retarded, some are deaf,
some are HIV infected and so on...But They have
their creativity in their own unique way. There are
people among them who use their tongue, teeth, legs
etc to draw a painting, play musical instruments,
writing poems, books, music and the like. They also
are human beings. Sometimes they are more creative
than those who have no disabilities. Take for example
Helen Keller, who became a highly educated person,
even though she had never seen a person or heard
his/her voice. There so many people like this, who
have achieved wonderful things on this earth. Leave
alone their achievements; each second of their life
inspires crores of people to be creative. These are the
peoplewho choosetolivecreativelyforothers.
Secondly, the martyrs. We have heard about
the massive attack on Christians in Kandhamal,
Orissa, Mangaluru, Gaza, Palestine etc. Why were
they attacked? They tried a creative way through
which they could serve the Lord better. They could
have protected their life by giving up the faith, just as
someothersactuallydid.
But they were so creative that they sacrificed their life for the
faith. Many innocent children were shot dead right in front
of their parents; parents were brutally torched and killed in
front of their children; houses were burnt and so on.. These
are the people who offered their life creatively and became
martyrsfor Christ.
Thirdly,
the missionaries. Each and
every human being longs for
his/her safety. Generally, first
we think of ourselves and then
of others. I consider the
missionaries too to be creative
people. When most of the
people want to have a lot of
wealth, a good family and a
comfortable life, these lead a
simple and exemplary life.
First of all, they choose a
creativelifeto be missionaries-
a life others do not dare to think
about. They travel thousands of miles and work in remote
places, where there are no basic facilities.Though they know
that there is a lot of danger to their life, they go preaching
Christ to the people, just trusting in Divine Providence.They
really inspire me through their simple living and challenging
life. These are the people who choose to be creative for the
sakeof theKingdom.
Now in reality, the differently-abled
people are those who are renewing the earth with their
inspiring and motivating lives.The martyrs in various places
have become true witnesses of Christ and given their life for
those who were dead in faith. The missionaries in remote
places go an extra mile to add many people to the flock of
Christ. Their daring lives, ever ready to face tremendous
challenges,callfor adeeperreflection.
CREATIVITY IN LIVINGCREATIVITY IN LIVINGCREATIVITY IN LIVING
Nishanth Noronha SJNishanth Noronha SJNishanth Noronha SJ

CREATIVITY REQUIRES HUMILITYCREATIVITY REQUIRES HUMILITYCREATIVITY REQUIRES HUMILITY
Preethesh MisquithPreethesh MisquithPreethesh Misquith
HUMOURHUMOURHUMOUR
I am a catechism teacher in one of the parishes which
is near our seminary. Once I thought of taking the
catechism class creatively. It was for the 7th standard
students. I prepared many questions from the bible,
with the idea of having an interactive class. Most of
my students are very naughty and very active too. I
asked many theological questions; some they
a n s w e r e d
and some
they could
not. As I was
a s k i n g
questions I
saw John on
t h e l a s t
b e n c h ,
sleeping. I
woke him up
and asked
him a tricky
q u e s t i o n :
“Why had
the woman in the Gospel who was married to seven
brothers no children?” He stood up and almost like
fooling me said, “Brother, the answer is so simple: the
woman was barren”. On listening to his creative
answer, I felt a bit embarrassed and told him to sit
down.
After some time I saw Peter talking and
arguing with his brother Andrew. I told them to stand
up and asked what they were discussing. Andrew
answered
g e n t l y ,
“Brother,
we were
t a l k i n g
a b o u t
G o d ' s
creation in
Genesis.” I
felt very
h a p p y
t h i n k i n g
m y
s t u d e n t s
w e r e
m a t u r e
enough.
Then I asked them what their discussion was about.
Peter said that they were arguing whether God created the
egg first or the hen. I got annoyed and asked them to stand on
the bench. As they stood on the bench, Andrew told me,
“Brother, even after
standing on the bench,
we are not getting the
answer, maybe there
is no range here”.
Suddenly Shaila got
up from the middle
bench and asked me,
“Brother, why did
God not like Cain's
offering?” Before I
could open my mouth
t o a n s w e r h e r
question, Shanti stood
up and said to Shaila, “You do not know such a simple thing!
God did not accept Cain's offering, because God is a pure
non- vegetarian. The entire class started to laugh and make a
lot of noise. I was not ready to give up the class, so I told
everybody to stand up and recite the 'Our Father'. Everybody
was reciting it except Thomas. When I asked him why he
was not reciting the prayer, he said firmly, “Brother, today
my mother has prepared Biryani, and hence there is no need
of bread today; so I will recite the prayer tomorrow.” By then
the time got over. I slowly walked out of the class, realizing
that“CREATIVITYREQUIRES HUMILITY”.

