Fr. Lalit Kumar Ekka, S.J. [MAP] was born in a remote village called Kendapani, surrounded by hillocks. He was among five brothers and a sister. After his primary education, he went to Loyola School, Kunkuri, a Jesuit institution about twenty km. away from his home.
He joined the Novitiate at Khrist Milan Ashram, Namna, Ambikapur, in 1991. He was ordained a priest with six other Jesuits, to mark a hundred years of the Jesuit mission in Madhya Pradesh, particularly in Jashpur District. “Now or Never” was his motto, and he was a cheerful giver.
He was a man of prayer – was seen in the chapel praying, and so ever ready to help the needy. If he was asked to walk a mile with one, he was ready to walk two miles. He was very fond of tribal songs and dance. These were as spontaneous as his walk was dance, and talk was song. He could sing tribal songs for hours – one after the other. Most of the musical instruments were played by him fantastically. One could cherish the bits and rhythms. Following his motto, he never said no to any appointment in life. Instead, he took it as a challenge to fit in.
In his very young age, he was tested for sugar and BP patient. But he was never discouraged, instead accepted. His contribution for the Kurukh Mass will ever be remembered. There were empty pages in his life to write, but God had His own plan for Fr. Lalit. He closed the chapter forever. He never said no to any one, but to God – the master and author of life, he said yes. He breathed his last on 24th September 2021, at Holy Cross hospital, Ambikapur. Lalit started his journey from Khrist Milan Ashram, Namna, and completed his race as a Jesuit in Namna.
Tej Kumar Minj, SJ
