By Matters India Reporter
MUMBAI, November 6, 2026: — A new 965-page book titled “Christians in India, The Nation’s Vital Asset,” compiled and edited by Louis D’Silva, highlights the historical and contemporary contributions of the Christian community to India.
Published in 2026 by ST PAULS, located at 58/23rd Road, TPS III, Bandra West, Mumbai, the volume carries the ISBN 978-81-19597-25-3 and is priced at 700 rupees ($7.50). The work is reviewed by Ladislaus Louis D’Souza.
The book addresses a period when Christianity and its adherents face their toughest challenges by presenting profiles of notable personages and institutions that have influenced the nation.
Those profiled include Saint Thomas and Saint Francis Xavier, Kripa founder Father Joseph Pereira, top cop Julio Ribeiro, educationist Grace Pinto of the Ryan Group of Institutions, writer-journalist Lawrence Coelho (publisher of The Secular Citizen and DIVO), Indian Catholic Press Association social activist member John Dayal, and music aficionado Verus Ferreira.
Rooted in the Gospel call to be “the light of the world,” the publication portrays how a faith grounded in love, service, and compassion has shaped India’s social, cultural, and moral landscape.
The book covers the narrative of the Christian presence from its apostolic beginnings tied to Saint Thomas to today’s multicultural community.
It outlines contributions in education, healthcare, social reform, and humanitarian outreach directed toward marginalized and vulnerable populations.
Furthermore, it highlights Christian achievement across fields such as science, literature, public service, defense, arts, sports, and social leadership.
The author, D’Silva, was an active participant in the teachers’ movement for over two decades and served from 1978 to 1990 as an elected member of the Mumbai University Senate representing the Bombay University and College Teachers’ Union.
He was appointed coordinator for courses in arts at the university’s Directorate of Correspondence Courses by the then vice-chancellor.
D’Silva has also served as secretary of the Bombay University Political Science Teachers’ Association, vice-president of the Bombay Archdiocesan Pastoral Council, president of the Bombay Catholic Sabha, and president of the Newman Association of India.
D’Silva has received two Lifetime Achievement Awards: one from the Christi Sevak Federation in 2022 and another from the Bombay Catholic Sabha in 2023. He has written 10 books and numerous scholarly papers.
His previous works include “The Indian Constitution and Its Working”; “The Christian Community and the National Mainstream,” which was released in Mumbai by President Giani Zail Singh; “Parish Pastoral Councils in Bombay: Democratization and Vitalization,” released by Cardinal Simon Pimenta; and “Participatory Democracy and People Power,” released by Cardinal Oswald Gracias. D’Silva was also a sub-editor for the “Encyclopaedia of Christianity in India”.
“Christians in India, The Nation’s Vital Asset” contains 41 chapters divided into five distinct sections. Section I focuses on selfless service to both the church and the country. Section II addresses vital services rendered to the nation.
Section III highlights specific services performed by the community. Section IV examines basic services essential to national safety and integrity. Section V concludes with reflections on current realities.
The physical edition features a readable print layout and a cover color scheme reflecting the national tricolour.
In the book’s foreword, Retired Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Bombay, notes that readers may be inspired by the work of Christians in India and recognize their role as a vital asset to the nation.