Luminous Footprints: Christian Impact on India, is an eloquent testimony to the enormous contribution of Christians to India's development. This book is being published in the context of the increasing attacks on Indian Christians by Hindu extremists. This intolerance and violence threaten to undermine the enormous work being done, especially by the Catholic church, on Indias road to development, especially in the areas of education and health. Nandita Haksar, Human rights activist and Author Christians see themselves as Indians first, their religious identity taking a secondary place. The forces of Hindutva oppose them because, being based on high levels of social and gender inequality, the majority of the population of Hindus are excluded and deprived due to the caste system. Drawing on Jesus' teachings and practices, Missionaries seek to bring about equality but end up becoming a thorn in the flesh for the Hindutva forces who falsely claim to be Hindus. I would strongly recommend that this book be widely disseminated in society at large, especially among those seeking to understand the interrelationship between power, religion, and nation-building. Amit Mitra, Independent Researcher The book chronicles the magnificent contributions of Christian communities and individuals in promoting education, healthcare, and nation-building. It demonstrates their adaptation to the local ethos, linguistic assimilation, and contribution to inter-religious engagement in promoting peace, harmony, and development. Inspired by Christian values of love and compassion, the book presents a unique assemblage of activities and practices that reflect the actual values of fraternity enshrined in Indias Constitution. R.B.Bhagat, Former Professor and Head, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai Luminous Footprints: Christian Impact on India, is an eloquent testimony to the enormous contribution of Christians to India's development. This book is being published in the context of the increasing attacks on Indian Christians by Hindu extremists. This intolerance and violence threaten to undermine the enormous work being done, especially by the Catholic church, on Indias road to development, especially in the areas of education and health. Nandita Haksar, Human rights activist and Author Christians see themselves as Indians first, their religious identity taking a secondary place. The forces of Hindutva oppose them because, being based on high levels of social and gender inequality, the majority of the population of Hindus are excluded and deprived due to the caste system. Drawing on Jesus' teachings and practices, Missionaries seek to bring about equality but end up becoming a thorn in the flesh for the Hindutva forces who falsely claim to be Hindus. I would strongly recommend that this book be widely disseminated in society at large, especially among those seeking to understand the interrelationship between power, religion, and nation-building. Amit Mitra, Independent Researcher The book chronicles the magnificent contributions of Christian communities and individuals in promoting education, healthcare, and nation-building. It demonstrates their adaptation to the local ethos, linguistic assimilation, and contribution to inter-religious engagement in promoting peace, harmony, and development. Inspired by Christian values of love and compassion, the book presents a unique assemblage of activities and practices that reflect the actual values of fraternity enshrined in Indias Constitution. R.B.Bhagat, Former Professor and Head, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai
