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Stamp marks Catholic magazine centenary

Gujarat’s ’Doot’ lauded for positive impact on Indian Christians
Stamp marks Catholic magazine centenary
The Indian government has issued this commemorative stamp to mark the centenary of the Catholic Gujarati language magazine
Published: January 17, 2011 10:46 AM GMT
Updated: November 29, -0001 04:34 PM GMT

The Indian government has issued a commemorative postage stamp to mark the centenary of a Gujarati language Catholic magazine. Humera Ahmed, chief postmaster-general, of Gujarat circle, released the stamp on Jan. 15, and praised Doot (messenger) magazine for promoting Catholic values among people in the western Indian state. “Doot has truly lived up to its title as its content reflects the life and culture of the Christian community in Gujarat and its integration, growth and development over the years,” the Muslim official said at a ceremony at St. Xavier’s High School in Ahmedabad, the state’s commercial capital. Former editor, Jesuit Father Varghese Paul, said Doot strives to fight against social evils such as the caste system, discrimination in general and anti-Christian legislation and activities. “Doot is an agent of social and religious change in Gujarati society,” Father Paul told ucanews.com. The magazine also helped establish “a strong bond” among Christians in Gujarat when no communication medium existed, “particularly in rural areas,” Father Paul added. Jesuit human rights activist Father Cedric Prakash says the magazine instilled in readers the Christian values of love, compassion, justice, peace and brotherhood. Current managing editor, Jesuit Father Vinayak Jadav, says the magazine has become “a mass movement” committed to the poor and marginalized. John Canis, the editor, said the magazine has acted like a mirror for Christians in Gujarat, while his deputy Jaswant Macwan said it has helped Christians deepen their faith. Doot was started in January 1911 by German Jesuit missioner Father Hermanus Zurhausen. It now has a circulation of more than 10,000 and is read by about 50,000 people, mostly in Gujarat. It is also read by Gujarati Christians in the UK and US. Related reports Activists Hail Jesuit Priest´s Book As Guide For Tribal Struggle ID12873.1637

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