4th Death Anniversary of Fr Stan Swamy SJ
To commemorate the enduring legacy of Fr Stan Swamy SJ and his unwavering commitment to human rights and the marginalized, AICUF Karnataka organized a Memorial Lecture on Human Rights on 5th July 2025 at St Joseph’s Pre-University College (SJPUC), Bangalore.
The program began with a warm welcome by Ms Nelisha Lobo, who set the tone for the evening by recalling Fr Stan’s vision of justice, peace, and dignity for all. Her welcome address highlighted the significance of youth engagement in promoting constitutional values and defending human rights.
This was followed by an Inter-Religious Prayer led by AICUF student members, symbolizing unity and the inclusive spirit that Fr Stan embodied throughout his life. Prayers from various faith traditions created a deeply spiritual and reflective atmosphere.
A homage and floral tribute to Fr Stan Swamy SJ was then observed, as students, animators, and dignitaries paid their respects to the courageous Jesuit who gave his life for the rights of the voiceless.
The ceremonial lighting of the lamp was done by the dignitaries – Mr Clifton D’Rozario, Mr Shaik Salman, Ms Thara T and Mr Bhaskar. This act symbolized the spreading of light through justice, truth, and resistance.
The reading of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution by Mr Shaik Salman was a powerful reminder of the values Fr Stan stood for: justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. It served as a call to the youth to continue striving for these ideals in their everyday lives.
The keynote address by Mr Clifton D’Rozario was the heart of the evening. He spoke passionately about the life and mission of Fr Stan Swamy, narrating his own personal experiences and interactions with him. Mr Clifton recounted how Fr Stan dedicated his life to defending the rights of Adivasis, Dalits, and the unjustly imprisoned. He also engaged the audience with thought provoking insights into constitutional values, encouraging the youth to question, learn, and take a stand for what is right.
An interactive Q&A session, moderated by Ms Jassica Sharal Santhmayor, followed the talk. The session saw enthusiastic participation from both young AICUFers and senior attendees, reflecting a collective curiosity and commitment to deeper understanding and action.
After the Q&A session, Ms Jesvita D’Souza took a moment to highlight the significance of the candlelight march. She emphasized that the march was not merely a symbolic act but a silent yet powerful protest – a tribute to Fr Stan Swamy SJ and a call for justice for all those who continue to be unjustly persecuted. Her words reminded everyone that Fr Stan’s mission lives on through every act of resistance and solidarity.
The program concluded with a candlelight march, symbolizing peace, resistance, and remembrance. The silent march was led by the AICUF team and concluded with a moment of silent prayer, offering homage to Fr Stan and all those who continue to struggle for justice in his spirit.
This memorial lecture was not just an event, but a reaffirmation of the path Fr Stan Swamy has paved a path of non-violent resistance, solidarity with the oppressed, and unwavering hope in the power of youth.
“Voice for the voiceless”, “We are all Fr Stan” – and the march continues.
The programme concluded with a group photograph, capturing the spirit of solidarity and the presence of passionate individuals committed to carrying forward Fr Stan Swamy SJ’s legacy. The photograph stands as a visual reminder of the collective commitment to “Creating a Hope-filled Future.”
