Father Stan’s life took him across countries and cultures. In the early 70s, he pursued a master’s degree in sociology in the Philippines and returned to India influenced by the work of Archbishop Helder Camara, a Brazilian clergyman known for his support of the poor and oppressed. During the span of his career, Father Stan’s efforts were life-transforming for many marginalized communities in India, including Dalits, indigenous (Adivasi) people, fishing communities, agrarian groups, and labor movements.
Living by the principles of social justice and liberation theology, he trained young leaders, ensuring they had the tools to fight for their rights. The Indian Social Institute in Bengaluru, where he was a director from 1975 to 1990, became a crucible for change under his guidance. But his work didn’t stop in the classrooms and seminars. Father Stan put his beliefs into action on the ground, working tirelessly to protect the land and homes of Adivasi people from unfair expropriations by the state and mining corporations. In 2006, he founded Bagaicha, a center near Ranchi for research, documentation, and Adivasi training, cementing his long-standing commitment to these communities.
One of his most notable contributions was his involvement with the Pathalgadi movement, which utilized traditional stone carving to educate Adivasi communities about their constitutional rights. Father Stan was also instrumental in fighting for the implementation of significant acts like the PESA Act, which promotes self-governance for Adivasi communities, the Forest Rights Act of 2006, and the Land Acquisition Act of 2013, which assures fair compensation and community assent for land acquisitions.
Feeling the system’s injustice keenly, Father Stan initiated the Persecuted Prisoners Solidarity Committee in 2017 to expose and challenge the illegal imprisonment of Adivasi youth. His 2015 report highlighted the plight of marginalized youths jailed for trivial offenses, an exposé designed to draw national and international attention.
However, this unwavering devotion to justice came with a price. In 2017, he was charged with sedition for supporting the Pathalgadi movement on Facebook. Although released in 2019 due to a change in government, his struggles were far from over. The Indian authorities raided his home in 2018 and 2019, and in October 2020, India’s National Investigation Agency arrested him during a global pandemic. Despite his advanced age and Parkinson’s disease, he was imprisoned under harsh conditions that deteriorated his health. He was denied bail despite repeatedly falling ill and even contracting COVID-19.
The story takes a nefarious turn when forensic reports from reputable organizations revealed that hackers planted fabricated evidence on Father Stan’s computer. These findings suggested a coordinated effort by state actors to frame Father Stan and other activists, making this one of the most severe cases of evidence tampering documented.
Father Stan sadly passed away on July 5, 2021, in police custody, making headlines worldwide. The recent resolution introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives seeks to honor his legacy and demands an independent investigation into his arrest, incarceration, and death. The resolution emphasizes the importance of human rights and expresses concern over the misuse of antiterror laws to silence dissent. It calls for the suspension of an old sedition law and urges the Indian Parliament to make this suspension permanent.
Why is this significant? It’s a clarion call for justice, reminding governments worldwide about the critical importance of human rights, freedom of expression, and the long, indefatigable struggle of individuals like Father Stan. His life and legacy encapsulate the fight for the oppressed, a fight that continues on multiple fronts. The resolution urges India and other nations to reflect on misuses of power against human rights activists, ensuring that the essential freedoms enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are upheld.
As we reflect on Father Stan’s contributions and sacrifices, it’s clear that his work has left an indelible mark on those he served and those who continue his mission for justice. His story underscores a broader struggle for human dignity, fairness, and constitutional rights, shaping a path filled with both wisdom and inspiration for generations to come.
