National Chairman
Interrogating Indian secularism - Mass conversion to Christianity, and Buddhism, at Nagpur
An eye witness report by John Dayal, who was there
Special to ASSIST News Service
Sunday, October 15, 2006
NAGPUR, INDIA
(ANS) — The British Broadcasting Corporation may still call them "Low caste Hindus" leaving the faith of their fathers, but for the 200 or so Hindu Dalits amongst almost ten thousand gathered in a central park in Nagpur on 14 October 2006, it was possibly the first, and so far only, real interrogation of India’s Constitutional secular pretence in which statutory guarantees of freedom of faith co-exist with State laws that demand police permission for professing religious identity.Religious conversions are, of course, not new in Nagpur.
This was the Fiftieth; possibly, in the fifty years since one time Indian Law
minister Baba Saheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar, the Mahar born in the very region,
professed Buddhism just days before his death in 1956. He fulfilled his
promise to his people "I may have been born a Hindu, but I will not die
one," rejecting the caste system ordained by the
`sage’ Manu which spelt a life below that of animals for a full fifth of
mankind.
In an annual ritual that now has actually become as jaded as any other, conversions to Buddhism have taken place here, and in many other cities. Sometimes the media covers them. It did the one in Karnataka this year were 30,000 turned neo Buddhist as they are called, and a smaller one in Hyderabad. It had also covered one more reluctantly five years ago when an Income Tax officer and trade unionist Ram Raj shaved his head in a ceremony in the heart of New Delhi to assume the name of Udit Raj and the political identity of a Dalit leader fighting the system for a better deal for his people.
Udit Raj, who was chairman that of the Confederation of Scheduled Caste Government employees’ organizations set up the Lord Buddha Club, evolved the Confederation of SC organizations going beyond government employees, and founded the Indian Justice Party to fight elections.
But it safe to become a Buddhist, or even a Sikh, if one is a Dalit. The Indian law follows the Hindu religion’s absorptive capacity, treating everyone as a Hindu for extending Constitutional benefits if they are not Muslims or Christians. Or, in fact, if they convert to Hinduism. But if they convert to Christianity, for instance, the Dalits can lose their jobs, their places in engineering and medical colleges, and perhaps their freedom if the police want to charge them with fraud or for violating the many so called "Freedom of Relgion Acts" as exist, or are sought to be imposed in Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal, Orissa, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh...
It was in this that the hundreds at Nagpur who were dunked in a makeshift baptism font - converted by putting a curtain across a garden fountain - by Trivandrum’s evangelical Bishop Moses Swamidoss and Bangalore’s Good Shepherd church senior pastor Kumarswamy — were making thei tryst with history. They stand to lose much of their material goods if they go back as Christians to their home States - Gujarat, to name just one. Gujarat’s chief minister Narendra Modi - internationally known for being denied an American visa for his hand in the mass murder of Muslims in riots in 2002 – is keeping the religious freedom iron hot to strike at Christians who would dare convert any of his citizens.
But for the All India Christian Council, an ecumenical non
denominational confederation of a variety of church groups, NGOs and
individuals, it has been an important exercise in testing if Christians in India
can exercise their full citizenship rights. It was then that its president
Joseph D Souza, now international head of the advocacy group Dalit
Solidarity Network - had extended cooperation to Raj, braving police wrath. The
Council once again collaborated with Udit Raj’s Confederation to host the mass
meeting in Nagpur. Maharashtra does not have a Freedom of Faith, or
anti-conversion, law, but the meeting was to be symbolic for Nagpur’s
association with Ambedkar’s movement, and for celebrating the Constitution of
India which he had helped write.
The meeting however seemed to have been seen as a political challenge by Mayawati, the fiery woman Dalit leader who has thrice been chief minister of Uttar Pradesh in a unique strategy devised by her mentor and Bahujan Samaj party founder Kanshi Ram, who died a few days ago.
Kanshi Ram, like Udit Raj a former government servant, had wanted to become Buddhist, but died before he could. His cremation was however with full Buddhist rites, a belated political gesture by Mayawati.
Mayawati chose to stage a rally in Nagpur to parallel the Confederation-Council venture, but chose once again not to test Freedom of faith herself. She announced she would remain a Hindu till she become prime minister, and then possibly become Buddhist.
There was no promise of political power to the Dalits of Gujarat who came to become Christians because now they can no longer do so in their home state. It remains to be seen how they are treated once they are back home. The Congress government at the Centre has said it is opposed to these new laws, though it was Congress governments back in the Nineteen Fifties which had first enacted them. Congress Governors have so fare withheld permission to such laws enacted by Rajasthan, for instance. But it remains to be seen if the government in New Delhi and the Supreme Court of India will do anything to abrogate the existing laws against conversion, and ensure a uniform guarantee of Freedom of faith.
