Press Release
In a press statement issued today, December 5, Karnataka State President of the All India Catholic Union, Alwyn D’Souza Paneer strongly condemned the recent statements made by Pramod Muthalik and Dr. Vijayalakshmi Balekundri. He stated, “Christians in India have made tremendous contributions in the fields of medicine, education, and humanitarian service.”
Alwyn D’Souza Paneer
Karnataka State President of the All India Catholic Union
Sharp response to the controversy over Christmas holidays
Criticising Muthalik’s warning that Christmas holidays should be reduced and schools would be locked up if not, Alwyn D’Souza said:
“No one has the right to threaten to lock schools. The reason most students in India choose Christian institutions is because of their quality of education. Using threatening language regarding holidays is not an appropriate or civilized approach.”
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Condemnation of comments made about convent education
He condemned the remarks made by Dr. Vijayalakshmi Balekundri about students studying in convent schools.
“Students educated in convent schools have not betrayed the nation; they are contributing to nation-building,” he asserted.
Calling these statements “derogatory and baseless,” he urged the government to take such remarks seriously. He demanded that the government file suo motu cases and take appropriate legal action against both individuals.
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Prominent leaders who studied in Christian schools
Highlighting the many national and state leaders, administrators, and soldiers who have studied in Christian institutions, he questioned:
“Senior BJP leaders, MPs, former Union Ministers, and many who serve in the defence sector are products of Christian education. Have they turned into terrorists? Are their achievements not a matter of pride for the nation?”
He listed several leaders educated in Christian schools:
Udupi MP Shobha Karandlaje, former Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda, former Union Home Minister L.K. Advani, J.P. Nadda, Arun Jaitley, Manohar Parrikar, Mangaluru MP and soldier Brijesh Chowta, Piyush Goyal – all studied in Christian institutions.
He questioned, “According to the allegations made, are all these leaders terrorists? Why did they not become terrorists? These statements must be immediately withdrawn. And why are all these leaders silent?”
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Praise for Speaker U.T. Khader
He described Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader as a “soldier of discipline” and stated that “convent education is the foundation of his discipline, attitude, and personality.”
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Role of the Christian community in service
He recalled the significant service rendered by Christian institutions and doctors during crises like COVID-19, AIDS, and leprosy.
“Christian doctors have worked day and night to save lives during critical times. Their service deserves respect, not insults,” he said.
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Appeal to the government
He urged the government to act against statements that create societal division.
“Speeches that divide communities must be stopped immediately. If necessary, the government should file suo motu cases and initiate legal action,” he demanded.