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Fr. John Puthuva |
Fr. Puthuva has been a relentless crusader against the denial of justice to the downtrodden and weaker sects in a number of social and environment issues. It was under his initiative the so called ‘Plachimada’ agitation took off against a beaverage company which got snowballed into a national issue and later lit spark for similar campaigns elsewhere. His presence was there in the midst of the tribes at Marad when the communal violence hit them very badly. Being an effective counselor and a peace-maker, he and his team visited house-to-houses to pacify the ill-affected adivasis preaching Christ’s forgiving love. Fr.Puthuva was there in the forefront when the ‘Muthanga’ tribal agitation took place.
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He was a fervent sympathizer with the evacuees at Moolampilly for their cause when the authorities were reluctant to provide their preliminary needs. Erayamkudy farmers’ protest was another incident where Fr. Puthuva spearheaded the movement against the brick factory owners raising the issue of environmental threat which was affecting the local agriculturists. He is the founder and current president of ‘Swaraj Foundation’ an organization which stands for the cause of social issues and support of the exploited communities.
Where ever there is denial of moral justice and human rights, especially to the oppressed, illiterate and weaker sects, Fr.Puthuva will always be there in the frontline, to defend them. Despite being a one-man-army many a times, it never dampened his spirit as an ardent advocate to work for them. Association with eminent personalities like Medha Patkar has been a great encouragement for him during his missions. Through all these persistent endeavors he is trying to witness Jesus Christ in his life- practicing what He preached…The spirit of the Lord is upon me.. he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor…the oppressed.. {Luke 6:18-19}
He has been organizing a program called “ Padanotsav” carrying the message of ‘Do not fear Examinations’ in schools and colleges. This program was mainly aimed at 10th, 11th & 12th standard students and their parents. It includes class, yoga, dhyanam (retreat) and mental preparation. Many such classes have been conducted through out Kerala so far.
‘One Banana Tree for each home’
It was yet another example of a team work project initiated by Fr. Puthuva to encourage the cultivation of banana trees thereby bring back the disappearing traditional agriculture atmosphere at every houses. This project was much discussed by the media and many articles were appeared in various current publications. A half-an-hour program was telecasted in the Asianet channel about this project. This was launched in the village called Kavaraparambu near Angamaly and was a grand success in motivating all the 800 houses in the village for planting banana trees. |
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