Love one another

Bishop Valerian D’souza,also known just as Bishop Valerian,was elected as the Bishop of Poona in the year 1977. Speaking about his experiences,he says,“I was born and bought up in Poona. So,I have literally seen the city change in front of my eyes. From being a pensioner’s retreat to a bustling city,Poona has changed a lot. Maybe change is not the best thing that has happened to the city but it is not the worst thing either. Back in the late 60s and 70s,there used to be just 40-50 people for the main prayer services everyday. But now,things have changed and close to 600-700 people come over for the services. From this,one can get an idea of how the city has expanded over a period of just 30 years.”

Elaborating on the past,he says,“Back then,in the 70s and 80s,this city was a very simple place. In fact,people then had time to socialise,meet up with family and friends. However,as times changed,industrialisation took roots and people got busy. And now they have got so preoccupied with their work and lives that they do not have time to contact each other or even talk to their own family members. The change in the city has come at the cost of its innocence.”

“However,in many ways,even though the recent economic recession has affected people around the world,it has gotten them closer to their family and friends. Moreover,it is also making people realise that work is made for man and not vice-versa. Even though it took a problem like this to bring people closer to their own family members and friends,at the end of the day,it is important to connect with them as they only are the real strength of an individual,and not greed for power and money,as we are falsely led to believe,” he adds.

Asked what advice does he have for citizens,he says,“One of the most important things that I would like to tell citizens of Pune is the fact that I hope they find time to communicate with their families,to love one another and not bicker and quarrel. Moreover,I also hope that those who are holding positions of authority should utilise them for the good of the people and the latter should reciprocate the same by discharging their duties properly. As far as youth of the city is concerned,there are so many points of view to disillusion them,due to which they end up making the wrong choices. I hope they manage to hold their own and make right decisions.”

And finally,when asked about his plans after retirement,he says,“There is a plan written down for every individual by god. The plan that he wrote for me was to be the Bishop of the city I was raised in. As far as my post-retirement plans are concerned,let’s see what he has in store for me. I am really not too worried; whatever is decided for me,I’ll do it,” he says with a smile.