Converting Faiths- ( Dissecting the 'GharWapasi' controversy)

Source: www.ucanindia.in

White Hat- Facts and Figures
By- Saloni Saini

“The path to tolerance and peace is through education and not religious preaching. Religious conversions lead to conflict between people and within a person,” quoted Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama. The concept of religious conversion simply means adopting a new set of religious believes, which may either be wilful or forced upon.

In the recent past, religious conversions have captivated a lot of public scrutiny. Around 100 people from 37 families in Agra were allegedly “re-converted” to Hinduism in an event organized by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), 30 people from 8 families in Kerala were also subjected to the same treatment by RSS backed Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP). Rajeshwar Singh, Head of RSS backed Dharm Jagran Manch has said that their organization has set up 2021 as the deadline to sanctify India of Islam and Christianity. On the other hand, the Shiv Sena U.P. Head, Anil Singh said, “actual ghar wapsi would be to send Muslims to Paksitan.”

Such stark instances have initiated a ruckus in the media society, and are also being seen as a result of a strong BJP backup for the RSS, even though the central government has showed its dissatisfaction against these allegations. Minister for State of Minority Affairs, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has also favoured a national level anti-conversion law against forceful conversions. But VHP demands its “ghar wapsi” movement (to re-convert Muslims and Christians to Hinduism) to be kept out of this enactment. There have also been cases where minority groups in U.P. have demanded better social status, or else they have threatened to convert their religion.

Proselytism or religious conversion has its roots laid deep down ever since the concept of “religion” gained its very existence. As new dogmatic religious ideologies started pouring in, it acted as a threat to the already existing religious fanatics. Some converted their religion willingly, like A.R. Rahman (from Atheism to Islam), George Harrison from (Christianity to Hinduism); others convert forcefully due to political, social or economic factors. In January 2011, the Supreme Court held that religious conversions violated the secular spirit of the constitution.

From mass religious conversions during the Mughal dynasty during which Hindus were converted to Islam, to the recent instances of forceful conversions, proselytism has been used and misused as per the whims and wishes of different societal groups.

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Yellow Hat- Optimism/Support
By- Moumita Majumdar

The Gharwapsi programme can be perceived as a modified version of the ‘Shuddhi Movement’ which was elevated in 1923 by the Arya Samaj for raising the outcasts from other religions and converting them to Hinduism and providing them an equal sphere under which they can develop and at the same time Hindus can reclaim their lost identity. It is a programme which promises a return to a place that was never ‘home’ in the first place.

Fostering Hinduism has taken shape in the form of the Gharwapsi programme, initiated to bring back people who belong to Hinduism but were forced into other religions by luring and deceiving. According to Dharam Jagran Samiti(DJS) leader, Rajeshwar Singh Solanki, their main objective is to create a “pure and constructive society in Bharat”. The number of Hindu population worldwide once stood at 700 crore which has now shrunk to 100 crore. The preservation of Hindu society and the creation of a Hindu nation are thus a main prerogative of the Gharwapsi programme.

Reconversion is just a homecoming for many who were converted forcefully to an alien faith. The Indian constitution speaks of freedom of religion which means the right to choose one’s own religion. Any individual who is not happy with the religion that they have been forced into can willingly reconvert to their original religion.

God is one, according to the age old norms. In that case, the whole negativity surrounding Gharwapsi is a farce and it is a non-issue as people shouldn’t really care about religions. Religion is man-made. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh(RSS) supports the ideology of Gharwapsi. Manmohan Vaidya, RSS’s national media head said, “If people want to get reconnected with their roots, Hindu society should welcome them”.

Ever since the BJP has come to power, the Gharwapsi programme has come into the limelight. The Narendra Modi government has also proposed an anti-conversion law to stop the forcible conversions.

Thus the whole controversy surrounding the Gharwapsi programme seems irrelevant as we are not waging a war against other faiths; we are simply reclaiming our rights.

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Black Hat- Criticism
By- Arnab Mitra

There are many religions that carry identical messages and yet people fail to remain united. The ones at fault are the 'religious gurus' who promote holistic messages against religions other than their own for their selfish interest.