CREATING A TASTE FORCREATING A TASTE FOR
CREATIVE THINGSCREATIVE THINGS
CREATING A TASTE FOR
CREATIVE THINGS Ovin Rodrigues SJOvin Rodrigues SJOvin Rodrigues SJ
Aman constantly desired to go to heaven.
He was dreaming of fanciful things of
heaven such as delicious non–vegetarian
meals, nice music, beautiful gardens and so on.
Finally he landed up
there. He was placed
in a superb bungalow.
H e e n j o y e d t h e
sumptuous chicken
biryani and a large
glass of wine. The
music was very
pleasant and he
enjoyed looking at the
spectacular garden.
Day after day he used
to get the same food.
The music was not
different and there
were no changes in the
garden. He was tired, bored, irritated and frustrated.
He had a hellish experience in heaven. When he
was crying in desperation an angel asked him to
move out of his bungalow and enjoy the things
outside. Now his approach was changed. He looked
at things in a different way. He tried many
innovativeways andlivedahappylife.
Routine can spoil the beauty of life. We are
often tired of doing the same things.As religious we
have a great threat of such routine. Every day the
Eucharist is the same. All the activities in our
religious life remain as usual. At times prayer,
community life, our responsibilities, apostolate and
other things tend to be boring. Even in the refectory
many dishes rotate periodically.We are prone to get
fed up. In this case what can we do? Everything
under the sky is not interesting always. Even our
friend mentioned above felt the same in heaven.We
can't change others and our surroundings. But we
can surely change ourselves- our way of thinking,
perception,ofdoingthings,etc.
Creativity is a necessity in this regard. It is always
nice if we think out of the box and do things in a different
way. For instance, we can employ a wide range of creativity
to make Mass meaningful and lively. A good introduction,
different kinds of hymns and music, spontaneous intentions
and offertory prayers are
some of the ways that can
make our daily Eucharist
interesting. We ourselves
can train our mind to
perceive things in a
creative way. This applies
to all other fields too. But
there is also a danger of too
much creativity that might
divertourfocus.
Let us try, then, to be
creative. It takes a little
courage, risk and some
effort to cudgel our brains
to come out with something different. The challenge from
the conservatives will be there always. I personally feel that
when we employ creativity, people become lively and pay
moreattentiontowhatisbeingsaidordone.
I remember watching on the TV a man ate tea
powder and sugar. Then he drank some milk and started
dancing vigorously. He was trying to make a creative tea in
his stomach. Creativity may look crazy like this, but surely
we will learn and grow a lot. Therefore, let us try to bring
into our life an element of constructive and creative thinking
a n d
d o i n g .
This may
make a
differenc
e in our
life and
i n t h e
lives of
o t h e r s
too.

