Media Release
Bengaluru, Nov 16: The Commission for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) of the Holy Trinity Capuchin Province of Karnataka organized a seminar on “Raising hope for climate justice” on November 15 at the Darshan Institute of Theology, Bangalore. Fr Robin Victor D’Souza, the provincial minister, was present along with the friars of the province, students from the Kripalaya Institute of Philosophy, the Darshan Institute of Theology, diploma students of the Franciscan Institute of Spirituality India (FISI), Bangalore, and members of the Conference of Religious India (CRI), Kengeri Zone.
The seminar commenced with a prayer, followed by a warm welcome from Fr Anthony Raj the chairperson of JPIC.
The keynote address was delivered by Fr Augustine Lourdu, OFM, the JPIC India coordinator for the OFM. He emphasized the spiritual dimension of climate protection, highlighting how caring for the environment is an essential expression of our responsibility as God’s creation to safeguard the rest of God’s creation.
The first talk of the day was presented by Bargavi Rao, climate justice and community action leader. She discussed the challenges faced by common people due to unjust developmental practices—issues such as loss of land, unemployment, and the daily struggle for livelihood caused by exploitative corporate activities.
In the afternoon, Jeeth Milan Roche, environmentalist and social entrepreneur, shared concrete action plans for environmental conservation. He spoke about his own initiatives in the Mangalore region and demonstrated how simple, consistent steps especially through tree planting can make a significant impact on the environment.
The seminar concluded with group discussions, during which participants shared practical suggestions on how individuals and communities can take small but meaningful steps toward environmental protection and nurturing hope in the face of climate change.
Fr Rohan Lobo anchored the seminar, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Fr Naveen D’Souza.
To commemorate the seminar with a tangible commitment to creation care, a plant was gifted to each participating community.