Published: December 12, 2014 03:59 IST | Updated: December 12, 2014 12:21 IST
‘Biggest’ conversion on the anvil
PTI
Muslims stage a protest against religious conversion in Agra on Wednesday. Another re-conversion programme is being planned in Aligarh.An Aligarh-based right-wing group, the Hindu Jagaran Samiti, on Thursday announced the “biggest ever” conversion programme in the country on December 25.
The announcement was immediately welcomed by BJP MP from Gorakhpur, Yogi Adityanath, and party MP from Aligarh Satish Gautam, who are expected to attend the programme.
“A number of people who had earlier left the fold of Hinduism will be reconverted at a grand ceremony to be held in Aligarh on Christmas,” Rajeshwar Singh, the regional in-charge of the Hindu Jagaran Samiti, told The Hindu over phone.
“It is not conversion as the media is branding it. A large number of citizens of this country had earlier left Hinduism due to enticement and fear. Now, they are coming back to their original faith. It is a ‘ghar vapsi’ for them,” he said.
“People from different districts of western Uttar Pradesh wanting to return to their original faith would participate.”
“Christian missionaries have been doing large-scale illegal conversion in the country. Christian families coming back into the Hindu fold also means rejection of the faith which was forced on them. Aligarh had a Hindu past. It is time we take control of our history and the city,” added Mr. Singh, who claimed to be a pracharak.
By evening, there were reports that Mr. Singh was under pressure to cancel the programme. When The Hindu tried to contact him, his phone was found switched off.
Printable version | Dec 12, 2014 1:47:09 PM |
- Atul KumarWhen hindu converts to other religion, media is like blind, dumb and deaf. But when people converts to hunduism, media liberals hue and cry over top of their lungs.18 minutes ago · (0) · (0) · reply (0) ·
- Dinesh PabshetwarCitizens of India have right to adopt any religion they want. Christians conversion is well known and forcefull conversion of musluims by luring is also well know. Then why there is oppose to hindu conversion. This once again shows Bias Indian Media. Most important is that Hindu activists should not publicise this event as like other activists.about an hour ago · (247) · (766) · reply (0) ·kapyS Down Voted
- moonsamyIt's true, since the GE, every morning, on opening the newspapers, one's BP shoots up. We spend more of our valuable time discussing on petty, flimsy, absurd or no sense issues, with Newspapers bringing out Editorials on such irrelevant hypothetical outbursts. But absolutely there is no talk/debate on how to built toilets or design and build our own high-speed trains or air crafts etc.about 2 hours ago · (4) · (2) · reply (0) ·Points480kapyS Up Votedsruta Down Voted
- R. SathasivamOne: The media needs to be controlled and fixed. There is no one to control the meia. The media is become a serious threat to the Indian Democaracy. Two: where were the media all the time a great portion of Hidus are converted to other religions? Three: Christianity is origin of India? Or any other religion for this matter? Four: Hindus are the beggers of India on their own soil? Letting others to domontate? Five: All Media- THE HINDU too: Please correct and come up. Or else you are all the uncontrollable permenant evils of the humantity.about 2 hours ago · (200) · (613) · reply (0) ·
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Jai Suresh I guess it is the publicity that these conversion are garnering that has made people feel insecure. People were converting all the time since the beginning of religion and will continue to convert the last religion fades away or till humanity exists.about 2 hours ago · (19) · (0) · reply (0) ·- AnandWhen the DON'TKNOWS understand God and religion are two different things with no connection whatsoever, then all our problems will be solved. There is no man made religion without its evils.about 2 hours ago · (1) · (0) · reply (1) ·
DR.R.VENKATARAMAN Venkataraman
Rediscovering philosophy? God and religion are two different things. Vow.40 minutes ago · (0) · (0) · reply (0) ·
- MurthyWhy is it that only "Conversion to Hindu" is reported in this fashion. There are a number of videos and other material available on the net that shows group conversions to other faiths !!.. Why can't media cover these ? Is it all sensationalizing the news.. selling more media ? At the cost of people..about 2 hours ago · (202) · (28) · reply (0) ·
- AmirGuys, whats a big deal about this conversion issue ? Why are people making such a big issue of all these so called childish things.Let them be what ever religion they want to follow.They are not small kids.Hindus, Muslims,christians, Jews, buddhists ! its human beliefs,the most important thing above all is to be good humans.Religion is means of leading humanly life.No religion teaches you to kill,maim, or inflict harm on your fellow beings.I do not understand why Media is making a hell of a issue ?????about 2 hours ago · (6) · (0) · reply (0) ·Sunil Up Voted
