On the 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 officials of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). He was detained overnight and flown to Mumbai the next morning, where he was unceremoniously lodged in Taloja Jail. His arrest followed months of raids, interrogations, intimidation, and harassment. The treatment he received in jail was even harsher. The frail, ailing 84-year-old Jesuit priest was first denied a straw sipper he needed due to Parkinson’s disease, and then deprived of proper medical care. When finally admitted to Holy Family Hospital in Bandra, it was too late. He died on 5 July 2021. His death, widely regarded as an institutional murder, symbolised the cruelty of an unjust system.
Five years have passed since Fr. Stan’s arrest, and more than four years since his death. Though no longer physically present, he lives on in the hearts of countless people — especially the poor, the marginalised, the Adivasis and Dalits, and all who struggle for justice and human dignity. His memory continues to inspire civil society members, activists, academics, and people of faith who mourn his loss but also draw strength from his example. Despite official hostility, determined efforts continue to establish his innocence and expose the illegality of his incarceration.
Fr. Stan’s death left a void, but his life left a legacy — one of compassion, courage, collaboration, and commitment. These are not easy values to embody, yet they form a path we cannot ignore in today’s troubled times. In an effort to live and deepen this legacy, eighteen Jesuits of the South Asian Assistancy met for a two-day reflection (5–6 October 2025) at Bagaicha, Ranchi. Organised and hosted by the local Jesuit team, the meeting brought together men who had lived, worked, and been inspired by Fr. Stan. They shared memories, discussed ongoing initiatives, and reflected on what more must be done to genuinely live his legacy.
During the reflection, the Jesuits revisited key documents — including the vision and mission of Bagaicha, past community meetings, the JCSA National Consultation held in Delhi in September 2021, and subsequent gatherings of the Central Zone Jesuits. These outlined a clear way forward, with concrete actions to realise Fr. Stan’s vision. The 2021 consultation produced a statement titled “Reliving the Stan Moment: A Clarion Call,” which presented an actionable plan to sustain his legacy.
The recent Bagaicha reflection resonated strongly with that statement. Participants shared insights into how Fr. Stan “walked the talk” and ultimately paid the price for standing with the poor. They reflected on his incarnational spirituality — one that united faith with the struggle of Adivasis, Dalits, and the marginalised for a humane and just world. Fr. Stan embraced the Cross that came with this mission.
A key question emerged during the discussions: Are we doing enough to live Stan’s legacy today? The honest, unanimous answer was “No.” While much good work continues, participants recognised the danger of reducing his legacy to mere symbolism or token gestures. They stressed the need to overcome fear and embrace visible, courageous action. Living Fr. Stan’s legacy, they agreed, requires a paradigm shift — focusing more on movements than institutions, walking with people in their struggles, collaborating with like-minded groups, engaging in research-based advocacy, and taking prophetic stands against injustice. His legacy, rooted in the faith-justice mandate of the Society of Jesus, must permeate all Jesuit ministries, beginning with formation.
Before his arrest in October 2020, Fr. Stan had 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. 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 it be. Many activists, lawyers, writers, journalists, student leaders, poets, intellectuals, and others who stand for the rights of the Adivasis, Dalits, and the marginalised are being targeted. I am grateful to all who have stood in solidarity with me.”
Fr. Stan challenges us — Jesuits and others — to live his legacy by being present among the people, sharing in their struggles and joys, collaborating for justice, and having the courage to play a prophetic role. 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 such poor undertrials don’t know what charges have been put on them, have not seen their chargesheet, and remain for years without legal or other assistance. The 16 co-accused have not been able to meet each other as we are lodged in different jails or ‘circles’ within the same jail. But we will still sing in chorus. A caged bird can still sing.”
The reflection at Bagaicha has renewed the resolve of those who gathered there — to live Fr. Stan Swamy’s legacy courageously, prophetically, and without fear of the consequences.
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*Human rights, reconciliation, and peace activist and writer
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