In a interesting aside, at the monument at Deeksha Bhumi, the ground where Ambedkar carried out his mass conversions fifty years ago, the gathering of the Christian Council and Confederation said the Lord’s Prayer [Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name...] as soon as the collected Bhikkus had stopped chanting the Buddham Sharnam Gachhami mantras. Though it looks like a stupor and has the ambience partly of a mausoleum [without a tomb or memorial slab] and partly of a temple with its massive ‘Hundis’, or money collecting boxes, the monument celebrates not a particular religion, but the Freedom to profess any religion.
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Religious Leaders Unite in Fight for Religious Freedoms in India
Massive gathering of Dalit-Bahujans to issue multi-faith call for abolition of anti-conversion laws
Friday, October 13, 2006
NAGPUR, INDIA
(ANS) — At a symposium here, being held the day before a massive rally, religious leaders issued a united call for increase
d
religious freedom in India. The leaders said they would publicly demand on
October 14 that Indian authorities revoke six so-called Freedom of Religion laws
and make sure that lower castes can exercise their freedom to choose any faith.
Over 100,000 Dalits (formerly known as untouchables) are expected to attend the "World Freedom of Conscience and Freedom of Religion Day" being held in Nagpur, Maharashtra, on Saturday, October 14, 2006, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kasturchand Park. It occurs exactly fifty years after Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and his followers left Hinduism and embraced Buddhism. During the symposium held this afternoon at Hotel Central Point, top Buddhist, Protestant Christian, and Catholic Christian leaders vowed to join Sikh, Jain, and Muslim leaders in fighting for religious freedom in India.
(Left to Right) – Nanci Ricks, Executive Director, Dalit Freedom Network; Dr. Joseph D’souza, International President, Dalit Freedom Network; and Dr. Udit Raj, President, Confederation of Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribes Organizations encourage unity among minorities and all religions at today’s press conference in Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.
Dr. Joseph D’souza, President, All India Christian Council, and International President, Dalit Freedom Network, commented during a press conference held at 12:30 p.m. IST in Nagpur, "Ambedkar enshrined in India’s constitution the right to freely choose any religion and we celebrate him. He is our hero and icon. My desire for this rally is to see the Indian church carry forward the legacy of Ambedkar’s pursuit of religious freedom for every Indian citizen – from high caste to low caste to outcaste."
Dr. Udit Raj, National Chairman, All India Confederation of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes Organisations, said at the press conference, "The government has no business interfering with the personal lives of its citizens. Because of anti-conversion laws, the very fabric of our secular society is in danger. The foundation of India’s constitution has been shaken. We seek to restore this foundation – especially so that Dalits and lower castes can practice their freedom of conscience."
Well-known Dalit-Bahujan ideologue, Dr. Kancha Ilaiah,
Professor and Former Head of Political Science Department, Osmania University,
said, "Spiritual democracy must be practiced in our gre
at
nation. Spiritual democracy allows each person to choose his or her religion.
Spiritual fascism says that you are destined to one religion or cannot
independently choose to leave. Spiritually democratic religions teach that God
created all humans as equal."
The rally is co-sponsored by the All India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations and the All India Christian Council. Organizers previously announced plans to publicly burn anti-conversion laws in protest and assist those who want to leave the caste system by changing their religion. Speakers will include victims of religious attacks, most likely including two women whose husbands – who worked as pastors – were murdered and a Sikh whose hair was forcibly shaved. About twenty-five international observers are expected to attend from a variety of human rights organizations. They will express solidarity with Dalits as well as report to the outside world the progress towards freedom of religion.
Religious leaders from across the nation gathered to speak out at today’s Symposium for Freedom of Religion and Freedom of Conscience prior to the October 14 mass rally in Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.
Anti-conversion laws have been passed under the guise of ‘freedom of religion bills’ in Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. Laws are being actively enforced in Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. Tamil Nadu is in the process of repealing its law.
