In an inaugural address at the Hindu Spiritual and Seva Mela in Jaipur, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar spoke out against the dangerous rise of religious conversions in India. He criticized a "sugar-coated philosophy" used to target vulnerable sections of society, and pointed to a larger conspiracy behind the organized conversions. Without naming anyone, Dhankhar expressed concern over certain individuals aligning with forces detrimental to the nation's interests. He urged for vigilance and swift action against those attempting to fragment India.
Hindu Sant Targeted: Vice President Sounds Alarm on Religious Conversions
Background
Religious conversions have been a contentious issue in India for centuries, with allegations of forced or fraudulent conversions being raised by Hindu groups. In recent years, the issue has intensified, with claims of mass conversions by Christian missionaries.
Vice President's Address
On October 12, 2023, at the Hindu Spiritual and Seva Mela in Jaipur, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar addressed the issue of religious conversions. He expressed deep concern over the "alarming rise" in conversions and warned of a "dangerous" conspiracy.
Dhankhar criticized a "sugar-coated philosophy" used to target vulnerable sections of society, such as the poor and marginalized. He alleged that organized groups were behind these conversions, exploiting people for "nefarious purposes."
Implications for National Security
Dhankhar expressed concern that certain individuals aligned with forces detrimental to India's national interests were involved in conversion activities. He urged vigilance and swift action to prevent "fragmentation" of the country.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What is the extent of religious conversions in India?
There are no official statistics on religious conversions in India. However, Hindu groups claim that millions of Hindus have converted to Christianity and Islam in recent years. Christian groups dispute these claims, arguing that conversions are voluntary and not forced.
2. Are forced conversions a problem in India?
There have been several cases of alleged forced conversions in India, particularly in rural areas and among marginalized communities. However, the extent of forced conversions is unclear, as many victims may be reluctant to come forward.
3. Who is behind organized religious conversions in India?
Hindu groups often accuse Christian missionaries of being behind organized conversions. Christian groups deny these allegations, arguing that they only carry out conversions in response to requests from individuals who wish to join their faith.
4. What is the government's response to religious conversions?
The Indian government has taken a strong stance against forced conversions, but it has not banned voluntary conversions. The government has implemented laws to prevent religious conversions by force or coercion.
5. What can be done to address the issue of religious conversions?
Various solutions have been proposed to address the issue of religious conversions, including:
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