“God’s own country turning devilish?”
by The Rev. Dr. John T. Mathew, Mississauga, ON Canada on 2011-08-05 09:01:48 am
It was helpful to read your well-researched article, “God’s own country turning devilish?” by James Kottoor on the social malaise of Kerala. “God’s Own Country” is a hideous moniker to describe Kerala or any place on this planet. At best, such a smug, self-congratulatory designation is nauseating. I recall an incident when the Rev. Jim Hutton, my good friend and colleague, a priest from a Roman Catholic parish next door dropped by to see me one day and inquired what the map (of Kerala) behind my desk in my office was all about. He didn’t appear all that overwhelmed when I quipped, “It is the Holy Land!”. Animated to locate places like Bethlehem, Jerusalem or Nazareth on the map, he got up and scowled, “What place is this?”. I explained to him that Kerala was holy land for me. In fact, I worked in a Kibbutz and although the places I mentioned are very dear to my faith, Israel was no holier than any place elsewhere.
In other words, when we elevate our home state way upon a pedestal, as we often do with our icons and idols with feet of clay, the fall from stellar abode to diabolical abyss can be devastating.
Now, regarding the issues highlighted in your article, it would be impossible to see any light at the end of the tunnel until social issues such as poverty, unemployment, healthcare etc. are improved.
Isn’t it ironic to have up to date automobiles on our deplorable bumpy roads!. Similarly, Kerala boasts the highest alcoholic consumption in India with inadequate housing, poor infrastructure, healthcare etc.! Leaders of all sorts condemn alcoholism from platforms and pulpits; well, people who live in glass houses should not throw stones. No one person has all the answers but together, we might be able to accomplish positive results. As one who was called to bury too many addicts – both young and old, both women and men - I do not want to pretend to play the role of an armchair philosopher in this crisis. We have a long way to go yet towards a civil, prosperous society.