Ghar Wapsi unconstitutional, Conversion constitutional right:Christians

[Hindustani78]

VHP plans 'ghar wapsi' in 5 Kerala districts today - The Times of India
Dec 25, 2014, 01.35 AM IST

KOCHI: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has planned 'ghar wapsi' programmes in various parts of Kerala on Christmas. Even though exact locations were not disclosed by the organisation's functionaries, they said the conversion programmes are likely to be held in Thiruvananthapuram, Idukki, Kottayam, Alappuzha and Ernakulam districts.

Over 200 people have registered for converting to Hinduism in these districts through 'Hindu Helpline' and other centres opened by VHP, they claimed. "We are not revealing the exact locations as media attention will create hurdles for participants to reach the spots. We will be deciding on the locations at the last minute," said SJR Kumar, convenor of the VHP golden jubilee celebrations committee.

On Wednesday, VHP said it converted 11 more people, including three 'love jihad' couples, in a ceremony held at Kizhavoor Yakshi Amman temple near Kayamkulam town. "The women converted to Islam after they married Muslim men years ago. They approached us voluntarily expressing interest to go back to their original religion. We made all arrangements for them. We can't reveal the identity of the couples as it could put their life at stake," VHP Alappuzha district president Prathap G Padikkal told TOI.

Sources said VHP was not planning to hold any large scale 'ghar wapsi' activity in the Malabar region for the time being. The organization would be holding 'Hindu Maha Sammelans' in all 14 districts towards the end of January and early February.



At least 58 persons embrace Hinduism in Kerala - The Times of India
PTI | Dec 25, 2014, 03.55 PM IST

KOTTAYAM (Kerala): At least 58 persons, most of them belonging to Christian families, embraced Hinduism at two temples in Kottayam district under the initiative of Vishwa Hindu Parishad on Christmas day on Thursday.

At least 42 members belonging to 20 families embraced Hinduism at the Puthiyakavu Devi temple in Ponkunnam while at another function at the Thirunakara Sri Krishna Swamy temple in Thirunakara, 16 were converted to Hinduism, VHP district president, Balachandran Pillai said.

One of the person who converted is said to be a Muslim. Pillai said those who had converted had come on their own from Vaikom, Kumarakkam and Kanjirapally.

Similar functions are being held at various places. Yesterday, 11 persons had embraced Hinduism near Kayamkulam in Alappuzha district in yet another case of conversion since the last week in the state.

A batch of 30 persons belonging to eight families of Scheduled Caste Christians had re-converted in the district on December 21.

On conversion, chief minister Oommen Chandy had said yesterday that the situation did not warrant a government intervention.

 

[mujhaidind]

So what is your point in real ? that missionaries are being backed by Governments ?

That too! And Indian Christians think in the same manner like the missionaries.

 

[Hindustani78]

That too! And Indian Christians think in the same manner like the missionaries.

on both sides its like making fun of ordinary Indians.

 

[Hindustani78]

Only strong anti-conversion law can end the practice: Sushma Swaraj | The Indian Express

December 25, 2014 9:12 pm
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday said that religious conversions in the country will continue till a central law against the practice comes into force.

Such a law can come into existence if all political parties agree to it, the Union Cabinet minister said. She was responding to a question on whether events like Ghar Vapasi (reconversion ceremonies organized by right-win g organizations across the country) were proving a hurdle in the Narendra Modi government’s development and good governance agenda.

Defending anti-conversion laws in BJP-ruled Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, the Lok Sabha member from Vidisha insisted that they did not ban voluntary conversions.

Bishop of Pune criticizes ‘ghar wapsi’ - The Times of India
Dec 25, 2014, 12.28 AM IST

Pune: The Bishop of Pune, Rt Rev Thomas Dabre on Wednesday criticized the 'ghar wapsi' programmes conducted in some parts of the country. "All such acts and events are an antithesis of true religion," he said.

Speaking out against terrorism, he said, "Fanaticism and fundamentalism around the world create fear among people." He was referring to the recent brutal attacks on children (in Pakistan) and other innocent people.

Calling for a religious-spiritual revolution in the world, Dabre's message on the eve of Christmas urged believers to promote the good of every human being and not bring pain, harm, injury and death to anyone.

 

[indiatester]

Bishop of Pune criticizes ‘ghar wapsi’ - The Times of India
Dec 25, 2014, 12.28 AM IST

Pune: The Bishop of Pune, Rt Rev Thomas Dabre on Wednesday criticized the 'ghar wapsi' programmes conducted in some parts of the country. "All such acts and events are an antithesis of true religion," he said.

