Normally, one reserves eulogy to the time when someone passes from this world to another. But that praise has no meaning because the person/s whom you admire or love are no longer there to listen to the well-meant words. I strongly felt that I should not wait to acknowledge my appreciation and do it right now, on the tenth anniversary of Communalism Combat.

I have been privileged and honoured to be associated with both the crusading word, through Communalism Combat, and the crusaders, Teesta and Javed, for the past several years. Communalism Combat and Teesta/Javed are two sides of the same coin and it is very difficult to detach one from the other.

Communalism Combat is not just another magazine but an institution in itself, which has worked in an extremely focussed manner in the field of combating communalism. Consistency is the hallmark, which the editors have constantly striven to maintain. Besides, what is most fascinating is the passionate involvement of Teesta and Javed in the campaigns to uphold the secular fabric of our great nation at great personal sacrifice. Theirs is a rare combination, which one rarely finds in our country. Their courage and dedication has sparked and ignited the hearts of so many groups and individuals all over India and the world positively, to carry the message of harmony amongst people of all communities.

Voice of the Exploited (VOTE) activists who have worked closely with Teesta will bear testimony to the fact that we (at VOTE) derive a lot of strength and inspiration from both the magazine and its editors. We also strive and make a constant effort to live by their example. Icons they surely are in flesh and blood.

We have, in a small way, followed the magazine’s dictum: Hate Hurts, Harmony Works.

In times of despair such as the present day, Communalism Combat is a beacon of hope that all is not lost. Their appeal and cry to take a stand against fascism, fundamentalism and communalism has to be heard and people of goodwill must rally around to make a difference.

On behalf of the Voice of the Exploited (VOTE), the All India Catholic Union (AICU), the Bombay Catholic Sabha (BCS) and the All India Christian Council (AICC), I extend and convey my heartiest congratulations on the 10th Anniversary of Communalism Combat. May the institution see its golden anniversary in your lifetime!

While some forces are bent on trying to turn our country into one colour, I am confident that your magazine and you will ensure that the ‘Sabrang’ (All-Colours) feature of our nation remains in eternity, for all time to come.

Good Luck and God Bless.