निसर्गानं बहरलेला ‘सृजनाचा मळा’ - फादर फ्रान्सिस दिब्रिटो -पुस्तक - परिचय -

निसर्गानं बहरलेला ‘सृजनाचा मळा’
- कामिल पारखे Esakal,  रविवार, 3 ऑगस्ट 2014 - 01:26 PM IST
Tags: saptrang, book review

पुस्तक - परिचय

आपण सदैव निसर्गाच्या सान्निध्यात असतो, मात्र या समृद्ध निसर्गाच्या वैविध्याची अनुभूती आणि आस्वाद घेणाऱ्या व्यक्ती क्वचितच आढळतात. नेहमीच उगवणाऱ्या आणि मावळणाऱ्या सूर्यात काय नावीन्य आणि सौंदर्य, असं बहुसंख्य लोकांना वाटलं तरी संवेदनाशील व्यक्तीला प्रत्येक सूर्योदयात आणि सूर्यास्तात वेगवेगळ्या रंगछटांचं नावीन्य दिसत असतं. फादर फ्रान्सिस दिब्रिटो यांनी सृष्टीच्या या वेगवेगळ्या रूपांवर केलेलं चिंतन ‘सृजनाचा मळा’ या पुस्तकात आहे.

कविमनाचे फादर दिब्रिटो संवेदनाशील, हळवे आहेतच,  त्याशिवाय धर्मगुरू असल्याने आपल्या आसपास असलेल्या सृष्टीतील प्रत्येक बाबीवर चिंतन आणि मनन करण्याची त्यांची वृत्तीही आहे. त्यांच्या याआधीच्या पुस्तकांतून या प्रवृत्तीची वाचकांना ओळख झाली आहे. ‘सृजनाचा मळा’ हे पुस्तक सृष्टीच्या, निसर्गाच्या वेगवेगळ्या छटांवर लिहिलेले गद्य काव्य आहे. लेखकाचं बालपण निसर्गाची हरित देणगी असलेल्या वसईतील एका खेड्यात गेलं. त्यामुळे सृष्टीच्या, निसर्गाच्या विविध रूपांची त्यांना चांगली ओळख झाली.

आपल्या प्रस्तावनेत त्यांनी म्हटलं आहे; ‘आमचं बालपण केळीच्या बागांत, फुलांच्या ताटव्यांत, नारळी-पोफळी, चिंच, आंबा, तसेच करंज, वड, पिंपळ यांच्या सावलीत गेलं. गाभुळलेल्या चिंचा, पाडाला आलेले आंबे, बोरीला लगडलेली आंबट-गोड बोरं, घमघमणारा शापित केवडा, अग्निवर्ण आणि पांगारा, जीव वेडा करणारी बकुळ फुलं, आदी गोष्टी आम्हाला नेहमी खुणावत असत. सकाळी केळीच्या पानांवरून टपटपणाऱ्या दवबिंदूंत आम्ही न्हाऊन निघत असू. समुद्राची गाज आमच्या कानात, नव्हे, काळजात घुमत असे. वृक्ष, वेली, वनचरे आम्हालाही सोयऱ्यासारखी वाटत होती. निसर्गाच्या मांडीवर बसून आही जीवनाचे धडे शिकत आलो आहोत. ही अवघी सृष्टी म्हणजे सृजनाचा फुललेला मळा आहे. या मळ्याला पै-पर्जन्याच्या धारा सिंचन करतात. एकाकी  वाटणाऱ्या आभाळात मेघदूत विहार करतात. येथे रहाटावरची माळ, न कुरकुरता विहिरीत उतरते, पाण्याने भरते, वर येते, पन्हाळात रिकामे होते, रिकामी होते म्हणून पुन्हा भरते. समर्पण आहे म्हणून भरून पावणे आहे. येथे जीव लावणारे लोभसवाणे पक्षी आणि आत्म्याचं पोषण करणारे कोकिळगान आहे. कोजागरीच्या रात्रीचा नृत्यरंग आहे. गंधाच्या रानात ‘तो’ आणि ‘ती’ यांनी मांडलेला खेळ आहे. न बोलणारा चाफा आहे. चिमणा-चिमणीचा रेशीमगर्भ संवाद आहे.’’

