DEBATE OVER CONVERSION

Intellectuals calls for Ban on Conversion

"Conversion is a multi-faced problem and hence has to be dealt in the same way" said Prof K.S. Narayanacharya. He was talking to a group of intellectuals who had come together under the banner of 'Manthana Jayanagar' for discussing the problems posed by religious conversions to Hinduism.

Delivering the presidential lecture on 'Conversion: A Dialogue' organized by 'Manthana' in Jayanagar, at Jayanagar Sevak Mandali, 8th Block, Jayanagar earlier this week Dr K S Narayanacharya contended that conversion is a bane that has been plaguing the society for centuries. It isn't an easy thing to transform the society at once. Those who perpetuate acts of conversion and the so called intellectuals who support them in these acts should be given a fitting reply in the language that they understand. "Hindus who profess the 'Sanathana Dharma' should get themselves more involved in activities relating to the Hindu society. If required the Sanyasis should be ready to fight like Parashu Rama to save our Dharma. Hindus should avoid restricting themselves to the confines of their castes and look at strengthening the Hindu society," he said in a forceful address. "We should ensure that the politicians who are sacrificing Hindu interests for petty gains be taught a good lesson. All Hindus should try to ensure that all the ill feelings between different segments of the Hindu society are removed and should strive towards building a strong society."

According to him, Dr B.R. Ambedkar was a bigger scholar than either Nehru or Gandhi, and he was well aware that the Indian Constitution was not reflecting the true cultural ethos of the country. The Constitution failed to implement Dr Ambedkar's vision for the poor and downtrodden people of the country and this had resulted in the continued growth of untouchability in the society, he averred. If only Dr Ambedkar had become the Prime Minister rather than Pandit Nehru, our country would have long been ridden of this curse, he felt.

Conversion, a Power Game
Taking a different view, Prof Sadhu Rangarajan opined that that Hinduism, Christianity and Islam are not religions in the real sense. While Hindutva was a way of life, Islam and Christianity were sects created to gain power. The Buddhist sect was a part of the Sanatana Hindu Dharma. A Hindu worships his motherland. 'Varna Vyavastha' that was formed based on the various occupations later transformed itself to a rigid caste system. This has resulted in caste discrimination. Muslims and Christians were taking advantage of this situation and converting so as to expand their regions of power. To prevent this he called upon the Sanyasis to jump into the fray and be ready to wage a battle to save the society and country.

Amend Constitution to ban conversions
Prof S.R. Leela felt that the amending the Constitution to ban conversions is the only solution to the problem. As in the environment every individual is made up of diverse elements, people take the paths that they feel are right for them. They refine themselves following the teachings of 'Mahatmas'. However the politicians, evangelists and the intellectuals are doing their best to make use of the existing differences in the Hindu society to spread hatred within the society. People influenced by these groups are following in their footsteps. The evangelists are growing in strength because of the money coming in from outside along with the fact that the Hindu society isn't doing enough to stop them.

She criticized the so called intellectuals for making anti-national statements for their own selfish purposes. They are making statements without ascertaining the facts and should be put to 'brain mapping' test, she remarked. "They are doing this further widen the divisions in the society. They do not want us to react to any attacks on us. They lack clarity of thought and lack knowledge of our ancient scriptures and literature. Add to that, their lack of conviction for the society. A dialogue with these intellectuals is needed," she said summing up.

Conversion, No Solution to Untouchability
MLC and Dalit leader D.S. Veeriah, said that untouchability is a blot on the Hindu society. Efforts are being made to remove the Dalits from the mainstream and derive profits out of it. However conversion is not a solution to untouchability, he said.

Reminding the audience about Dr Ambedkar's views on the issue, Sri Veeriah pointed out that as a representative of the Dalits who are a part of the Hindu society, Dr B.R. Ambedkar tried to find a solution for their problems. He was a man who had a clear thought process. He rejected all the offers made by Christians to convert him. He was also clear on Pakistan. He felt that if the body is in one place and mind is in the other, a healthy society cannot be formed. Hence he had suggested that all Muslims should be sent to Pakistan. To draw the attention of the Hindu society to the problems that were faced by the dalits, Dr B.R. Ambedkar joined Buddhism which is a part of the Hindu society.

The Dalit leader agreed with the views of the previous speaker that Dr Ambedkar's programmes for Dalits had not been implemented in the right spirit and hence untouchability still persisted. The MLC added that the dalits, who get converted, are not considered equal in their new faith as well. He suggested that the dalits should not create more confusion in their lives by getting converted. Instead they should make use of the opportunities provided by the Constitution. They should look at their development rather than at conversions. The governments should concentrate at bridging the gap and try to realize Dr B.R. Ambedkar dreams of a society that provides equality to all.

Conversion is Vote-bank politics
Jayanagar MLA B.N. Vijaykumar described conversion as another face of vote bank politics. "The Congress party that has ruled the country for a major period since independence has done nothing to rebuild the nation. It still thinks like the British. The downtrodden in the Hindu society are still away from the mainstream due to ill treatment. They are being further scared due to the vote bank politics. The British during their period did not encourage conversions. However since independence there have been continuous attempts to promote conversions and divide the society," he said, calling for a serious effort to address this issue.

Distorting Christ's teachings
Noted writer P N Benjamin in his speech remarked that some over enthusiastic preachers of Christianity had deliberately distorted the teachings of Jesus Christ to justify conversion. He suggested there should be tolerance between people of all faiths. People should respect the religious beliefs of others. However some fundamentalists have tried to create problems in the society by maligning Hindu gods. The Christians also have to resolve their internal problems. He suggested that Christians should worship Christ without criticizing others.