Cardinal Poola Anthony Leads Women’s Rally for Protection of ‘Our Common Home’

Secunderabad, March 8, 2026 — More than 300 women took part in an environmental awareness rally in Secunderabad on March 7, organised by the Hyderabad Archdiocese Social Service Society (HASSS), the social service wing of the Archdiocese of Hyderabad, ahead of International Women’s Day.

The rally was inaugurated and flagged off by Cardinal Poola Anthony, Archbishop of Hyderabad and chairman of HASSS. Waving a green flag bearing the message “Go Green – Grow Earth,” the Cardinal launched the march that covered nearly five kilometres through the central streets of Secunderabad.

Participants, many of them members of HASSS Self-Help Groups and beneficiaries of its skill-training programmes, carried placards and banners while raising slogans promoting environmental awareness and social responsibility. Messages displayed during the rally included “Our Earth – Our Responsibility,” “Let’s Act – Let’s Protect Nature,” “Say No to Plastic – Save Life,” and “Beti Padhao – Beti Bachao” (Educate the Girl Child – Save the Girl Child).

The initiative highlighted the urgent need to protect the environment through practical measures such as adopting renewable energy, promoting organic farming, and reducing the use of plastic.

Addressing the participants, Cardinal Poola Anthony recalled the appeal of Pope Francis in his encyclical Laudato Si', which calls on people worldwide to care for the Earth as “our common home.” The Cardinal, who also serves as a member of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, encouraged the women to become ambassadors of environmental stewardship in their families and communities.

HASSS works closely with rural communities, particularly women farmers, promoting sustainable and organic agricultural practices inspired by the vision of Laudato Si’. Through training programmes and awareness initiatives, the organisation encourages eco-friendly farming methods while strengthening the livelihoods of women.

Following the rally, nearly 400 women gathered for a Women’s Day celebration programme where speakers reflected on the dignity, strength, and responsibility of women in caring for nature and nurturing families.

Speaking on the theme “Give to Gain,” Cardinal Poola Anthony emphasised that empowering women strengthens the domestic church — the family — and contributes to building a healthier society.

During the event, the Cardinal also distributed certificates to several women who had successfully completed vocational and skill-development programmes conducted by HASSS, recognising their achievements and encouraging them to continue their journey of empowerment and service.

Cardinal Poola Anthony Leads Women’s Rally for Protection of ‘Our Common Home’

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