निसर्गाचं निरीक्षण करताना संवेदनाशील मनाने केलेलं हे मुक्त चिंतन आहे, जीवनावर केलेलं भाष्य आहे, निसर्गातील विविध ऋतू, कोकिळकूजन, आम्रवृक्ष, टपोरं चांदणं, सुवासिक फुलं, संध्याछाया, रहाटमाळ यांचं निरीक्षण करता करता लेखक भावुक होतो. हे निसर्गचक्र आणि सृष्टीतील या घडामोडी सर्वांच्याच नजरेसमोर होत असतात. लेखकाने ही निसर्गचित्रं ओघवत्या ललित शैलीत रेखाटल्याने सृष्टीकडे अधिक आपुलकीच्या नजरेने पाहण्याची वाचकांना प्रेरणा मिळते.

धर्मगुरू या नात्याने लेखकाने विविध देशांत भ्रमंती केली आहे, ख्रिस्ती धर्माबरोबरच मराठी संतसाहित्याचा, हिंदू धर्माचा त्यांचा दांडगा अभ्यास आहे. त्याचं प्रतिबिंब या पुस्तकातून अनेकदा पडतं. जगातील कानाकोपऱ्यांतील सृष्टीचं रूप किती विभिन्न आहे, याचं वर्णन करताना लेखकाच्या वैश्‍विक वृत्तीचंही दर्शन घडतं. या पुस्तकात बायबलचे उतारे आहेत तसे ज्ञानेश्‍वरी आणि मराठी संतसाहित्यातील अवतरणंही आहेत. कुसुमाग्रज, इंदिरा संत आणि अमृता प्रीतम यांच्या काव्यपंक्तीबरोबरच इंग्रजी, लॅटीन आणि इतर पाश्‍चिमात्य भाषांतील संदर्भही आहेत. स्कॉटलंडला २१ जूनला तेथील प्रथेप्रमाणे न मावळणारा दिवस आणि न उगवणारी रात्र जागून काढताना फादर दिब्रिटो आपल्याकडील कोजागरीचे स्मरण करतात. तेथे ढगामुळे नक्षत्रांचं दर्शन होत नव्हतं. येथे लेखक म्हणतो, ‘‘शरदियेचे चंद्रकळेमाजी, अमृतकण कोवळे’ आपल्याकडे लुटायला मिळतात, दुधाप्रमाणे उतू जाणारे टिपूर चांदणं ही आपली मिजास.’’ पृथ्वीतलावर निसर्गाच्या विविध रूपांचं लेखक वर्णन करतो, जसं आपल्याकडे असणारा पाऊस आणि इंग्लंडसारख्या देशात हवं असणारं निळेभोर आकाश आणि पिवळंजर्द लुसलुशीत ऊन. निसर्गाकडे पाहून आपल्या जीवनावर केलेलं चिंतन आणि भाष्य या पुस्तकाचा गाभा आहे. निसर्गावर प्रेम करणाऱ्या, सृष्टीच्या विविध रूपांचं आकर्षण असणाऱ्या वाचकांना ही निसर्गचित्रं नक्कीच भावतील.

पुस्तकाचं नाव ः सृजनाचा मळा

लेखक ः फादर फ्रान्सिस दिब्रिटो

प्रकाशक ः राजहंस प्रकाशन, पुणे (०२०-२४४७३४५९)

पृष्ठे : १३८, मूल्य ः १५०.

