I hope this finds you well.
I write to share a campaign to remember Fr Stan Swamy SJ, an Indian Jesuit and activist who spent five decades fighting for Indigenous rights in the state of Jharkhand. At the end of a very full life, Fr Stan suffered in inhumane conditions in an Indian prison. He died in July 2021 after seven months of unjust imprisonment on trumped-up charges of terrorism.
Four years ago, Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) supporters participated in a campaign to send cards for Fr Stan’s 84th birthday to the India High Commissioner in Canada to call attention to his case.
Friends and supporters in India and around the world continue to campaign for his name to be cleared so that his legacy as a human rights defender will be more prominent than the false charges against him.
Currently CJI is participating in an international campaign with other Jesuit organizations around the world in honour of what would have been Fr. Stan’s 88th birthday on April 26.
I am writing to you now to invite you to remember Fr. Stan Swamy and send a card addressed to the Indian government requesting that his name be cleared. You might like to write your own message or copy the one below:
Dear Mr. Naik,
I call upon the Government of India to clear the name of Jesuit priest Fr. Stan Swamy SJ who worked tirelessly for the people of India, and who was innocent of the charges against him.
Send your cards to:
Mr. Chinmoy Naik
Acting High Commissioner
High Commission of India
10, Springfield Road
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
K1M 1C9
If you choose to send a card, please send a copy or write an email to this address [email protected]
CJI would like to let the Jesuits in India know how many people are participating in the campaign.
In this season of Lent, as we accompany Jesus through his death and resurrection, we remember Fr. Swamy who was persecuted for standing by the side of those who are persecuted.
Sincerely,
Jenny Cafiso
Executive Director
Canadian Jesuits International