Speaking out against terrorism, he said, "Fanaticism and fundamentalism around the world create fear among people." He was referring to the recent brutal attacks on children (in Pakistan) and other innocent people.

Calling for a religious-spiritual revolution in the world, Dabre's message on the eve of Christmas urged believers to promote the good of every human being and not bring pain, harm, injury and death to anyone.

I find that very strange. Don't people have a right to change back to Hinduism? Never knew it was a one way street.

 

[Hindustani78]

I find that very strange. Don't people have a right to change back to Hinduism? Never knew it was a one way street.

Force conversion should not be allowed and the problem is with some very harsh statements issued by certain figures

Rajeshwar Singh has said that they plan to root out Christianity and Islam from India by December 31, 2021, adding that Christians and Muslims essentially have no right to live in the country.

“India’s inner voice has spoken. Just wait and watch. 31 December 2021 is the last for Christianity and Islam in this country. We will finish Christianity and Islam in this country by 31 December 2021. This is our aim,” Rajeshwar said.

All these are native Indians and they have not come from outside but are sons and daughters of India.

 

[kadamba-warrior]

Isnt he replying to media's questions?



What is the problem in using money mate? If religious organisations spend their money to lure people, then its beneficial for common people na. As long as people are better fed, who cares which religion they convert into..

First of all, I feel disgusted to wash our dirty linen on an International forum such as this, but unfortunately this is the only forum I have got to air my views on the matter of religious conversions.

Secondly I also feel disgusted that my own brothers like @danger007 and @seiko feel threatened in their own lands. This needs to stop. Every religion is equal in front of Indian Constitution and must be accorded the same respect and level of protection. Period.

Having said that, may I humbly take exception to your opinion that the lure of money to convert the financially unfortunate to other religions as fair?

In my view, it is wrong on so many accounts.

1. Why do you even want others to follow a faith you believe in? Shouldn't religion be a strictly private matter? If every religious person keeps his faith in his heart and practices it his house strictly, we wouldn't have seen half the violence that this world has been made to see.

2. The poor and the Tribals (who are often the targets of this sort of conversions) are also ignorant. So they can't be expected to make informed decisions on what religion they want to follow. The lure of money is not only UNGODLY but a form of exploitation. I am not sure if Jesus would have approved of such an exploitation -- just to make others follow him. More fundamentally, why do you want those people who converted just for the greed of money in your community?

3. Even the financial gains for the recently converted are very temporary. You know it and we all know where the money for these conversions come from. The moment the foreign evangelists decide that there enough Christians in India, those 'taps' will run dry. Then what? The newly converted will only have changed their religion -- not their financial conditions. And even worse, they would have already been often excommunicated from their original faith and comfort of their friends/family.

4. Most important of all the reasons though, there is an implied sense of religious superiority whenever there are conversions taking place -- especially when it happens not by self-realization by the individual but by organizations in mass conversion rallies. Are we not negating the same "religious equality" of our Constitution that provides the same minorities a say in the affairs despite their numerical disadvantage?

How can we argue one on hand that all religions are equal in front of Indian Constitution and then go on to convert the unfortunate among us to another religion because they are supposed to be superior?

 

[Hindustani78]

200 Mahadalits convert to Christianity in Bihar, Chief Minister seeks probe - The Hindu
Updated: December 26, 2014 13:34 IST

The Mahadalits from 40 families of Atiya village under Pararia panchayat of Bodh Gaya block converted to Christianity at a Christmas function organised in a local school.
After Bhagalpur and Munger, it was turn of Bodh Gaya where in a village 200 Mahadalits converted to Christianity on Christmas Day. Chief Minister Jitan Manjhi, who himself is from the community and from the same district, has sought a probe into the event.

About 200 Mahadalits from 40 families of Atiya village under Pararia panchayat of Bodh Gaya block converted to Christianity on Thursday at a Christmas function organised in a local school by a priest, Brother Rajkishore.

In 2008 too, 35 families from the same village had converted to Christianity

The villagers have reportedly said that they have converted to Christianity for their growth and betterment in life. However, village head Munia Devi said she has no knowledge about the conversions, “though, a function was organised in the village school on Thursday”.

A local official said that the villagers like Dhanesh Manjhi and Bhanesh Manjhi have said that they had participated in the function on Christmas day to express their faith in Christianity like other villagers without any “allurement, fear or favour”.

Meanwhile, Mr. Manjhi, who was in his village in Gaya district on Thursday, has sought a report on the incident from the district magistrate. “I’ve asked the officials to look into it whether it was forced conversion out of any pressure or allurement or on their own,” he said.

“If they have converted on their own there is nothing wrong in it,” he said while adding that a high-level probe could be ordered if there was any need of it.

