Thiruvananthapuram: The Catholic Congress’s statewide ‘Rights Protection March,’ which began in Kasaragod on October 13, reached its powerful conclusion in the state capital today. The final leg of the march commenced at 10 a.m. from Palayam Martyrs’ Hall and proceeded towards the Secretariat, where thousands gathered for a massive rally and dharna. The movement, which resonated with the slogan “Justice is not generosity but right,” has become one of the most significant mass mobilizations in recent years for the protection of constitutional, educational, and minority rights in Kerala.
The concluding session of the march was chaired by Catholic Congress President Prof. Rajeev Kochuparampil and inaugurated by Mar Thomas Tharayil, Metropolitan Archbishop of Changanassery Archdiocese. The benediction address was delivered by Bishop Legate Mar Remigius Inchananiyil. The event also marked the formal announcement and dedication of the Catholic Congress Rights Charter, symbolizing a renewed pledge to safeguard justice and equality across all sections of society.
The march, which passed through all 14 districts of Kerala, drew widespread attention for its extensive outreach and strong public participation. Beginning in the northernmost district of Kasaragod, the procession traveled through Panathur, Chittarikkal, Peravoor, Mananthavady, Thiruvambady, Mannarkkad, Thrissur, Irinjalakuda, Angamaly, Kothamangalam, Kattappana, Kanjirappally, Pala, Kottayam, Kuttanad, Changanassery, Alappuzha, and finally Thiruvananthapuram. At each major stop, mass gatherings were organized where social and community leaders addressed the crowd, demanding justice and equal opportunities.
Spiritual guidance for the march came from the leadership of the Syro-Malabar Church. Among those who addressed gatherings at different centers were Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil, Archbishops Mar Andrews Thazhath, Mar Joseph Pamplani, and Mar Thomas Tharayil, along with Bishops Mar Joseph Kallarangatt, Mar Pauly Kannookadan, Mar Jose Pulickal, Mar Jose Porunnedam, Mar Peter Kochupurackal, Mar Tony Neelankavil, Mar John Nellikunnel, and Mar Joseph Pandarasseril. Their collective voices emphasized that safeguarding the rights of all citizens, regardless of faith, is an essential expression of social responsibility and moral duty.
The march brought to the forefront several urgent issues faced by the people of Kerala. Chief among them were demands to implement the Justice J.B. Koshy Commission Report, protect the principles of secularism and the Constitution, and find lasting solutions to agricultural crises caused by the collapse in the prices of crops such as rubber and paddy. The movement also called for effective measures to curb wild animal attacks, end government neglect in education and minority welfare, and review policies that have adversely impacted teachers’ appointments, EWS reservations, and land registration amendments.
Participants also voiced strong concern over growing threats to communal harmony, the Munambam coastal issue, and the continuing attacks on minorities. The Catholic Congress accused political parties of showing “double standards,” prioritizing electoral politics over public welfare. Addressing the crowd, Prof. Rajeev Kochuparampil asserted that if the neglect continues, the Catholic Congress will make decisive political interventions in the upcoming elections to ensure the people’s voice is heard.
Behind the scenes, the march was coordinated by a strong leadership team led by Director Fr. Philip Kaviyil, General Secretary Dr. Josekutty J. Okhlayil, and Treasurer Adv. Tony Punchakunnel. Office-bearers including Dr. K.M. Francis, Benny Antony, Tresa Liz Sebastian, Rajesh John, George Koyikkal, Biju Sebastian, Philip Veliyath, Jacob Nicholas, and Adv. Manu Varappally played key roles in organizing the event across the state.
As the Rights Protection March concluded in Thiruvananthapuram today, the Secretariat became the symbolic ground where faith met civic consciousness. The powerful display of solidarity not only reflected the Catholic community’s deep concern for social justice but also underscored a broader call for political accountability, equity, and human dignity in Kerala’s democratic framework.