ronald, barkur

Yes, there is no such thing as a forced conversion as Santosh says. If the Swamis are subtly implicating conversion in general, then who are the many Caucasians (or whites) who are in the Udupi area and periodically participating in the processions in Udupi (open secret)? I dont think anyone has raised any objection about their presence.

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Diana, Mangalore

You are talking about forced conversions and making a big issue about it. Most of it is fake - stories concocted. Instead of going around with anit-conversion banners, why can't the government concentrate on more pressing issues - like crimes against women, for example - try to put an end to female foeticide, wherein a pregnant mother is forced to get rid of the female foetus in the womb. This, you might be aware is a heinous crime against the female race which is happening exclusively in the Hindu community. Hence,first,solve the problem of forced abortion and then talk about forced conversion. Thank you.

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Walter Saldanha, mangalore

Hello Santosh, Udupi, Bahrain, the Swamijis are requesting the Govt. to pass a bill to stop forcible conversions, and you are saying there is not such a thing called forcible conversions. The govt. I and many others are confused, secondly your statement says that the swamijis are wrong which I donot like, because most of us respect swamijis. Of course Santosh you should know that they are refering to the VHP in orissa who is forcibly converting the Christians to Hinduism, in the rescue camps, just wait for the facts.

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Daniel Davis, Dubai

The Lies promoted by Sang. Inc is exposed in Orrissa where a Hindu Girl who was working in Orphanage to earn to finance her education was raped brutally and then burnt to death. My dear Hindu Brothers we are helping the mankind live in peace and not convert them.

You might be wondering even after facing such assault on our Holy Church, places of worship, Holy Preists & nuns and others in God's Kingdom why we are not reacting like others. This is because we have "Risen Christ" Who gives his peace to everybody who seeks him. Experience this peace and make this earth a better place to live in. May God Bless Everybody.

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Roshan, Mangalore

Mr.Santhosh if you have any evidence that catholics are converting Hindus just show to the media and Police dont listen to others.Pejavar Math swamiji is known for creating news and tension

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Richie John Pais, Mangalore

Santosh, what do you mean? Christian heads should track the movements of several other so called "Christian" groups? because "Afterall they are christians?"Why can not the government keep an eye on them? what nonsense you are talking? So in turn Hindu and Muslim heads keep track on the activities of all so called Hindu and Muslim groups respectively?

So what the Givernment will do? Just instigate the police force to beat up innocents? We are all against conversions. But nobody can control them ( and are not supposed to)other than the government.

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Denzil D'sa, Mangalore / Kuwait

How “forced” is “forcible conversion? If someone can defined forcible conversion in the present time bearing the constitution of India in mind, I would very much appreciate it...especially those that are promoting the anti-conversion morcha. Let's start a dialogue.

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juliana, Karkal

RAHUL, YOUR COMMENT IS PRACTICAL.CAN THE SWAMI'S CLEAN THE WOUNDS OF THE LEPER AS MOTHER TERESA DID. SHE DID NOT TAKE ANY PROCESSIONS. RABINDRANATH TAGORE ADVISED US TO PUT OFF THE MANTLE AND STOP TELLING BEADS AND GO WHERE THE TILLER IS TILLING IN THE SUN AND THE RAIN.

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Roshan Pais, Mangalore

May be Swamis are protesting against forcible conversion of christians to Hinduism in Orissa. Orissa people are living in jungles as they are told that if they want to return to their home - they should be forcefully converted to Hinduism. How is our culture? If I cannot come up - my neighbor too should not.

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Fredrick Correa, Nairobi, Kenya

From the time of the killing of the Swamiji in Orissa, till today, the police could not arrest or find the killers. The Maoists are openly claiming the responsibility for the killing. Are the police scared of these Maoists or are they inefficient. Or are they been told not to arrest the killers till the agenda of "wiping out the Christians" is over? Again from the time of attacking the Catholic churches till today, no one has come up with even one single case, I repeat, one single case of forcible conversion.