Earlier, similar reports of conversion of Mahadalit families to Christianity had come from Bhagalpur ad Munger districts of the State. However, when officials visited those villages to ascertain the facts, the villagers had denied their “conversion to any other religion” and had said they have merely expressed their faith in Jesus Christ for “betterment and growth in their life”.


Former Imam leads call for ghar vapsi at Delhi rally - The Hindu
December 26, 2014 01:48 IST

Arya Kendriya Sabha with close links to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, on Thursday showcased Mahender Pal, a former Moulvi from Meerut, at a ceremony at the Ramlila Maidan here.

Pal said he was converted on November 30, 1983 in Meerut. “On December 25 that year, I addressed the Sabha [annual meet to commemorate Swami Shradhanand’s death] in New Delhi. [More than] 30 years after that, they have brought me here,” he said.

However, Pal’s speech was cut short by the organizers. “People are invited on the stage but what they say is often their personal view,” Vinay Arya, secretary of the Sabha’s Delhi chapter later said, distancing the Sabha from Pal’s speech.

On the sidelines, Pal said there were others in the gathering who had been converted to Hinduism. “Vedic dharma is the only dharma. The rest are communities,” he said. Asked if he had any RSS affiliations, Pal said: “I am involved with all Hindu organisations. They call me to preach the truth.” He said he had been an Imam for three years before he became a Hindu at the age of 32.

The Sabha passed a resolution seeking an anti-conversion law and decided to make a representation to the Home Minister. It also resolved to end casteism, which it said was another thrust area of the Arya Samaj movement.

VHP National spokesperson Vinod Bansal who was present on the stage later said: “Ghar vapsi is an original movement started by Swami Shradhanand in 1919. He was killed on December 23, 1926 by a Muslim fanatic because of that. Ghar vapsi cannot be done without the Arya Samaj. The Sangh or VHP can only mobilise people.” An RSS leader who was also present on the stage said: “This was not an official RSS function. But the Sangh and the Arya Samaj are in consonance on the issue of conversion.”

So how many years old is he and at which age he become a Muslim and for how many years he was an Imam? Seems a very interesting person.

 

[mujhaidind]

I find that very strange. Don't people have a right to change back to Hinduism? Never knew it was a one way street.

on both sides its like making fun of ordinary Indians.

Young school girls are told that if they don't feel power of Jesus they have demon in them. Disgusting video

 

[Hindustani78]

Young school girls are told that if they don't feel power of Jesus they have demon in them. Disgusting video

Such talks are done by the hardliner of all the communities in India and its the sad reality. I can imagine what Hindu organizations are trying to do.

 

[mujhaidind]

Such talks are done by the hardliner of all the communities in India and its the sad reality. I can imagine what Hindu organizations are trying to do.

Christian couple booked under MP’s anti-conversion law


Written by Milind Ghatwai | Bhopal | Posted: December 25, 2014 3:40 pm | Updated: December 25, 2014 3:50 pm

A Christian couple was taken into custody under the state’s anti-conversion law from Bitnera village, about 30 kms from district headquarters Khargone, after a Hindu woman alleged that she had been offered Rs 5,000 every month if she converted to Christianity.

The police said Wilson and Rashmita, who belong to Chennai but have been living in Khargone for last few years, had come to the village to take part in a feast organized by Rekhabai and her husband Badri after he was cured of a chronic illness.

The local family had reportedly planned a sacrifice of a goat on the occasion. A few more local members had reportedly started practicing Christianity after being treated of their illnesses.

There was more than one version of the complaint by Kamlabai, a woman who alleged that she was promised money for changing her faith. One version said she was opposed to the animal sacrifice.

The Christian couple was allowed to go home late on Wednesday but had been given a notice. Khargone SP Amit Singh told The Indian Express that the couple has been booked under the anti-conversion act but not arrested immediately because the offence was punishable with less than seven-year jail term. He said the couple’s claim that it was there for Christmas celebration was questionable because the village does not have a Church or any other Christian institute.


The couple, however, claimed that they had come to the village only to attend the feast and made no attempt to convert anyone.

The in-charge of Goganva Police Station, where the offence was registered, said the police have not been able to confirm the address in Khargone where the couple claimed to have rented a place.

“No one would come all the way from Chennai only to eat goat meat,’’ he said and added that there was no proof of the couple’s involvement in previous conversions in Goganva Police Station area.

