by Fr Adolf Washington - Bangalore
Bangalore, Sep 7: “India has not done sufficient work on the welfare of women and Children. There has to be judicial and police reforms that can address issues of Juvenile justice more seriously and efficiently. I have worked for over twenty years on juvenile justice and find that there is still a lacuna somewhere. Both the Judiciary and the Police departments have to re-strategise ways and means to handle issues of juvenile justice.” Governor Hans Raj Bhardwaj told a large gathering of over one thousand people at the Christ University auditorium, 6pm, Sunday August 7th.
He was Chief Guest at the programme organised by ECHO (Empowerment of Children and Human Rights Organisation). “Where are the homes for protection, rehabilitation and correction, for juvenile delinquents?” he asked, saying that more and more cases of juvenile delinquents being abused in these homes are being reported. He expressed dismay over the increasing number of dowry cases and violence and injustice against women and children. “I frankly want to say that neither the Judiciary or the Police Machinery is still not competent enough to handle juvenile problems and juvenile justice” the Governor added.
“So many commit crime, but it is always the weaker who are punished” he added. In an interview with NDTV at the venue, he expressed amazement over the stage performance of the children in a skit called ‘Parivartanam’ that highlighted the plight of these children. “I am amazed that the children who do not word of english, performed the skit in english”.
The Governor also observed that stories of violence and injustice against children and women reported in the press are far too less than what is really happening. “Many painful stories go unreported” he said.
Applauding the work of the Church in India, in the presence of the Archbishop of Bangalore, Rev. Dr. Bernard Moras, he said “The Church has high ideals for social justice. The Bible teaching of love your neighbour as yourself is wide enough for people of all religions to accept. This is basically the yardstick for establishing justice in society. We must also respect the ideals of the church or anybody who is promoting justice and equality in the society”
Archbishop Dr Bernard Moras who was a guest of honour at the function said, “Justice is the core principle of all relgions. Our faith in God must co-exist with efforts to establish a world of justice and peace. When we turn a deaf ear to the lonely, lost and the voiceless, we would be failing in living the true meaning of religion”.
Guiness record holder (youngest director in the world ) kishan was also present.