Interview of Pimpri-Chinchwad's Deputy Regional Transport Officer Ajit Shinde

‘We want to ensure fast delivery of driving licences, other documents’
- CAMIL PARKHE Sakal Times Saturday, 26 July 2014 - 11:52 PM IST
Tags: PCMC, industrial township, transport, RTO, road safety, driving licences, Pimpri, Camil Parkhe

The number of vehicles in the industrial township of Pimpri-Chinchwad has been rising steadily. Pimpri-Chinchwad's Deputy Regional Transport Officer Ajit Shinde speaks to Camil Parkhe on his plans to ensure road safety and expedite procedure for those purchasing new vehicles, seeking driving licences and other documents.

What are the challenges faced by the deputy regional transport office in Pimpri-Chinchwad?
The vehicle population in Pimpri-Chinchwad and surrounding areas has been increasing. The transport vehicles in the city are around 90,000 and the total number of vehicles including private vehicles in the jurisdiction of our office is 11 lakh. The jurisdiction of the office includes Pimpri-Chinchwad as well as some nearby towns. This calls for measures to ensure regular inspections of all kinds of vehicles. Those seeking learner's driving licence and driving licence need to be issued the documents expeditiously and hassle-free.

What are the measures undertaken by your office to improve services to the people?
We are undertaking inspection of vehicles, private and commercial to ensure safety of the road users. The inspection involves checking brakes and vehicle documents. There is no issue of staff personnel. The autorickhaws in the city are now fitted with electronic meters. People can lodge a complaint if any of the autorickshaw drivers refuse to charge fares as per the meter reading and we will take action against the erring drivers. School transport committees comprising delegates of parents, school management and transporters are also formed to provide safe transport to school students.

What are the new facilities that are planned by your office?
My office has planned various measures to ensure transparent and expeditious functioning to provide better quality of service to people. Our office has already introduced online registration for securing learner's licences with effect from July 22. The office will shift to the new spacious premises within three to four months. We want to ensure 'zero pendency' functioning with immediate delivery of driving licences, registration certificate (RC) cards and other documents.

 

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Invite Pope to India, Pune Christians urge govt

Sakal Times
- CAMIL PARKHE Sunday, 27 July 2014 - 11:26 PM IST
Tags: Pope Francis, India, invite, United Christians, St Francis Xavier, relics

Pune: United Christians, a city-based organisation, has urged local MP Anil Shirole to intercede on behalf of local Christians and invite Pope Francis to India on occasion of exposition of relics of St Francis Xavier in Goa this year.

In a memorandum submitted to Shirole, the members of the organisation said the Catholic community in the city and country was "saddened and disappointed" to learn that Pope Francis, the head of the Catholics in the world, was not visiting India to attend the exposition. The exposition of relics of St Francis Xavier, the 17th century Spanish Jesuit, is held in Goa every 10 years and is attended by a large number of Christians from all over the country and abroad.

The United Christians delegation that met Shirole included Francis Britto, Ashwin Rego, Sachin Ambrithraj and Peter D'Cruz.

The organisation has urged the Lok Sabha Member to intercede on behalf of Pune's 1.5 lakh Catholics with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to extend an invitation to Pope Francis, who is also head of the Vatican State, to visit India.

Peter D'Cruz told Sakal Times that Shirole handed over a copy of the memorandum to Swaraj in New Delhi on Saturday. The Union minister has assured him that she will look into the matter, Shirole informed representatives of the United Christians.

The Catholic Church last month officially confirmed that the Pope was not scheduled to visit Goa to attend the exposition. Incidentally, Goa Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrão called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, when the latter visited Goa early last month. It was not known whether the issue of inviting the Pope to India during the exposition was discussed during the meeting.

Decennial exposition starts in November

The decennial exposition of the sacred relics of Goa's patron saint, St Francis Xavier, the 17th century Spanish Jesuit, will be held in Old Goa from November 22 this year to January 4, 2015.

Incidentally, Pope Francis himself is the first Jesuit, a member of the priests' congregation Society of Jesus, to be elevated to the Papacy. 