The recent issue of ‘Ghar wapsi’ is the same method followed by early monarchs to spread their own religion by force and to gain more power. Politics and religion have a strong connection. During elections, the politicians get huge funds from spiritual gurus who also help the contestant to win elections.

Lower caste people convert into different religion for the sake of their livelihood and are not accepted in society for the same reason. People have liberty to follow any religion as no god talks about conversion, but it is the 'religious gurus' who for their narrow self interest propagate the religion in their own way and poor people fall prey to it. Often, the politicians in power promote reservations to attract more people in support of their party. This narrow polarisation affects common people as today from government sector to education, qualified people remain abstained from getting desired posts.

The issue of ‘Ghar wapsi’ recently created communal tension sparked by comments from political leaders which built up to the burning of churches in Delhi and Keonjhar. RSS and Viswa Hindu Parishad organised ‘Ghar Wapsi’ programme in parts of India where Muslims are converted to Hindu, as did the other 'religious leaders' to convert people to their own religion. In retaliation to ‘Ghar Wapsi’, Muslim leaders started the campaign ‘Love Jihad’ where Muslim youth targeted girls of different religions and converted them to Islam under the pretext of marriage.

The birth of India witnessed blood sheds during partition followed by riots in several parts of the country. The increasing trend of ‘Ghar Wapsi’ followed by ‘Love Jihad’ if not stopped will arise communal tension causing riots which will cost India it's peace and harmony.

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Green Hat- Creative solutions
By- Sanjay Kumar Bissoyi

Faith and conduct both are self-possessed. If we rely on race, blood and soil, our earth will be jam-packed with Buchenwald’s; but if we have faith in common and collective goals, peace, harmony and understanding will develop.

It is this leap of belief in spiritual ideologies, which is a necessity to revive, to make a better world and universal brotherhood. Gharwapsi /reconversion, infidelity, etc., all these are illusions governed by man himself. Religious barrier and denomination conflict is a common issue of today. It is happening because the greed of man has suppressed the moral principles of man. There is no understanding and reverence of man in different faiths, beliefs and religions. Everyone has a right to follow their religion, but conversion by force is no way to propagate of one’s religion.

It is not wise to misinterpret and endorse the philosophies of religion for selfish interests. The cunning and impatient mind has to be tamed with love, compassion and kind-heartedness. Every man is responsible for the chaos and reconciliation. Creating atmosphere of panic in the public is also a form of violence. India is famous in the world due to its riches of diversity.

Education in our country should not only promote secularism with great height but it should also provide substantial support to one’s morality. Just as Media has a responsibility of writing about culture, history and identity of India to unite our people, government must also urge the colossal population for the urgent development of humanity, as no religion is greater than humanity.

The pursuit of liberty from the spiral of silence helps revive one’s human values. I attempt to resuscitate my sprits by listening to Lennon's appeal to the human essence in his song, ‘Imagine’ -- maybe a dreamer, but not the only one. Imagine there are no countries / It isn't hard to do / Nothing to kill or die for / and no religion, too / Imagine all the people / Living life in peace…

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Blue Hat- Expert Opinion
By- Saba Fatmi

Adnan Farooqui, Assistant Professor, Department of Polictical Science, Jamia Millia Islamia

Q1. What is your take on ghar wapsi issue, will it lead to disharmony?
Ans. Ghar wapsi would indeed lead to disharmony at the societal level. In a multi-religious society like ours an initiative such as these might wreak havoc with the social-balance.

Q2. Do you think implementing of anti-conversion law will act as a threat to our democracy?
Ans. Constitution of India, as it stands, provides all religions right to propagate their religion. This right was included after much deliberation in the constituent assembly and has withstood the test of time. Thus the anti-conversion law would go against the spirit of the constitution.

Q3. Does ghar wapsi afflict our socio religious fabric?
Ans. In any multi-cultural society it is always difficult to reach a social-balance. Any provocative step from any group might breach peace and social-harmony.

Q4. Ghar wapsi issue has sprung during the BJP regime, is it a strategy of BJP to form a Hindu state?
Ans. I don't think it is part of any deliberate game plan on part of the BJP. Re-conversion or conversions have happened in the past as well. It is just that earlier these initiatives never attracted this kind of media attention.

