P. A. Chacko S. J.
Today the church observes, “The World Day of the Poor.”
Objective:
1. Raise awareness about poverty and its effects
2. Encourage solidarity with the poor
3. Promote actions to alleviate poverty.
4. Compassion and empathy for the poor.
5. Recognizing the dignity of every human being.
6. Addressing systemic injustices
Quotes from the Holy See:
“The poor are the flesh of Christ.” Pope Francis
“Poverty is not just economic, but also spiritual.” – Pope Benedict XVI
“The option for the poor is a fundamental dimension of Christianity.” – Pope John Paul II
Pope Francis in his message for this day has quoted Mother Teresa.
” In this context, it is beautiful to recall the testimony left to us by Mother Teresa of Calcutta, a woman who gave her life for the poor. Saint Teresa continually repeated that it was from prayer that she drew the strength and faith for her mission of service to the least among us. When she spoke at the General Assembly of the UN on October 26, 1985, showing everyone the rosary she always held in her hand, she said: “I am only a poor sister who prays. By praying, Jesus puts his love in my heart, and I go to give it to all the poor I meet along the way. Pray too! Pray, and you will notice the poor who are beside you. Perhaps on the same floor in your apartment building. Perhaps even in your houses, someone is waiting for your love. Pray, and your eyes will open, and your heart will fill with love”.
Poverty is not a wilful choice. It is a situation dumped on some by a topsy turvy socio-economic system. No one will want to remain poor or as victims of an unjust system that breeds poverty.
If India ranks 105 out of 127 countries in the latest 2024 Global Hunger Index, it is not the poor who are to be blamed.
According to the World Bank’s report, approximately 129 million Indians live in extreme poverty, surviving on less than Rs 181 per day.
Indian Express gives the
the list of top 10 Indians:
Mukesh Ambani- net worth at $116 billion
Gautam Adani – net worth at $84 billion
Shiva Nadar – net worth at $36.9 billion
Savitri Jindal – net worth at $33.5 billion
Dilip Shanghvi – net worth at $26.7 billion
Cyrus Poonawalla – net worth at $21.3 billion
Kushal Pal Singh – net worth at $20.9 billion
Kumar Birla – net worth at $19.7 billion
Radhakishan Damani – net worth at $17.6 billion
Lakshmi Mittal – net worth at $16.4 billion (indianexpress. com)
Forbes World’s Billionaires lists Mukesh Ambani as the richest Indian. India has now 200 billionaires .
When rich businessmen connive with the politicians for their ego benefit and not for the good of the nation, poverty increases. When a country’s socio-economic system tilts in favour of the wealthy and the powerful, poverty skyrockets.
When workers are not given proper wages, when unemployment increases, when the loan defaulters are made to jump the fence, when an unjust tax system is prevalent, when politicians pander to their private interests, poverty is glaring.