By Saramma Emmanuel

Bhopal: Catholic bishops in India received tips on family and environment protection from an unexpected source – the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh.

“We need to protect our rivers, natural environment, rocks, trees and all the living beings on earth, including birds, fish and everything under the sun, as they all have the space to grow on earth. They are all part of our family,” Shviraj Singh Chouhan said.

He was the chief guest at a civic reception given to the prelates on February 5 at St Joseph Co-Ed School auditorium in Bhopal, the state capital.

As many as 138 prelates, including two cardinals, of the Latin rite wing of the Indian Church were in the central Indian city during January 31-February 8 for their 29th annual plenary assembly.

The prelates from 132 of India’s 171 dioceses deliberated on revitalizing the Catholic families in India in accordance with the exhortation of Pope Francis’ Amoris Laetitia (Promoting the Joy of Love in Our Families).

Applauding the prelates for choosing the theme of family for their discussion, Chouhan said, “We follow the principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” a Sanskrit phrase meaning “the world is one family.”

The idea of family, the chief minister explained, expanded from biological family to village, block, district, state, country and now the entire globe. “Now people from all walks of life across the globe without any exception belong to the one global family.”

“We cannot have a happy life without care and protection to the environment in which we live in,” stressed the longest serving chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, known for his simplicity.

“The crucifixion of Jesus Christ,” he explained, “is one of the greatest examples of love that even he forgave to those instrumental in crucifixion.”

The chief minister said he was striving hard to promote happiness in the state and opened a separate department for it (promoting happiness) despite criticism and mocks from different quarters.

He lauded the Catholic community for its great contribution in the field of education in the state.

The Catholics are engaged in philanthropic activities with special focus on education and health.

Archbishop Leo Cornelio of Bhopal, who heads the Catholic Church in the state, commended Chouhan for his efforts to protect the environment especially Narmada river, considered to be holy to Hindus, with a special drive – Narmada Seva Yatra (save Narmada march).

The move tries to educate people on the need to protect the river.

Archbishop Cornelio had joined Chouhan in the Narmada Seva Yatra (save Narmada march) that appealed the people to keep the river clean.