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Comment

Vincent Bagul - Tuesday, 29 July 2014 - 10:48 AM IST

The United Christians should have sent their invitation directly to the Pope. Why do they have to ask the local MP to intervene? Does not the Pope listen to the Christian people? It is true that the Pope holds dual post as the Head of the Vatican State and as the Head of the Catholic Church. But the Christians are expecting the Pope in India only as the Head of the Catholic Church. If the Pope has interest in his faithful flock, he should come on his own. Why involve the Government of India?

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‘Live and let live is the message preached during Chaturmas’

‘Live and let live is the message preached during Chaturmas’
Sakal Times - CAMIL PARKHE Thursday, 17 July 2014 - 11:10 PM IST
Tags: Jain community, Ratanmuniji, Chaturmas, Pune, Camil Parkhe, quick takes

The four-month holy Chaturmas period of the Jain community is being observed from July 11 to November 6. Various religious programmes are being organised at Jain temples and other institutions. Ratanmuniji, who has been camping at Moraya Yatri Nivas in Chinchwadgaon, speaks to Camil Parkhe about the significance of Chaturmas.

What is the significance of the Chaturmas period?
Chaturmas is the four month period during the Monsoon when various forms of life, including insects, are born. The Jain munis continue their sojourn for religious preaching during the eight months of the year and during Chaturmas they rest at a particular site so that no form of life is harmed because of their physical movement. Ahimsa or non-violence and respect for all forms of life are the most important tenets of the religion. 'Live and let live' is the message preached during Chaturmas.

What religious activities are performed during this period?
During Chaturmas, munis reside at a particular chosen venue where they carry out various religious activities along with the local devotees. They deliver discourses, guide the devotees on scriptures and conduct debates on religious and ethical issues. Chaturmas is the holy period of prayer, meditation and penance. The religious activities at the Jain institutions are attended by a large number of devotees.

What is the message given to people during Chaturmas?
The message to Jain devotees and also people of other faiths is to respect all forms of life, follow ahimsa (non-violence) and promote peace. Being materialistic and selfish results in hatred, while love and sacrifice bring happiness and peace. Jain religion preaches sacrifice and sharing of one's assets with the underprivileged. That is why members of the Jain community are seen giving alms and participating in charitable activities.

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Football loyalties divided between two Popes!

Football loyalties divided between Popes!
- CAMIL PARKHE Sakal Times Sunday, 13 July 2014 - 03:10 PM IST
Tags: football, FIFA, FIFA world cup 2014, Argentina, Germany, Pope Francis, Pope Benedict,Valerian D’Souza

Pune: With Argentina and Germany facing each other in the World Cup football finals on Sunday, Catholic fans across the world seem to be in a dilemma about which team to support. This is because, Pope Francis, head of the Roman Catholic Church, hails from Argentina and his predecessor, Emeritus Pope Benedict, hails from Germany.
This queer dilemma has been brought to light by Pune’s Emeritus Bishop Valerian D’Souza on his Facebook page. Bishop Valerian, who has played football for his alma mater St Vincent’s High School, has said there is much speculation about whom Pope Francis and Pope Benedict will pray for when Argentina and Germany face each other in the finals.
“If they pray for their respective national teams, will that not put God in a quandary? There might be an urgent conference with the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit to solve the problem,” writes the retired Bishop.
According to Bishop Valerian, numerous fans have been praying for the success of their favourite teams. “Did God answer their prayers? In sports, God is only interested in smooth and fair play. The prayers of Pope Francis, Pope Benedict, all sports loving cardinals, bishops and priests will lead to an excellent and thrilling match. May we feel at the end that there should be joint winners,” he said.
Emeritus Bishop D’Souza said that he has been watching all the matches. “However, I will not watch the finals in the wee hours. I will catch the replay later,” he said. 

