Editorial

Putting Things in Perspective

Opinion | Editorial | John S. Shilshi | 13-Aug-2022

Even as the North East Catholic Research Forum (NCARF) prepares itself to meet physically for the first time on the 20^th of August, 2022, we are tempted to put few things in perspective. Come 16th of September 2022, and NECARF Review would be completing two glorious years of Scholarly indulgence, with learned individuals contributing on various issues and subjects ranging from Church histories to contemporary topics. It needs mentioning that the forum was an initiative of enlightened Catholics of the region. Though NECARF essentially is lay dominant in its membership, there was no shying away in the inclusion of priests and religious, who opted to be members because they wanted to be part of this very open forum of discourse that debate, discuss and decide. Today, we have one hundred and forty plus knowledgeable Catholics from all the eight states of our region in one platform, exchanging ideas and opinions as learned people would, as they bridged gaps between generations.

We are aware that the Catholic Church has a history of some Lay organisations developing differences with the Church bodies - a predominant domain of the clergy. Therefore, at the very beginning of our journey, we vouched to be non-interfering, non-controversial, neutral and objective. This is possible only if debates and discourses are based on sound knowledge and scholarly appreciations, and not driven by emotions and sentiments. It is possible only if Merit got the better of Ego. We are happy that we have lived up to what we envisaged to be when we decided to take the first step. Our indulgences thus far has been mostly in the form of providing knowledge and balanced questioning when needed. NECARF’s views on the unjust arrest of (late) Fr. Stan Swamy, and his subsequent unfortunate demise, and also the stand taken on the blatant violation of human rights in Oting (Nagaland) by the Indian Army, were the examples.

On the literary front, the content of NECARF Review is testimony to our commitment to share knowledge. The site which gets updated every month comes rich with topics ranging from Church histories of different states, education, pandemic, culture, legal, folk lore and tales, anecdotes & experiences and other secular writings, dolling out a handy knowledge bank for those seeking information on various subjects. Also the NE Brief update connects us to what is happening across the Archdiocese/Diocese of the region – achievements, breakthroughs, bereavement etc. quicker than ever. The site also gives opportunities to Catholic writers to express themselves on any topics or issues they consider useful and important. So much so, that few outside-region readers saw the site’s contents as unique and variety-filled, which indeed is encouraging.

All in all, it has been twenty three months of meaningful engagement – a fulfilled indulgence in more ways than one. We thank all those who took the trouble to contribute articles on various topics and enriched the content of NECARF Review. As we enter the third year of our journey, we urge young scholars and professionals to disseminate knowledge through their writings and be an inspiration to others. We also urge every reader to kindly share articles they read to their friends, by clicking the desired social media link given below each article. We shall also appreciate valuable comments in the space provided for.

With the Covid lockdown finally breaking free, and the first ever physically meeting taking place since inception, we trust NECARF shall begin to walk the talk and serve the Catholic community, so also others by disseminating knowledge, worthy of a Think – Tank that guides, directs and steer healthy discussions and discourses without fear and favour. Though a small milestone, it is a journey that calls for self-taps on our shoulders and say, “Well done and congratulations!!”  For, this is a collective triumph!

 

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