- PrabhakaranThere is nothing to worry for those accepting their original faith and returning to Hinduism. They are returning on their own free will and not under pressure from any group. Media and opposition leaders are creating unnecessary frenzy and pressure. This negative reaction was not seen even once when Hindus in large numbers are converted by Christian missionaries and Islamic missionaries over the past many decades in various parts of the country. Nobody lifted a finger then, but many fingers are lifted now that some of the converts are returning to their original "home".about 2 hours ago · (4) · (34) · reply (0) ·Points920
Ravinder Brar President at Progressive Democratic Common Cause Forum
The country would head for division,alienation and frustration by such controversies;Remeber we are global now and the world watches us.about 2 hours ago · (48) · (2) · reply (0) ·Points165- anilUnless you bring a law of anti-conversion , these RSS, Christian missionaries and Islamic groups won't stop . Previously they were muslims , now it is missionaries and RSS. WHole tribal belt of eastern states have been converted. Can someone answer why ?about 2 hours ago · (3) · (23) · reply (0) ·Points3415Sunil Up Voted
- sathyasnehiWhat are these people trying to achieve by making clones of themselves? What makes them believe that their version of religion and politics is the best and solution for India? What makes them think "uniformity" is the panacea for all problems man faces? Why are they blind to "unity in DIVERSITY" principle ingrained in nature? Why can't they see their thinking goes starkly against the "LAWS OF NATURE"? Why can't they see each individual is "unique", not the same, let alone communities of them? Why can't they see every individual enjoys freedom to choose their beliefs, practice, propagate, accept and reject religious, social and political views and beliefs of their choice? Why are they so intolerant of "differences"? Why are they fomenting hatred between people groups in this country? Why are feeling so insecure about change? What makes them think they have a right to FORCE their beliefs on fellow citizens? Why are they not able to grow beyond medieval and primitive ways of some people?about 2 hours ago · (24) · (1) · reply (0) ·Sunil Down Voted
- kvlBeloved and respected PM ,put an end to these type of incidents which are giving scope for the opposition to attack you,BJp and RSS as they found some points. Why are you allowing this when you promised good governance,?public wants better amenities, corrupt-free,clean rule which is absent from a long time. so please think over this and terminate this kind of propaganda by your followers ,advice them to serve the communityof all sections..about 2 hours ago · (36) · (1) · reply (1) ·Points2305
DR.R.VENKATARAMAN Venkataraman
Looks like this is a deliberate ploy to divert the attention of the people from the real issues.36 minutes ago · (0) · (0) · reply (0) ·
- GowthamiWhere is the country heading to. Nobody wants conversions, religious discussions. We want development, prosperity, education and equal society. These politicians while campaigning promise to do something but once they become MPs and MLAs do something else. World is stepping forward making science as its religion and development as its agenda. But India is moving backwards into the ancient era where religion has dominance and people blindly believed everything without any rational thought.about 2 hours ago · (3) · (0) · reply (1) ·
DR.R.VENKATARAMAN Venkataraman
The Indian public has been hoodwinked to think that to accept blind faith is our heritage.33 minutes ago · (0) · (0) · reply (0) ·
- venkatFreedom to take up any 'faith' by anybody is a fundamental right that cannot be negotiated. But the Inconvenient Truth: Vast majority of the conversions involve people with the lowest educational and lowest income levels....a clear pointer to the fact that they are induced and not spontaneous. How many times has anybody here seen a rich educated person spontaneously alter his faith? If at all, means/knowledge will only make people break away from faith and embrace spirituality or turn agnostic. Its an amusing irony that many people who posed the fantastic question "How can anybody 'force' a voluntary conversion?" are vociferous in their protest now.about 2 hours ago · (1) · (1) · reply (0) ·Points160
- Anuradha KalhanThey may keep converting and reconverting all the poor till they give them houses, health care, scientific education. Do not convert them just just for Adhar and BPL cards! These agents of the BJP should should not convert so cheaply its embarrassing.about 2 hours ago · (69) · (325) · reply (0) ·Points1605Sunil Down Voted
- G.V.venugopalthe headlines are misleading !!!!! Christainity and Isalm were brought to India !!!! The facts are Christianity was born 2000 yrs back and Islam in 6th century only whereas Hinduism is much more older than these religions and NATIVE to this land !!!!! In other words any INDIAN changing from Christianity and Islam should be considered HOME COMING and not Conversion !!!!!about 2 hours ago · (3) · (43) · reply (0) ·Points135