The All India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations (
www.scstconfederation.com), formed in 1997, exists to champion the intent and spirit of the constitution of India towards scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. It actively pursues social justice and the benefits conferred on members by the constitution.The All India Christian Council (
www.aiccindia.org), founded in 1999, exists to protect and serve the Christian community, minorities, and the oppressed castes. The aicc is a coalition of over 5,000 Indian denominations, organizations, and lay leaders.The Dalit Freedom Network (
www.dalitnetwork.org) partners with the All India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations and the All India Christian Council to support Dalits in their emancipation movement through education, health care, economic advancement, and human right advocacy.Dalit Freedom Network
5350 S Roslyn Ste 200, Greenwood Village CO 80111-2123, Tel 303-221-1333, Fax 303-770-0663, info@dalitnetwork.orgDalit,
For Immediate Press Release
Fire and Faith: Organizers of Massive Rally for India’s Oppressed Dalits Announce Special Events.
Peaceful protest against anti-conversion laws will include burning bills in public and, due to demands by Dalits, an opportunity to leave the caste system
DENVER – Oct. 11, 2006 – Organizers of a massive rally in Central India have outlined their plans to publicly burn anti-conversion laws in protest and support anyone who wants to leave the caste system. The demonstration, titled “World Freedom of Conscience and Freedom of Religion Day”, is being held in Nagpur, Maharashtra, on Saturday, October 14, 2006, at Kasturchand Park. Over 100,000 Dalits (formerly known as untouchables) are expected to attend along with international observers.
Exactly fifty years after Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and thousands of his followers left Hinduism and embraced Buddhism, hundreds of thousands of Dalits will rally for a change in Indian society. Ambedkar was a messiah of Dalits and framer of the Indian Constitution.
Dr. Udit Raj, one of
India’s best known Dalit
leaders today, said, “The Gujarat Government passed an anti-conversion law
amendment on September 19, 2006, that said Buddhists and Jains are part of
Hinduism. We are outraged at this ridiculous action by
politicians. On the one hand, extremist Hindus have intimidated and
discriminated against Christians and Muslims by passing draconian
anti-conversion laws in seven states. On the other hand, they are trying to
assimilate Buddhism and Jainism into Hinduism. Where is the freedom to choose
your own faith?”
As a protest, Dr. Raj said copies of so-called freedom of religion bills will be symbolically burned on the stage. The large rally will also include opportunities for people to renounce the caste system and thousands are expected to participate in the peaceful revolt. Important religious and human rights leaders from Islam, Christianity, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism and progressive Hindus will participate in the event. Details were unveiled during an Oct. 7th press conference in Mumbai. (Enclosed photo provided by “aicc communications”: (Piture: left to right) Ms. Indira Singh Athwale, General Secretary and Maharashtra State President, All India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations; Mr. Abraham Mathai, Vice-Chairman, Maharashtra State Minorities Commission; Mr. Udit Raj, National Chairman, All India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations; Ms. Pooja Bhatt, Bollywood Actress; Mr. Dr. Joseph D’souza, International President, Dalit Freedom Network, and President, All India Christian Council; Mr. Naseem Siddiqui, Chairman, Maharashtra State Minorities Commission.)
Dr. Joseph D’souza, International President, Dalit Freedom Network, and President, All India Christian Council, said, “We love our country. India is the world’s largest democracy and an amazing land of diversity. Yet our nation must recognize the evil of a system which doesn’t allow people to express a freedom of conscience. People must be allowed to choose their faith freely.” The All India Christian Council is co-sponsoring the event.
Anti-conversion laws have been passed under the guise of ‘freedom of religion bills’ in Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. Laws are being actively enforced in Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
The All India Confederation of SC/ST Organizations (www.scstconfederation.com), formed in 1997, exists to champion the intent and spirit of the Constitution of India towards scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. It actively pursues social justice and the benefits conferred on members by the Constitution.
The All India Christian Council (www.aiccindia.org), founded in 1999, exists to protect and serve the Christian community, minorities, and the oppressed castes. The aicc is a coalition of over 5,000 Indian denominations, organizations, and lay leaders.
The Dalit Freedom Network (www.dalitnetwork.org) partners with the All India Confederation of SC/ST Organizations and the All India Christian Council to support Dalits in their emancipation movement through education, health care, economic advancement, and human right advocacy.
Release by
Sd/-
Ben Marsh,
Coordinator, Dalit Freedom Network
Washington D.C.
