Thousands Gather for India’s 4th National March for Life in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, August 9, 2025 — India’s 4th National March for Life was held on August 9 at St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, Bangalore. The event was led by the Family Welfare Centre and CHARIS India, in collaboration with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) and the Catholic National Service of Communion (CNSC).

Centred on the theme “Every Life is Present, Precious, and Has a Purpose”, the programme featured a pro-life exhibition highlighting the sanctity of life and a Holy Eucharist in which participants prayed for the unborn and for a deeper respect for human dignity.

A public gathering brought together distinguished dignitaries, including Most Rev. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore; Most Rev. Francis Kalist, Archbishop of Pondicherry and Bishop-in-charge of the National March for Life, accompanied by his team from the Charismatic Group; Most Rev. Andrews Thazath, Archbishop of Thrissur and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI); Rt. Rev. Arokiaraj Satis Kumar, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Bangalore and Rector of St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral; Rt. Rev. Joseph Susainathan, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Bangalore and Rector of St. Mary’s Basilica.

Representing various faith communities were Mr. Jasbir Singh Dhody, Former President of Guru Singh Saba Gurudwara; Ms. Seema Moshin, activist; Maulana Mohamed Zia Uddin; and Mr. Humayun Sait.

The march drew children and youth from schools and colleges, members of various Catholic groups, parishes and religious congregations, and participants from pro-life and family movements, bringing an energetic and intergenerational presence to the rally.

Speaking to Catholic Connect, Deon Fleming, a youth member of the MFC (Missionary Families of Christ) group, said: “Joining the march with my MFC group was an inspiring experience — witnessing thousands come together for one cause. In today’s world, where the value of life is often diminished, it’s more important than ever to stand up and create awareness that every life matters.”

Another participant, Natasha Dsouza, reflected: “The pro-life exhibitions opened our eyes in a profound way. For our youth group, it was a call to live with the awareness that every life, from the womb to the tomb, is sacred and entrusted to our care. It changed the way we see our role in the world.”

The march culminated in Archbishop Peter Machado presenting the March for Life banner to representatives from Chennai on behalf of Most Rev. Dr. George Antonysamy, Archbishop of Madras-Mylapore, whose archdiocese will host the 5th National March for Life on 9 August 2026.

The event was the fruit of dedicated collaboration between Fr. Naveen Gladson, Director of the Family Welfare Centre, and Fr. Sunny Richard, leader of pro-life initiatives in Bengaluru, who worked tirelessly to rally diverse groups and communities into one unified cause.

The remarkable turnout and the rich diversity of communities united for the march in Bengaluru breathed fresh life into the pro-life movement, inspiring a renewed passion to champion, educate, and care for the gift of life at every stage.

Thousands Gather for India’s 4th National March for Life in Bengaluru

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