Date:01/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/01/stories/2008070161690300.htm

Kerala - Kochi

Protest rally by Archdiocese

Staff Reporter

Demand to remove controversial Class VII textbook

Photo: Vipin Chandran

IN PROTEST: A rally taken out by members of the Archdiocese of Verapoly demanding the withdrawal of the controversial Class VII textbook, in Kochi on Monday. —

KOCHI: The members of the Archdiocese of Verapoly took out a march to the Kanayannur taluk office on Monday demanding the withdrawal of the controversial social studies textbook of Class VII. Archbishop Daniel Acharuparambil inaugurated the rally.

Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Karikkassery inaugurated the dharna that was held in front of the taluk office.

The protest call was made by the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council. Inaugurating the rally, the Archbishop said the believers would protect their faith at any cost. Any textbook which torpedoes belief in God and moral values would be resisted. The protest would continue till the authorities withdrew the offensive textbook and made amends. Wider agitations would be held after consultations with like-minded organisations. He warned that this was not a trial of strength or a tug-of-war but a stir to urge the government to withdraw its adamant attitude on the issue. He wanted God Almighty to enlighten the government to lead in the proper way for people’s welfare. Members from 125 parishes in the Archdiocese participated in the dharna.