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An Indian Catholic priest of the Jesuit order, a tribal activist and a just human being, Fr Stan Swamy, was not a ‘Silent Spectator’. Today three years after his death, on July 5, 2024, the Jesuit Community commemorates Fr Stan’s fight for justice; his resilience in the face of animosity; and his battle for the Adivasi people to make them aware of their land, life, and labour rights.

The theme for the special assembly was Peace, Reconciliation and Justice. The students prayed for empathy rather than judgement; for peace in the world especially in India; and for restoration of a secular framework in society – a framework based on equality and fraternity. The prayer song mirrored the same theme. A brief of the life, work and struggles of the brave priest brought to the fore the reason for remembering and recalling the persona of Fr Stan. The students learnt that the future of the country was in their hands and the only way to success would be through peace and justice.

The Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Fr Lancy Dias in the school chapel. Father called Fr Stan the ‘Prophet Amos’ of our time as Fr Stan was a true follower of the gospel, the prophet for the poor and a person who chose to make a difference in the world. The Mass ended with Father asking the staff and students to be messengers of truth, love, peace, and justice.