Dr. Mathai re–elected as vice–chairman of Maharashtra State Minorities Commission

Dr. Abraham Mathai, a noted activist of minorities' rights, has been re–elected as vice–chairman of the State Minorities Commission, Maharashtra.

Dr. Mathai's nomination for the position was forwarded by a number of Christian and minority organizations, like the All India Catholic Union, All India Christian Council, National Council of Churches in India, Catholic Secular Forum, Raza Academy, Jamait–e–Ulema, Muslim Council of India.

Union Minister for Statistics and Programme Implementation Oscar Fernandes, film director Mahesh Bhatt, former chief of Indian Navy Adm. Vishnu Bhagwat were amongst those who called for Dr. Mathai's nomination.

Dr. Mathai was elected as a member of the State Minorities Commission in 2000 and subsequently promoted as vice–chairman. The current reappointment is seen as recognition of his community service over the years.

Dr. Mathai was instrumental in persuading the Central Government to reopen the SEEPZ church for public worship after a gap of over 500 years. He also successfully helped in the allotment of the Mulund cemetery and protection to a number of nuns and priests, when their premises were attacked by communal forces.

It may be recalled that he personally rushed to the help of Bishop Thomas Dabre when he was attacked in the jungles of Mokada Taluka, in Thane rural recently.

Dr. Mathai was also responsible for getting the strongman of the saffron combine, Praveen Togadia, banned from Nandurbar on the eve of Christmas in 2003 to prevent any untoward incident.

"[Dr. Mathai] has emerged as a major activist for human rights and the Freedom of Faith Movement in India, at risk of physical danger and at great personal cost. His work for the community had made him a household name among Christians," said John Dayal, president of All India Catholic Union and member, National Integration Council.

The Chief Minister of Maharastra, Vilasrao Deshmukh, has nominated Dr. Mathai for the position for a term of 5 years.