CREATIVITYCREATIVITYCREATIVITY
Pruthvi Ryanal Rodrigues SJPruthvi Ryanal Rodrigues SJPruthvi Ryanal Rodrigues SJ
C –Conquer the
R- Routine
E- Elevating
A- All
T-That
I-Intently
V-Vibrates
E-Everyone
n my opinion, being creative does not mean that we
Ineed to change the structures, rules or any common
practices. We need to break down the routine and take
all things anew with the help of our past rich experiences so
that our presence and our action makes all those around us
vibrate with and enthusiastic about it. We can be creative
anywhere, from the time we say good-bye to our bed till we
retire at night. A Jesuit needs to be creative in his approach
to his own life. So let us do away with our routine in our
ministry, community, or anywhere where we are, and live a
life of “joy” and “Magis” so that we may be a blessing to our
neighbours.
What is your uppermost feeling as you are just
ordainedas priest?
I feel a sense of gratitude.
It's a humbling experience.
While I am eagerly waiting
for it, I must admit there is a
littleanxietytoo.
How would you image
yourlifeintheSociety?
Society of Jesus is like a
potter. Just like raw clay is
moulded, I feel that my life
was shaped by the Society.
St. Ignatius inspires me and
I wish to have a little spark
fromhis spirit.
What is your learning in
these years of your
formation to priesthood?
Howwould you find yourselfas apriest?
I see myself a transformed person today.Training in
the Society transforms us. All these years we have
collectingblood;now thetimehascometoshed it.
What isyourvision and mission as apriest?
I am inspired by this little phrase: To live as Jesus lived. To
love as He loved. I hope to live it. That's
myvisionandmission.
How is priesthood relevant to this
generation?
I think priesthood is more relevant than
ever before to this generation.Apriest is a
witness to Christ. The present generation
expectsanauthenticwitness fromapriest.
As the minister of the Church, how will
you bear witness to the person of
Christ?
It is to become another Christ, “Alter
Christus” to the people we serve. By our
values, attitudes and lifestyle we preach
Christ.
What would be your message to your
youngerbrothersintheSociety?
I would say that all of us, must strive to become Jesuits after
themindandheartofSt.Ignatius.
I N T E R V I E W W I T HI N T E R V I E W W I T H
FR ROSHAN CASTELINO SJFR ROSHAN CASTELINO SJ
I N T E R V I E W W I T H
FR ROSHAN CASTELINO SJ

CREATIVITY IN LIKENESS
AND IMAGE OF GOD
In one of my sessions, I once asked a girl, what she
associated with art and her reply was quick and
straight, “emotion”, “expression” and
“creativity”. I am sure many of us would arrive at
similar consensus. Though the first two may be
confined to arts, creativity transcends arts and
permeates into all spheres of human activity. We see
creativity in science,
business, technology and
e v e r y f i e l d o f
specialization. Our book
stores are filled with
books on creativity like
“Lateral thinking”,
“Think outside the box”
and so on. There is a
hunger for something
new, a longing for
something different and
anurgefor innovation.
C r e a t i v i t y o r
creative activity provides
an impetus to live a fuller
life for all those who engage in it. Among the many
definitions of humans, “human beings are creative
beings”, is one. In creative activity humans find
expression to themselves. Therefore, creativity is not
reserved only to artists, writers, philosophers,
musicians,butisopenfor everyone.
The notion of creativity has various nuances and can
be explored from various perspectives. But, in this
brief article, I would like to reflect on it from a
theological perspective. After reflecting on the root
of human creativity and its origin, I would go on to
reflect on what real creativity is and what it does to
humanbeings.
Therootof human creativity:
Human creativity stems from the fact of being created
as human. Genesis 1: 26 – 27 reveals, “"Then God
said, 'Let us make man in our image, in our likeness' ...
So God created man in his own image, in the image of
God he created him; male and female he created
them.” In these texts, we see primarily that God
created humans according to divine image and
likeness; therefore, humans share in the life of God
andparticipateinhis work.
But what does it really mean to be created in God's image
and likeness? The key phrase is, “image and likeness”. The
Hebrew word for “image” is “selem” which means a
duplicate or an idol, and for likeness it is “demut”, which
means appearance, similarity, analogy or copy. Though
these words have created considerable confusion among the
scholars, most agree that both are complementary, each
making the proposition more
precise.
It basically means that we are
a snapshot or facsimile of
God. At the least it means that
humans alone are imprinted
with God like character. Our
greatest fulfilment is to fully
actualizethisgodlikeness.
Human creative power
originatesfromGod:
God is the only true Creator,
while man's creativity is part
of God's image and likeness
given to man at creation. We
create because God created,
and we are creative because God is creative: “In the
beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis
1:1). However, God creates out of nothing ("ex nihilo"),
while man can "create" only out of pre-existing things.
Further, man is wholly dependent upon God in his creativity
because his creative ability, his very existence, and the pre-
existing"raw materials"heuses allcometohimfromGod.
Implicationsofbeingcreatedas creativebeings:
Having been created in God's image, and being bestowed
with godlike capacities we are not just finished products.
Unlike Plato's notion of ideal forms, our creativity is not just
the carbon copies of that absolute form, but rather as
Aristotle puts it, our creativity rests not so much in being as
in becoming. Each one of us has the potential to express our
creativity, though distinctively. We ought to express
ourselves and thereby actualize our true human nature,
whichis tobegodlike.
Sujay Daniel

Truecreativityand falsecreativity:
Creativity can never be restricted to innovative
thoughts, novel ideas, and path-breaking initiatives.
True creativity can never be isolated from the well-
being of people, never blind to the cries of nature and
environment. But, sadly, today creativity is confined
to brilliant ideas to sell products, innovative and
effective methods to eliminate vast populations,
systematic organization of oppressive societies, and
ruthless plundering of natural wealth - this is false
creativity.
Charactersoftruecreativity:
1. True creativity rests on the firm foundation of
God.
2. True creativity helps humans to channelize
their intellect, will and emotion in life-promoting and
life-sustainingdirection.
3. True creativity transforms human work into an act of
charity in loving service, especially towards the deprived and
discriminatedpeople.
4. True creativity brings into awareness the
interconnectednessofthingsattheveryorganiclevel.
5. True creativity works for the complete realization of
humanrights.
6. True creativity makes us not destroyers and
dominatorsof naturebutprotectorsandstewardsofcreation.
Conclusion:
Through creativity, we become partners in God's creating
and saving plan. We are called to put on the mantle of Christ
to have a new creative abundant life (Rom 6:4, Jn 15:11).
True creativity lies in actualizing the image and likeness of
God freely bestowed on us, by becoming aware of the radical
interrelatedness with all creation, and thus becoming persons
who promote and protect life rather than dominate over and
destroylife.
ordainedas priest?
Gratitude
Howwould you imageyourlifeintheSociety?
I image my life in the Society as a
growing plant which has been well
taken care, watered and manured to
beargood fruit.
What is yourlearning in these years
of your formation to priesthood?
How would you find yourself as a
priest?
The greatest learning I had is that I am
loved by God. The Society of Jesus
has trusted me so much. I have grown
in freedom because of the trust
reposed in me, and I've grown in
responsibility. I see myself as a priest
tobeablessingforall.
What is yourvision and mission as a priest?
My Mission is to be a compassionate person like
Jesus, and to treat everyone as a child of God and
henceasonetoberespected.
Howis priesthood relevantinthis generation?
Priesthood is more relevant today than ever before. In a fast
changing and globalised world, values and especially
human values are changing. We have more facilities and
comforts, but less time for others. Everything is measured in
terms of money; therefore there is a need of
a counter culture where the human values
are respected and Christ's values need to be
communicated. Therefore there is a real
needof committedpriests.
As the minister of the Church, how will
you bearwitness to theperson of Christ?
Being a Christian is becoming another
Christ. By our vocation to priesthood we
are called to be closer to Jesus and to live his
values in our life. Such a witness can be
borneonlythroughourlives.
What would be your message to your
youngerbrothers intheSociety?
Loveandbecompassionate.
INTERVIEW WITH
FR LANCY DIAS SJ
CREATIVITY IN LIKENESSCREATIVITY IN LIKENESS
AND IMAGE OF GODAND IMAGE OF GOD
CREATIVITY IN LIKENESS
AND IMAGE OF GOD Sujay DanielSujay DanielSujay Daniel Cont’d from pg. 12Cont’d from pg. 12Cont’d from pg. 12