- See more at: Christian couple booked under MP’s anti-conversion law | The Indian Express

 

[Hindustani78]

Christian couple booked under MP’s anti-conversion law


Written by Milind Ghatwai | Bhopal | Posted: December 25, 2014 3:40 pm | Updated: December 25, 2014 3:50 pm

A Christian couple was taken into custody under the state’s anti-conversion law from Bitnera village, about 30 kms from district headquarters Khargone, after a Hindu woman alleged that she had been offered Rs 5,000 every month if she converted to Christianity.

The police said Wilson and Rashmita, who belong to Chennai but have been living in Khargone for last few years, had come to the village to take part in a feast organized by Rekhabai and her husband Badri after he was cured of a chronic illness.

The local family had reportedly planned a sacrifice of a goat on the occasion. A few more local members had reportedly started practicing Christianity after being treated of their illnesses.

There was more than one version of the complaint by Kamlabai, a woman who alleged that she was promised money for changing her faith. One version said she was opposed to the animal sacrifice.

The Christian couple was allowed to go home late on Wednesday but had been given a notice. Khargone SP Amit Singh told The Indian Express that the couple has been booked under the anti-conversion act but not arrested immediately because the offence was punishable with less than seven-year jail term. He said the couple’s claim that it was there for Christmas celebration was questionable because the village does not have a Church or any other Christian institute.


The couple, however, claimed that they had come to the village only to attend the feast and made no attempt to convert anyone.

The in-charge of Goganva Police Station, where the offence was registered, said the police have not been able to confirm the address in Khargone where the couple claimed to have rented a place.

“No one would come all the way from Chennai only to eat goat meat,’’ he said and added that there was no proof of the couple’s involvement in previous conversions in Goganva Police Station area.

- See more at: Christian couple booked under MP’s anti-conversion law | The Indian Express

Anti Conversion bill is placed in there and according to that only they were arrested.

Arunachal Pradesh passed anti-conversion bill in 1978
Gujarat State passed anti-conversion bill in 2003
Madhya Pradesh passed anti conversion bill in 2006
Chhattisgarh passed anti conversion bill in 2006
Himachal Pradesh passed anti conversion bill in 2007

Soon even other states will bring legislation in state assemblies on Anti conversion and i think first would be Jharkhand as its having large adivasi communities section.

 

[mujhaidind]

Soon even other states will bring legislation in state assemblies on Anti conversion and i think first would be Jharkhand as its having large adivasi communities section.

They are converting a lot of people even in states which have that law.

Christianity is a political idelogy. India will dis-integrate soon. Because Hindus doubt Muslim patriotism while ignoring the real threat. @sreekumar @jha @SarthakGanguly

 

[Hindustani78]

They are converting a lot of people even in states which have that law.

Christianity is a political idelogy. India will dis-integrate soon. Because Hindus doubt Muslim patriotism while ignoring the real threat. @sreekumar @jha @SarthakGanguly

Anti conversion law is there in just 5 states and in other states there is not that much mechanism on this issue.

And regarding Hindus doubts Indian Muslims and Christian patriotism then i think its just opinion of a small section of Hindus because of misconceptions . All are Native Indians

 

[Hindustani78]

Bhopal: Christians, Muslims on BJP membership radar - Hindustan Times

December 27, 2014

Notwithstanding the row over 'Ghar Vapasi', the state unit of the BJP is sweating it out to bring the members of the minority communities into the partyfold.

The BJP has drawn an ambitious plan to add 10 lakh new members and said the controversy over religious conversions hasn't affected their drive in the state.

Earlier this week, the BJP minority morcha leaders held a 'chai choupal' at Qazi camp, a Muslim-dominated locality in Bhopal, in which nearly 1,700 Muslims joined the party on the spot. Similar events are being held in all the districts.


"The target to enrol 1 lakh Muslims members had been achieved in the past. Now the next target is to get 10 lakh members from both the communities till March 2015," said a BJP functionary on conditions of anonymity.

BJP minority morcha chief Hidayatulla Sheikh said that the figure of 10 lakh may appear too big, but insisted that it was realistic. "For example, if we have 10,000 active members across the state and each are told to get 100 members, then the target is achievable," Sheikh says.

"It's quite cold and hence we organise the chai choupals. We go to a locality, have tea with the local residents, tell them about our party and its policies and many of them enthusiastically join us," he said.

Sheikh said that a meeting with Christian community members was held five days ago and a major meet would be held soon. "Our state party president Nand Kumar Singh Chauhan and other senior leaders would be present. Once we get the consent, we would inform them the date," Sheikh further said. "Muslims are joining party actively and this is the reason," he added.

The special efforts to woo Muslims and Christians are part of the BJP's ongoing drive to increase the party membership. When BJP national president Amit Shah had come to Bhopal recently, he had told the party workers to take the membership figure to two crore in the state.