(703) 974-1243
Dr. Udit Raj, Chairman of the All India Conference of SC/ST Organizations and Lord Buddha Club said in his statement in a joint Press Conferess organised by All India Christian Council and SC/ST Confederation on October 6, 2006 that the World Religious Freedom Day will be marked at Nagpur on 13th and 14th October, 3006 in which not only people from India but from USA and European Union will participate. Eminent persons of U.K. U.S.A. and European Union countries will attend that programme . He said that this event would coincide with the embracing of Buddhism Dr. Ambedkar on 14th October, 1956, with hundreds of thousands of people at Nagpur. This was an historical Religious Freedom Occasion not only in India but in the world. The year 2006 is golden jubilee of this religious freedom. Lord Buddha's 255oth Parinivarna is coinciding with this. (Picture: Press Conference at Press Club of India, New Delhi, Oct. 6, 2006)
Dr. Udit Raj said that recently, Gujarat Government had passed anti-conversion law according to which Buddhists and Jains have been declared as a part of Hinduism. Buddhists and Jains are much agitated and outraged at this atrocious bill . Dr. Udit Raj further said that on the one hand, Sangh Parivar is attempting to intimidate and discriminate against Christians and Muslims by brining out a draconian law but on the other, they are trying to appropriate Buddhism and Jainism to Hinduism. He said that as a protest against anti-conversion laws of Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat, Dalits will convert their religion from Hinduism to Buddhism. Important religious and human rights leaders from Islam, Christianity, Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism will participate in the event.
Mr. Madhu Chandra, Regional Secretary of the All India Christian Council headed by Dr. Joseph D'souza said that their Council is a partner of the All India Confederation of SC/ST Organization on this matter. The main concern of the Council is about the religious freedom enshrined in the Constitution. Mr. Madhu Chandra said that the Christians in Chhatisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat are being targeted and beaten up .He further said that the Christian priests and pastors can't help even a person who is ill or has met with an accident because they are immediately charged for proselytization. Thus they cannot educate and give medical aid to the needy. BJP ruled states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhatisgarh have brought about anti-conversion law which denies religious freedom and now victims of caste system cannot walk out of Hinduism. Mr. Madhu Chandra said that Christians cannot even carry out their normal service to the community like education and health, because the moment they try to provide first aid or admit an injured person to a hospital, RSS/BJP workers immediately pounce on them charging them that they were converting people. Mr. Madhu Chandra said that people from Rajasthan and Chhatisgarh are approaching his organization that since they are not allowed to change their religion in these States, they are willing to embrace Christianity on the World Religious Freedom Day to be held at Nagpur on 14.10.2006
Mr. Madhu Chandra said in the end that the All India Confederation of SC/ST Organizations and the All India Christian Countily have jointly decided to burn copies of the anti-conversion laws passed by the Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh,Rajasthan and also the Gujarat Bill. There will be religious discourse on 13th October and next day i.e. 14th October, will be followed by a Rally in which copies of anti-conversion law will be burnt and those willing to embrace Christianity will be wlcome.
Sd/-
PRESS RELEASE
Protest Rally organized by Indian Justice Party was supported by All India Confederation of SC/ST Organizations, All India Christian Council, All India Student Association, CPI leader Dr. Raja, Socialist leader - Shri Surendra Mohan and CPI leader Bijendra Sharma.
CASTE DENGUE IN AIIMS IS DEADLIER THAN MOSQUITO DENGUE
New Delhi, October 4, 2006.
Dr. Udit Raj, President of India Justice Party and National Chairman of All India Confederation of SC/ST Organizations condemns those who burnt the writings of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and caste discrimination against Dalit medical doctors of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in a big protest rally at AIIMS today.
(Right Picture: Protest at AIIMS on Oct 4, 2006)
On September 23, 2006 Progressive
Medicos and Scientists Forum said in a Press statement that Dalit
medical students are being discriminated and ill-treated. Neither the
AIIMS Administration nor the Central Government has taken any steps to
stop the onslaught of discrimination and ill-treatment against Dalit
medical students. On this occasion, the Forum also issued a CD on the
burning of the literature of Dr. Ambedkar. The authority of AIIMS
neither Central Government has taken any action against those
culprits who burnt the w
ritings
of Dr. Ambedkar.
Dr. Raj also said, “RSS and its political party, after making Gujarat as Saffron laboratory, AIIMS has been made as caste laboratory and terms its Medical Director - Venu Gopal a deathly caste Dengue for breeding caste Dengues in Indian society.”
CPI Leader, Com. D. Raja said that if 15% of the upper caste people continued to discriminate against Dalits and OBCs, a situation could come when these people would retaliate resulting in a civil war like situation.
(Left Picture: CPI Leader D. Raja addressing in rally)
Shri Surendra Mohan, the socialist
leader said that Dr. Ambedkar was not only a leader of Dalits but he
represented great human values. When he had gone to England to attend
the Round Table Conference, he was surprised to see a number of
erstwhile rulers as t
o
how could they represent the Indian people. The burning of the
literature of a great son of India, Dr. Ambedkar on the AIIMS premises
by a handful of upper caste doctors is the most shameful act on their
part.
