Priest selected for US leadership program

About 5,000 people from around the world are expected for the April 19 to May 7 International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in Washington, according to a US Consulate official in Mumbai.A Catholic priest is among two Indians the US government has invited to a leadership program.

The official, who requested anonymity, told UCA News on April 15 that her government selected Father Anand Muttungal in recognition of his leadership abilities and efforts toward peace-building in Madhya Pradesh state.

The Bhopal archdiocesan priest is spokesperson of the Catholic Church in the central Indian state where Christians have been facing trouble from Hindu hardliners for several years.

The US official said the priest was selected purely on merit “as we don’t invite applications or inform the candidate until the completion of the selection.” She said the priest will be “our esteemed guest” during the trip.

Father Muttungal told UCA News that his selection is the recognition of the “good works” the Church is doing for the poor and disadvantaged in the state. “I am humbled,” he said, and added that he had only done what was assigned to him as a priest.

Program aims to help people exchange ideas

The US official said participants will interact with each other on “community approaches to social issues.” According to her, the IVLP is an annual professional exchange program the US Department of State started in 1940 to help people from around the world exchange ideas and get exposed to American culture and diversity.

She said American Foreign Service Officers select current or potential leaders in government, politics, media, education and other fields for the program.

More than 200 current and former heads of state have attended the program. They included two presidents and four prime ministers from India.

Jomey Joseph, Catholic Relief Services program officer, is the other Indian participants this year.

Father Muttungal, who has initiated several programs to foster inter religious harmony in Madhya Pradesh, has already won several awards.

Buddhists in India awarded him their highest award for world peace and harmony in January. Two years ago, a literary organization in Madhya Pradesh awarded him for his peace efforts, and the previous year, Sikhs in the state honored him.

(Courtesy UCAN NEWS)

Sent to BBN by

Roy John Thatta

Secretary

Regional Public Relations Office

Catholic Church, M.P, India