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Pope not coming to India disappoints people

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Pope not coming to India disappoints people
Camil Parkhe - Sakal Times Tuesday, 1 July 2014 - 12:09 AM IST
Tags: Pope Francis, Catholic Church

Pune: The official confirmation by the Catholic Church that Pope Francis will not visit Goa and other parts of India, during the forthcoming exposition of relics of St Francis Xavier in Goa, has disappointed Christians here.

It was widely believed that Pune, having major church institutions, will be a part of the Pope's itinerary if he decides to visit the country.

Goa Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao had announced in Panaji, Goa, last week that there are no plans for the visit of Pope Francis during the exposition of the relics of the Jesuit Spanish saint Francis Xavier. The decennial exposition will be held from November 22 this year to January 4, 2015.

Incidentally, Pope Francis is also the first Jesuit, a member of the Society of Jesus congregation, elevated to the papacy. Therefore, it was believed that he may visit Goa and other parts of India during the exposition of the relics of a fellow Jesuit. 

Pune Bishop Thomas Dabre has said, “It is natural that Christian devotees will be disappointed that the Holy father is not visiting India.” 

Speaking to Sakal Times, the bishop, however, clarified that Pope Francis' India visit was not planned as the Government of India had not extended a formal invitation to the head of the Catholic Church.

He said that the Catholic Bishops Conference of India delegation had met the then Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh some months ago to seek extending an invitation to Pope Francis to visit India during the exposition period.

"However, the Government of India did not make any move and therefore, no plans were made for the Pope's visit,” Bishop Dabre said. Peter D'Cruz, an activist and leader of the local United Christians Front, has said that even now, the Government of India can initiate steps to arrange for the Pope's visit during the exposition.

“The BJP government at the Centre and also in Goa State should expedite the formalities to invite the Pope, the leader of the largest religious community in the world, to India. The exposition of relics of St Francis Xavier, held once in a decade, is a major event for the Christians in the country.” D'Cruz said. 

Jesuit Provincial of South Asia Fr George Pattery interview.

‘Challenge is to take forward the thrust Pope is giving to Church’     Sakal Times
- CAMIL PARKHE Sunday, 22 June 2014 - 02:17 PM IST
Tags: Father George Pattery, Jnana Deep Vidyapeeth , Jesuits, Camil parkhe

Father George Pattery, acting president of the Pune-based Jnana Deep Vidyapeeth (JDV), has been appointed the Jesuit Provincial of South Asia. Earlier, he had taught at Visva-Bharati University, Shantiniketan in West Bengal  for 10 years and later  served as head of Kolkata Jesuit province. Fr Pattery spoke to Camil Parkhe about  his new role.

What are the responsibilities of the Jesuit Provincial of South Asia?

There are nearly 4,000 Jesuits working in 20 Jesuit provinces in this region. There are more than  100 high schools and colleges, besides many centres of social concerns.  Jesuits, the members of Society of Jesus, are mostly engaged in education at the school and graduate levels. Social involvement, especially with tribals and dalits is one of the major thrusts; so also dialogue with religions and cultures. My role  is to support these Jesuit missions in education, social involvement and spiritual animation. I will have to strengthen the common works of these provinces, especially in social involvement and formation of our men. Besides I will have to network with the international Jesuits community, especially with our headquarters in Rome.

What will be your priorities?

My priorities will be  to strengthen the three faculties of the Pune-based  JDV, Vidyajyothi  in Delhi and Satyanilayam in Chennai in their philosophical and theological studies;  to respond to the socio-political issues in South Asia and to train our men for the challenges of our mission of 'being men for others'.

What are the challenges you perceive in the present circumstances?

My challenges are to take forward the thrust that Pope Francis is giving to the church and to make visible the gospel values of compassion and gentleness, to respond to the growing religious and cultural fundamentalism and violence and to care for the poor and to receive their gift of generosity.  The patrimony that we have inherited from  our founder  St Ignatius of Loyola is  the spiritual tool of being 'contemplative in action'; it is one of the riches that we share with men and women of all religions and cultures.