Com. Bijender Sharma, Member, National Executive of the CPI that the often repeated argument of merit by the upper caste people is baseless in the context of providing opportunities and social justice to the people who have all along been deprived for a long period of time.
All India Christian Council supported the rally to ensure Dalit medical students in AIIMS be protected from caste discrimination and condemn those responsible in burning the writings of Dr. Ambedkar.
(Right Picture: Effigy of Dr. Venu Gopal burnt)
Senior leaders like by Smt. Chandralekha, Ajab Singh Bagri, Kaliram Tomar, Suresh Diwan, Parmendra, Jugal Kishore Saini, Tejpal Singh, Rajesh Kumar, Atul Gautam etc. addressed the rally.
(Mr. Madhu Chandra)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Upcoming
Rally to Raise Massive Cry for Freedom of Conscience for India’s Oppressed
Millions
Over 100,000 Dalits expected to attend protest against anti-conversion laws
Dalit Freedom
Network
In association with A.I.C.C./SC-ST Federations
For more information, contact:
Benjamin Marsh
Washington Director
bmarsh@dalitnetwork.org
(703) 974-1243
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| Dalit Freedom Network logo |
DENVER, CO Wednesday, September 27, 2006 (ANS)
A massive
demonstration will be held in Nagpur in central India on October 14, 2006 to call for freedom of religious
choice for all Indians and especially for India’s lowest castes. The rally,
titled “World Freedom of Conscience and Freedom of Religion Day”, occurs exactly
fifty years after Dr. B. R. Ambedkar left Hinduism and embraced Buddhism along
with hundreds of thousands of his fellow Dalits (formerly known as
untouchables). Ambedkar is a hero of the Dalits and framer of the Indian
Constitution.
Over 100,000 Dalits are expected to attend along with Buddhist, Christian,
Muslim, Sikh, and Hindu religious leaders from India and around the world.
Confirmed international observers include legislators, human rights activists,
and Bollywood artists.
The preceding day, on October 13, 2006, an invitation-only symposium will be held for key leaders involved in the rally. Hundreds of prominent activists from a variety of India’s religious and social communities as well as international participants will gather to discuss global efforts to emancipate Dalits.
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Udit Raj |
The meetings are co-sponsored by the All India Confederation of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes Organizations, led by Udit Raj, a renowned Dalit activist and politician, and the All India Christian Council, one of India’s largest ecumenical Christian coalitions.
In this week’s issue of Outlook, one of India’s most popular weekly magazines, Udit Raj stated in an opinion column that, “India is a secular country. Secularism simply means that the state shall not interfere in the personal and religious affairs of a person and religion would not be used as a political tool. …[Yet several states] have made laws which stipulate that whosoever wants to pursue a religious faith of his free choice shall have to get prior permission from the government.
"This means that the governments -- and the Sangh Parivar at large -- shall get prior information about anyone wanting to change their religion. As most of such people wanting to change their religious identity would be Dalits and people belonging to other weaker sections, is it very difficult to figure out what the Sangh and BJP in these states wish to do? They wish to be forewarned so that they are fully prepared to adopt all the means to prevent such conversions -- through intimidation or by coercion..”
Joseph D'souza, International President, Dalit Freedom Network, and President, All India Christian Council, said, “We believe this peaceful rally will be the start of nationwide movement promoting the most basic human right – the freedom of conscience and the ability to choose one’s religion. The citizens of India will overturn these anti-conversion laws through an unrelenting campaign in the media, in the courts, and in civic life. India’s Dalits are taught by the Hindu caste system that their fight against injustice is contempt for the divine. I urge the global community to stand in solidarity with the Dalits as they seek liberation from caste-based discrimination and modern-day slavery.”
Anti-conversion laws have been passed under the guise of “freedom of religion bills” in Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. The Tamil Nadu government is reportedly in the process of repealing their law.
The All India Confederation of SC/ST Organizations (www.scstconfederation.com), formed in 1997, exists to champion the intent and spirit of the Constitution of India towards scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. It actively pursues social justice and the benefits conferred on members by the Constitution.
The All India Christian Council (www.aiccindia.org), founded in 1999, exists to protect and serve the Christian community, minorities, and the oppressed castes. The AICC is a coalition of over 3000 Indian denominations, organizations, and lay leaders.
The Dalit Freedom Network (www.dalitnetwork.org) partners with the All India Confederation of SC/ST Organizations and the All India Christian Council to support Dalits in their emancipation movement through education, health care, economic advancement, and human right advocacy. Interviews with Indian leaders from the organizations above are available upon request through the DFN.
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