For
some, the thoughts come easily, dripping with patriotism
or pure venom. For others, it needs hours of conversation
for the words and feelings, usually buried deep or hardly
ever considered, to surface. INDIA
TODAY presents frank, unguarded
thoughts of some of the best known -- and some totally
unknown -- people across the nation who make up the
fabric of India. After 50 years of Independence, this is
the voice of India, a reflection of who we are. It shows
how far we have come. And how far we need to go.
Interview by KALLI PURIE
Photograph by BANDEEP SINGH
FATHER
ARNAUT PINTO,
Rector, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa
Each country and culture has its genius. But however much
I like the French or the Portuguese, I am not French, or
Portuguese. I am born in India. I have an identity of my
own.
Freedom is important, but when understood properly. There
is no use of Independence if I'm dying of hunger.
India is not free. Two-thirds of our people are below the
poverty line. There is corruption in our country,
injustice, bonded labour of our children. Where are our
politicians? What are they doing? Politicians distort
religious values to get vote banks -- no religion teaches
hatred. This causes tremendous sorrow to my soul. The
country is a gift of God. It doesn't belong to this or
that individual. I pray for India.
For
some, the thoughts come easily, dripping with patriotism
or pure venom. For others, it needs hours of conversation
for the words and feelings, usually buried deep or hardly
ever considered, to surface. INDIA
TODAY presents frank, unguarded
thoughts of some of the best known -- and some totally
unknown -- people across the nation who make up the
fabric of India. After 50 years of Independence, this is
the voice of India, a reflection of who we are. It shows
how far we have come. And how far we need to go. 
FATHER
ARNAUT PINTO,
Rector, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa
