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Finally, the stories on frolicking youth in call centers have made some responsible people to sit up and do something about it. The Catholic Church of India alarmed by reports of such "moral depravity" in call centres, has begun a move to "cleanse" young minds, which give away under the stress of odd shifts. The Church is especially worried about the large number of Christian youth in the BPO industry straying from "God's path" and "succumbing to temptations".
The Bangalore unit of Jesus Youth (JY), an international Catholic youth movement, launched the "pastoral care" programme a fortnight back, in response to a request from the city's Archbishop Bernard Moras.
JY will arrange mass, confession sessions and spiritual counseling during the night to help employees who work odd hours. JY is also planning a weeklong retreat (mediation camp) for November.
It's not exactly moral policing, says the Church, but educating youngsters about the adverse effects of extra-marital affairs, live-ins, one-night stands and individualism.
A note issued by JY quoted Moras as saying, "If these youth, who stay in Bangalore for work, lose their faith during their stay, then who will be held responsible? We."
Welcoming the move, Father Dominic Emmanuel, spokesman, Delhi Archdiocese, said: "It's important to tell the youth what to do or not do to be on the right path. This is not being patronising towards them, but simply letting them know the price they have to pay for leading such lifestyles.
"The church will tell them about the value of life, inner voice and the long-term advantage of being in touch with one's own self."
Rohit D’Souza, co-coordinator, JY Professionals' Ministry, said: "The (cleansing) programme would address issues such as individualism, abortion, live-ins and extra-marital affairs." Primarily aimed at Christian boys and girls, others are also welcome to participate in the programme.
Call centre representatives, however, rubbished the Church's claims that BPO offices are host to depravity. "It's a misconception that call centres harbour extra-marital affairs and one-night stands.
These can happen in any industry where men and women work together. Negative statements tarnish the industry's image," said S Nagarajan, founder and chief operating officer, 24/7 Customer. "The Archbishop may think he is doing good to his community, but there is no basis to his statements," said a spokesperson of Infosys' BPO division.
A call center employee said the Church's support should start early. Tony Mathew, 22, says that the youth need support from the Church. "Not everyone among us is given to excesses, though there is always the possibility to get swayed. Pastoral support should begin in college."
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