Late evening of 8 October 2020, Fr Stan Swamy was summoned from ‘Bagaicha’ in Ranchi (the Social Centre he founded in 2006 and where he lived) by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials, to their local headquarters in Ranchi city. He was immediately detained and kept in their custody the whole night. The next morning, he was flown to Bombay and unceremoniously thrown into Taloja Jail. His incarceration followed months of raids, interrogations, intimidation and harassment at the hands of the NIA. The treatment meted out to him in jail was even worse. The frail, sickly and aged Jesuit priest (who turned 84 years, on 26 April 2021) was first denied a straw sipper which he desperately needed, then not given the necessary, timely medical treatment and whilst imprisoned was treated in a most inhuman manner. When it was just too late, he was admitted to the Holy Family Hospital in Bandra, where he finally succumbed on 5 July 2021. His death, as a prisoner of a fascist regime, is widely, regarded as an institutional murder.
It is five years to date, since Fr Stan Swamy, was arrested and more than four years since he was martyred for the cause of justice. The incontrovertible fact is that, though Fr Stan is no longer physically present on this earth, he continues to live in the hearts and lives of many everywhere, very particularly the poor and the marginalised, the excluded and the exploited, the Adivasis and the Dalits, anyone and everyone who are victims of injustice and inhumanity. Besides civil society members: academics and activists, civil libertarians and politicians, Jesuits, and other religious and priests, continue to miss him profoundly and still mourn his death. Despite the all-out hostility of the NIA, painstaking efforts continue on several fronts, to prove the innocence of Fr Stan (and he was innocent) and that his incarceration was unwarranted, illegal and unconstitutional.
Though Fr Stan’s death left a void in the heart of many, he did leave behind a rich legacy, which today many of those he inspired, are grappling with ways and means of how best they can internalise and actualise it. It is not easy to so, it is indeed a challenge. Fr Stan’s legacy embodies Compassion, Courage, Collaboration and Commitment. Certainly a tall order – but given the reality, we live in today, it is a path, we have no option, but to follow. In an effort to live and deepen this legacy, eighteen Jesuits of the South Asian Assitancy met for a two-day (5 &6 October, 2025) reflection at Bagaicha, Ranchi. The meeting which was organised and hosted by the Jesuit team of Bagaicha, was path-breaking on several counts: the participants shared with each other their profound experiences of living, working with Fr Stan and of being inspired by him; of the many good things (events, programmes, memorial meets) that have been taking place after his death; and of the ‘much more’ that needs to be done, if we are to genuinely live the legacy Fr Stan left us.
During the reflection, the Jesuits re-visited some key documents which included the vision and mission of Bagaicha, the Community Meetings held there, the JCSA National Consultation held in Delhi in September 2021, the subsequent meetings of the Central Zone Jesuits. These documents enunciated a clear way of proceeding with concrete points of action, in order to realise the legacy of Fr Stan. In the National Consultation of Delhi for one, the participants (Jesuits and collaborators) unanimously formulated an incisive statement, ‘Reliving the Stan Moment: A Clarion Call’. The statement had a doable action plan in order to keep alive the legacy which Stan has left us!
The recently held Bagaicha reflection in more ways than one synced with the National Consultation statement which said, “during the time together, we listened to touching insights of those who knew Fr Stan well, of how he walked the talk and of how ultimately, he had to pay the price for the people and their cause -for which he lived. We also shared in-depth spiritual conversations with one another. We emphasized the incarnational spirituality which Fr Stan internalised and actualised, as he accompanied the Adivasis, the Dalits and other sub-alterns in their relentless struggle for a more humane, just, dignified, equitable and peaceful world. He willingly embraced the Cross that was given to him.”
The key question in the very meaningful, profound and interactive process was, “are we doing enough (individually and collectively) to internalise and live Stan’s legacy today”? The answer was a unanimous, honest and heartfelt “NO!” Whilst everyone did acknowledge the plenty of good being done all over (which they felt were important and necessary), there was also the feeling, that one should transcend mere ‘cosmeticisation’ or ‘tokenism.’ What one also needs to deal with, is the fear factor that throttles both the individual and collective and prevents one from being visible and vocal where critical issues are concerned. The Jesuits also felt strongly that there must be a paradigm shift in attitudes, approaches and actions, if one truly wishes to live Fr Stan’s legacy. Indicators for this include emphasis on movement rather than on institutions, to be in the midst of the people, to accompany them in their struggles, to collaborate with like-minded individuals and groups, to engage in research based advocacy and to be courageous enough to take visible prophetic stands against the powerful and other vested interest. Fr Stan’s legacy, which is essentially the faith-justice mandate of the Society of Jesus, needs to permeate in all Jesuit ministries and initiatives today, beginning with formation.
Just before he left Bagaicha and his arrest in October 2020, Fr. Stan said, “over the last two decades, I have identified myself with the Adivasi people and their struggle for a life of dignity and self-respect… In this process, I have clearly expressed my dissent over several policies and laws enacted by the government in the light of the Indian Constitution. I have questioned the validity, legality and justness of several steps taken by the government and the ruling class. If this makes me a ‘deshdrohi’, then so be it. We are part of the process. In a way I am happy to be part of this process. I am not a silent spectator, but part of the game and ready to pay the price whatever be it…. I/we must be ready to face the consequences. I would just add that what is happening to me is not unique. Many activists, lawyers, writers, journalists, student leaders, poets, intellectuals and others who stand for the rights of Adivasis, Dalits and the marginalised and express their dissent to the ruling powers of the country are being targeted. Grateful to all who have stood in solidarity with me all these years.”
Fr. Stan today challenges us all, Jesuits and others to live the legacy he has left us, in a profound way by our presence among the people, by our participation in their struggles and joys, by partnering through a shared vision and mission, with other women and men of good will, by having the courage to play a prophetic role and above all, to be a pilgrim a hope. From Taloja jail he wrote, “my needs are limited. The Adivasis and the Society of Jesus, have taught me to lead a simple life… Listening to the life narratives of the poor prisoners is my joy in Taloja Jail… I see God in their pains and smiles… Many of such poor undertrials don’t know what charges have been put on them, have not seen their chargesheet and just remain for years without any legal or other assistance. The 16 co-accused have not been able to meet each other as we are lodged in different jails or different ‘circles’ with the same jail”; he concludes, “but we will still sing in chorus. A caged bird can still sing”.
The Bagaicha reflection has energised the Jesuit participants, to do all they can, to live Fr Stan Swamy’s legacy in an uncompromising and prophetic way, and not to be afraid whatever the consequences one may have to face!
Fr Cedric Prakash SJ is a human rights, reconciliation and peace activist/writer.