- AshwinI see so many christian missionaries which try to convert ppl convert silently in Hyderabad. Why there is no noise agaist this. Sick to see the biased nature of the media and press. Also what is the need of reservations based on Religion, it is just another way of alluring ppl to convert.about 3 hours ago · (290) · (69) · reply (0) ·raju · raju · Jai-Suresh · Sunil · Sunil Up Voted
- JayanthiI do not understand all this so called protests against conversions. If the converts want to get converted it is none of the business of the fellow religious people or lraders and even politicians. If it hurts them genuinely so much I cannot imagine how much it hurt them in those days of forceful conversions by inducements like money or by force?about 3 hours ago · (10) · (75) · reply (0) ·Points625
- KaniarakathGeorgeIt is an inalienable right of humans to choose any religion they want; one should not in any way be compelled to go back to the religion of their ancestors for whatever reasons they embraced another religion. Imposition of any religious or political ideology is a crime against humanity.about 3 hours ago · (63) · (3) · reply (0) ·
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Confronting the right wingThe rise of the Modi regime has led to a decline of the political, the lack of debate, a blunting of civil society and where the media is tom-tomming establishment approval. The way out is for civil society, social movements and human rights activists to challenge the right wing to an open debate49 comments![]()
Why ?Gita? as Rashtriya Granth is problematicThe traditional distinction between ‘Shruti’ (those which are directly revealed to ‘seers’ as embodied in the ‘Vedas’ and the Upanishads) and ‘Smriti’ (texts that are products of human authorship), has been quite49 comments![]()
Opposition accuses Centre of pursuing communal agendaOpposition accuses Centre of pursuing communal agenda49 comments![]()
‘Biggest’ conversion on the anvilAn Aligarh-based right-wing group, the Hindu Jagaran Samiti, on Thursday announced the “biggest ever” conversion programme in the country on December 25.46 comments![]()
Bengalis caught between Hindu and Muslim zealots in AgraDomestic scrap dealer Mumtaz Begum dodges the television cameras in her slum. A member of the 350-odd Bengali Muslim community in Ved Nagar, Agra, Ms. Begum was allegedly converted to Hinduism on Monday by activists of45 comments
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/biggest-conversion-on-the-anvil/article6684367.ece
RSS body seeks donations to fund Christmas ‘conversions’ in Aligarh
Venkaiah Naidu clears govt’s stand on Agra ‘conversions’
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ALIGARH: Dharam Jagran Samiti, an RSS offshoot, has distributed pamphlets in Aligarh seeking donations for converting Christians and Muslims to Hinduism. The pamphlet says it costs Rs 2 lakh to convert a Christian and Rs 5 lakh to convert a Muslim. It has set December 25 as the date for a major conversion ceremony and put down an annual target of 2 lakh conversions — 1 lakh Muslims and 1 lakh Christians.
The pamphlets, carrying the letter head of the Dharam Jagran Samiti, pashchim chhetra (western UP, Braj prant, Meerut and Uttarakhand), have found their way to many houses in Aligarh. It proposes a fund for a grand "ghar vapsi" (homecoming) of Christians and Muslims, who are a "samasya" (problem) in the country.
The letter addresses recipients as "bandhuvar" (friends) and says: "Lots of money will be required in the 'ghar vapsi' because the work of conversion is increasing — more workers and more people to be covered. Please contribute money so that all arrangements are in place."
READ ALSO: Govt picthes for law against conversion
Asked why are Muslims and Christians a "samasya", Kanshinath Bansal, a key member of the Samiti, said, "Because Christianity is a samasya. Muslim (sic) is also a samasya. One worker needs that much money to work on a samasya every year."
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This came even as Yogi Adityanath, the firebrand BJP MP from Gorakhpur, confirmed his visit on December 25 to Aligarh for an event that aims to convert 5,000 Muslims and 1,000 Christians at the local Maheshwari College.
Adityanath told TOI, "The administration and media have given it an exaggerated look. People are willingly converting themselves in 'ghar vapsi'. The event will happen as scheduled and I will be there."
READ ALSO: Mulayam yo-yos on Agra 'conversions'
He added, "When Hindus convert to Islam or to Christianity, nobody comes in for a check. Why is this being done when they want to convert back to Hinduism? There are many other issues that the administration and media should concentrate on rather than this. Muslims in Agra had also written a letter asking for a mandir. The situation went out of control because of the interference of media, administration and sundry religious leaders."
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Yogi Adityanath.
The district administration, already anxious, said it is not taking any chances. J Ravinder Goud, SSP Aligarh, said, "There is no question of giving permission for the 'ghar vapsi' that is being planned in Maheshwari College. The issue has already flared up. We are not allowing it and if in case there is a violation, we will deal with the situation accordingly."
READ ALSO: After 'conversion', rag pickers can't pick pieces now
Not long ago, the Hindu outfit had taken over a small church on the outskirts of Aligarh, replacing the cross with a Shiva picture. Then, too, it had conducted a 'ghar vapsi' for 72 Valmikis, all of them Christians.
Christian and Muslim groups reacted with anger and caution. Community leader Vincent Joel said, "Ever since the church incident in Asroi, Christians have been praying for the dawn of achche din, where the country is not divided on the basis of religion or caste. We are praying to the Lord to grant the perpetrators of such mischief some wisdom."
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Members of the Muslim community hold a protest meeting in Agra against the "forceful conversions" of some families of the community into Hinduism in the city.
Muslim organizations Millat Bedari Muhim Committee and Forum for Muslim Studies and Analysis condemned the "open and public call for conversion". Professor Razaullah Khan, president of both the outfits, said, "It is very disturbing to see how publicly they call for ghar vapsi. (UP) elections are slated for 2017 and now this gathering is being done to polarize society and divide votes. We should not let it happen."
The pamphlets, carrying the letter head of the Dharam Jagran Samiti, pashchim chhetra (western UP, Braj prant, Meerut and Uttarakhand), have found their way to many houses in Aligarh. It proposes a fund for a grand "ghar vapsi" (homecoming) of Christians and Muslims, who are a "samasya" (problem) in the country.
The letter addresses recipients as "bandhuvar" (friends) and says: "Lots of money will be required in the 'ghar vapsi' because the work of conversion is increasing — more workers and more people to be covered. Please contribute money so that all arrangements are in place."
READ ALSO: Govt picthes for law against conversion
Asked why are Muslims and Christians a "samasya", Kanshinath Bansal, a key member of the Samiti, said, "Because Christianity is a samasya. Muslim (sic) is also a samasya. One worker needs that much money to work on a samasya every year."
This came even as Yogi Adityanath, the firebrand BJP MP from Gorakhpur, confirmed his visit on December 25 to Aligarh for an event that aims to convert 5,000 Muslims and 1,000 Christians at the local Maheshwari College.
Adityanath told TOI, "The administration and media have given it an exaggerated look. People are willingly converting themselves in 'ghar vapsi'. The event will happen as scheduled and I will be there."
READ ALSO: Mulayam yo-yos on Agra 'conversions'
He added, "When Hindus convert to Islam or to Christianity, nobody comes in for a check. Why is this being done when they want to convert back to Hinduism? There are many other issues that the administration and media should concentrate on rather than this. Muslims in Agra had also written a letter asking for a mandir. The situation went out of control because of the interference of media, administration and sundry religious leaders."
Yogi Adityanath.
The district administration, already anxious, said it is not taking any chances. J Ravinder Goud, SSP Aligarh, said, "There is no question of giving permission for the 'ghar vapsi' that is being planned in Maheshwari College. The issue has already flared up. We are not allowing it and if in case there is a violation, we will deal with the situation accordingly."
READ ALSO: After 'conversion', rag pickers can't pick pieces now
Not long ago, the Hindu outfit had taken over a small church on the outskirts of Aligarh, replacing the cross with a Shiva picture. Then, too, it had conducted a 'ghar vapsi' for 72 Valmikis, all of them Christians.
Christian and Muslim groups reacted with anger and caution. Community leader Vincent Joel said, "Ever since the church incident in Asroi, Christians have been praying for the dawn of achche din, where the country is not divided on the basis of religion or caste. We are praying to the Lord to grant the perpetrators of such mischief some wisdom."
Members of the Muslim community hold a protest meeting in Agra against the "forceful conversions" of some families of the community into Hinduism in the city.
Muslim organizations Millat Bedari Muhim Committee and Forum for Muslim Studies and Analysis condemned the "open and public call for conversion". Professor Razaullah Khan, president of both the outfits, said, "It is very disturbing to see how publicly they call for ghar vapsi. (UP) elections are slated for 2017 and now this gathering is being done to polarize society and divide votes. We should not let it happen."
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/RSS-body-seeks-donations-to-fund-Christmas-conversions-in-Aligarh/articleshow/45484672.cms