Pg. 14Pg. 14Pg. 14 Writers’ ForumWriters’ ForumWriters’ Forum
INTERVIEW WITHINTERVIEW WITH
FR ARUN PRASHANTH D'SOUZA SJFR ARUN PRASHANTH D'SOUZA SJ
INTERVIEW WITH
FR ARUN PRASHANTH D'SOUZA SJ
ordainedas priest?
Joy and gratefulness! I feel joyful because my
childhood dream of being a priest of Christ has
become a reality. I feel grateful to God,
my parents and members of my family,
companions and formators and all those
people who have contributed so much
in this journey to priesthood. I believe
without their constant support and
guidance this dream would have
remainedbutadream.
How would you image your life in
Societyof Jesus?
I am only an instrument in the hands of
God. I am the clay, a pencil, a branch….
I am convinced God knows how to get
thebestoutof me.
What is your learning in these years of formation?
Howwould you find yourselfas apriest?
When I look back at these years of formation I realize I
am not the same person that I was 15 years back. First
of all, my formative years have molded me into a
better humane person. These years have enabled me to
have a better knowledge and understanding of God,
societyandself.
would like to see myself as someone who is
committed to Christ and his people.As a priest I would
consider myself a servant of Jesus and make myself
availablefor theneedsof theSociety.
What isyourvision and mission as a priest?
To radiate Jesus and His values! In other words, to be
another Jesus Christ in my thoughts, words and actions. I am
convinced my call is to be with the least, the last and the lost
of society. My mission is to be with
thosewho areontheperiphery.
How is priesthood relevant to this
generation?
If we believe that Christ is still
relevant then his priesthood is also
relevant. We need to define, or may be
re-define, the traditional concept of
priesthood. Jesus came to heal the
brokenness. We need to have the same
heart of Jesus. Today a priest has to
become a healer. He has to involve
himself in the life struggles and
brokenness of the people. He cannot remain secluded and
secure in his comfort zones. A priest today has to reach out,
ventureoutandstandupforthevaluesoftheKingdom.
As the minister of the church how will you bear witness
toChrist?
By my life! I believe there cannot be any substitute for life
example.
What would be your message to your younger brothers
inSocietyofJesus?
Live life for others; let God and you be the masters of your
life;do notbeafraidtobewhatyouare.

ordainedas priest?
Amixture of feelings well up in my heart. It's
difficult to name a particular
feeling. At this point of time, I
f e e l a g r e a t s e n s e o f
unworthiness coupled with a
deepgratitudeof heart.
How would you image yourlife in
theSociety?
As the book of Qohelet Ch 3
reads: “there is a time for
everything.Atime to sow, a time to
reap, a time to cry and a time to
celebrate”. I feel the years of
formation were the days of
moulding to equip myself for the
mission. Being an Ordained priest
opens up a new horizon. It is now
mytimetobearfruit.
What is your learning in these years of your
formationtoPriesthood?
Oh! This reminds me of Socrates, a great Greek
philosopher, whose watchword was: “Know
Thyself”.
I see the formation years as discovering my own self in
the light of Christ. The spiritual direction was a torch light in
thisjourney.
How would you find yourself as a
Priest?
Being a Priest of God is my childhood
dream. First and foremost I thank God for
giving me this grace. When I imagine
myself as a priest, I am always reminded
of Mother Teresa's advice to a Jesuit
scholastic. “Being a priest is not enough,
being a good priest is important…. The
Jesuit vocation is a very special type of
religious vocation, called to a great
spirituality. The Society has given many
saints to Mother Church.You are called to
aimatnothingless….”
What is your Vision and Mission as a
Priest?
To experience His presence at every moment of my life
andtobeablessingtotheworld.
INTERVIEW WITH
FR ROBERT RODRIGUES SJ
Writers’ ForumWriters’ ForumWriters’ ForumPg. 15Pg. 15Pg. 15jAnuArY 2015jAnuArY 2015jAnuArY 2015

Writers' Forum - January 2015

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