Q5. Do you think proselytization is morally or ethically correct?
Ans. The constitution of India gives an average citizen the Right to Freedom of Religion and also to propagate one's religion. Like all other rights this one is also conditional, one cannot force someone or lure someone by making false promises.

Q6. Do you think these transfigurations are just superficial due to certain constraints?
Ans. Off course it is superficial. I don't think it would have any far reaching effect besides generating media bytes and fairly local political polarization.

Q7. This campaign mainly targets socially and economically deprived strata of the society, is it correct to play upon their emotions?
Ans. This is something which cannot be justified. This is something which has to be condoned. However, this is not restricted to the majority groups. Almost all religious groups in India have indulged in this morally dubious exercise.

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Red Hat- Public Opinion
By- Namit Hans

Gaurav Tripathi, Delhi, Pursuing Master’s degree in Economics from IGNOU

Q1) What are your thoughts about recent 'Gharwapsi' controversy. Do you think it is a threat to our nation/state? Why?
Ans ) I may not term it as a threat, but in my opinion such things can cause problems.

Q2) Many claim that it is just media propaganda to defame the government in centre. What is your take on this?
Ans) Media is not working in the way it should be. There are multiple other issues which require attention but media does not focus on them. The function of media should be of showing grassroots struggles of the people; instead they are propagating ‘Gharwapasi’.

Q3) Do you think that an anti-conversion law will help to eradicate the problem from forceful conversions?
Ans) A new law is not a solution for society’s deep-entrenched problems. It is us who have to bring awareness among everyone regarding this issue.

Q4) What necessary steps can be taken to make people more aware about different religions and faiths?
Ans) In Australia, people organise community development programmes to know about different cultures which are led by religious heads. Such initiatives can work in India too.

Q5) As a citizen of this country. How does this news affect or influence you on a personal level?
Ans) It definitely affects me. Our nation is known for its religious and spiritual unity but such acts show a contrasting picture. There is also a lack of strong political will. This may not influence my thinking but over a period of time, it may have a negative effect on coming generations.


Shaziah Shamim, Delhi, Pursuing Master’s degree in Economics from Jamila Milia Islamia

Q1) What are your thoughts about recent 'Gharwapsi' controversy. Do you think it is a threat to our nation/state? Why?
Ans) Yes, in times like these where religion is used as a tool for evoking commotion in the society, it is definitely a huge threat.

Q2) Many claim that it is just media propaganda to defame the government in centre. What is your take on this?
Ans) I don’t agree because leaders of the established government have not shown their objections on this issue. On the contrary, they have been defending it by giving justifications and clarifications.

Q3) Do you think that an anti-conversion law will help to eradicate the problem from forceful conversions?
Ans) India being a secular country, it is important that campaigns like these should be completely obliterated. Gharwapasi campaign is itself against the existing laws; therefore government should focus on exterminating such campaigns rather than enacting new laws.

Q4) What necessary steps can be taken to make people more aware about different religions and faiths?
Ans) I believe people are already aware about different faiths; steps should be taken towards creating awareness of these misconceptions which lead people to go astray.

Q5) As a citizen of this country. How do these news affect or influence you on a personal level?
Ans) Such news definitely affects me and makes me feel insecure. If one is not able to practice their religion freely in a secular country, then it is a matter of great concern. 

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Introduction:

Saloni Saini, 23, Graduate in Mass Communication from GGSIP University Delhi, Former intern at Indo-Asian news Service and ABP news, Pursuing Diploma in English Journalism from Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal

Moumita Majumdar, 22, Graduate in English literature from Calcutta University, Worked with Red Chillies Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., Pursuing Diploma in English Journalism from Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal

Arnab mitra, 23, Graduate in English Literature from Calcutta University, Post Graduate in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, Former space seller in The Telegraph, Pursuing Diploma in English Journalism from Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal

Sanjay Kumar Bissoyi, 22, Graduate in Sociology from Behrampur University, Pursuing Diploma in Odiya Journalism from Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal

Saba Fatmi, 22, Graduate in Economics from Jamia Milia Islamia Delhi, Pursuing Diploma in English Journalism from Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal

Namit Hans, 23, Graduate in Economics from Delhi University, Former Gandhi Fellow at Piramal Foundation for Education Leadership, Pursuing Diploma in English Journalism from Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal