Celebrating the Legacy of Stan Swamy
On July 6th , the quiet village of Viragalur in Tamil Nadu, the birthplace of Stan Swamy, came alive with reverence and respect as it commemorated the 3rd Stan Swamy Day. This significant event was spearheaded by the Social Action Commissions of the Madurai and Chennai Jesuit Provinces under the banner of the Stan Swamy People’s Federation-TN, in collaboration with local villagers and the Stan Swamy Youth Association of Viragalur.
The day began with a special Eucharistic celebration led by Bishop Jeevanandam of Kumbakonam diocese. He was joined by Fr. Thomas Amirtham and Fr. Jebamalai Raja, Provincials of the Madurai and Chennai Provinces respectively, along with around 25 priests who gathered to honour the legacy of Stan Swamy. The Stan Swamy Youth Association, established just a year ago, took charge of the Mass arrangements and choir, working closely with parish priest Fr. Augustin and local sisters to ensure a solemn and meaningful service.
Following the Mass, attendees congregated around the relics of Stan Swamy, a crucifix and towel he used in his final moments, which have been displayed in a decorated box in the church for public honour. This poignant moment allowed all present to pay their respects to the martyr of our time.
A highlight of the event was the inauguration of the Stan Swamy Square, featuring a pillar for floral tributes located just in front of the church. The bishop, provincials, priests, and religious leaders, along with village leaders, youth, and civil society leaders from various parts of Tamil Nadu, participated in this ceremony. An extraordinary moment was witnessed when a bull, reared for jallikattu by Mr. Arul, a village leader, approached the Stan Swamy Square and bowed before Stan's picture, symbolizing profound respect.
The bishop, in the presence of Fr. Thomas Amirtham, Fr. Jebamalai Raja, and other leaders, blessed and laid the foundation stone for a bust of Stan Swamy to be installed in the church campus, further immortalizing his memory in his native village.
Stan Swamy Day in Viragalur was a moving tribute to a man who devoted his life to justice and the upliftment of the marginalized.
The commemoration continued with a public meeting that featured speeches from Mr. Kalidoss, the Politburo Member of CPI-TN and Mr. M.H.Jawahirulla, the President of Manithaneya Makkal Katchi and a sitting MLA. A notable highlight was the release of a book titled "Hidden Truth and Denied Justice," the Tamil translation of the forensic report by the Arsenal Computer Forensic Lab, compiled and published by LAAS, the Jesuit legal centre at Madurai. The first copies of the book were received by the bishop, Mr. M.H. Jawahirulla, and the village youth.
Cultural performances also enriched the day's events, with a troupe of volunteers from AHAL, PALAVAI, ITI at Ranipet, and AICUF-TN performing a street play titled "I am not a Silent Spectator," depicting the life and sacrifice of Stan Swamy. This troupe had toured neighbouring villages, inviting people to join the memorial event and distributing leaflets detailing Stan's life and legacy. The Jesuit pre-novices from Veerama Munivar Illam (VMI), Vilangudi portrayed the sacrifice of Stan through a song.
Stan Swamy Day in Viragalur was a moving tribute to a man who devoted his life to justice and the upliftment of the marginalized. The collaborative efforts of religious leaders, civil society, and the local community underscored the profound impact of Stan Swamy's legacy and ensured that his spirit of activism and compassion continues to inspire future generations.
Santhanam.SJ.
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