But all of them are saying the same thing over and over, forcible conversion!!! Please bring one case of forcible conversion. We are too eager to meet both the converted and the one who had forced him to convert! In the present situation, we can take comfort from the words of our Saviour Jesus Christ who said, . . . you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives. Luke Chapter 21 verses 17 to 18. . . . indeed the hour is coming, when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. And they will do this because they have not known the Father, nor me. John Chapter 16 verse 2 and 3

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Peter Rodrigues, Mumbai/ Dubai

Everybody commenting on forcible conversion, can somebody please provide true evidence and put forward to the hands of justice ....let law take its own course?

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ronnie, Urwa/Qatar

Well said Shahnawaz.. I hope our Hindu friends understand the meaning of conversion.. Roman Catholics do not believe in Forcible conversion.

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Martis, Udupi

Dear Swamiji what law would like like to have for the Bajrangdal/VHP and other Hundu terriorist outfits who gang raped a nun in orrissa. Your organisations have burnt alive several innocent women and children in orrissa. Several catholic priest were beaten badly. Sevaral houses were burnt...Tell me what law you would like for this also

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Simon Lasrado, Sullia/Bengaluru

What about forceable conversions in Gujarat and ISKON temple?

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Praveen M, Mangalore

The state government is trying to show their power with the help of Bajrang Dal, VHP... I think all these organisations should be banned.

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Kanchanmala, Udupi

I am happy for one thing is that whom so ever responsible for the violence, learnt a good lesson.

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Santosh, Udupi / Bahrain

If Pejavar Math swamiji thinks that there are forcible conversions going on then it must be true. This is one swamiji who has worked tirelessly for the Hindu Religion and the hindus hold him on high esteem.

 On the other hand, he has also been doing fasting whenever there is any attack on any religious place of worship - which says he is also secular. Conversions are taking place in our district though so far no one has raised their voice against it.

But I guess New Life did the ultimate by distributing Sathy Darshini which triggered this whole unfortunate incident. Instead of blaming each other, the need of the hour is for the Christian Heads also to keep a close watch on the missionery work happening in our district because after all they are also christians.

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Raja, Permude - Kateel Road

I wonder why backward hindus are missing on such important procession ?!!

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Victor, Puttur/Muscat

This is nothing but political gimmick by the BJP, we can't understand who is converting and whom ? These are all tactics to brain wash the majority of Hindus to attract forthcoming poll. Except some unemployed irresponsible gundas nobody is doing this, rational Hindu brothern never enter into this trap. Such kind of divide & rule will never last long, one day you wil fall, state government lost its credibility, whitewashing the tomb never drive out the rot. Truth will remain, justice will prevail.

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Prem Colaço, Sakleshpur/Oman

Dear Rahul, Aptly commented! These swamijis(with BJP help) instead of protesting on the roads and showing the memorandum to the public should try to help people on these streets who need food & shelter,rehabilitate beggars,help the blind,nurture the sick as done by most christian orphanages. You all protestors will be BLESSED.

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Francis, Hospet / Sharjah

People are converting into christianity from thier heart not by force but some of hindu group converting them back to hindu by force !! This is what people mean of forcible conversions ???

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Sanjay Kamath, Mangalore

Dear Mr. Shahanwaz...are you trying to prove that thare can be smoke even without fire?!!!

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Dr Richard, Mangalore

Christians oppose forcible conversions and Christians DON'T forcibly convert ANYBODY. Besides, no minority or The Ruled can forcibly convert anybody! Let the accusers prove a single case of forcible conversions! Is there a single FIR filed anywhere in India since the formation of India, in 1947? The terrorist outfits believe the Nazi dictum 'a lie repeated a hundred times becomes truth".

That is how they have been fooling people in the name of protecting Hinduism and fanning anti-minority sentiments. Law against Forcible Conversions is necessary to check the vhp & bajrang dal and the other terror outfits who demonize minorities and weaker sections. But let not such a law be used to target the already harassed Christian/ Muslim communities.

We require another law: to ban mutts & swamys from breeding communal & terrorist ideology. Today hindu mutts are the centres where such destructive ideology is worked out. Swamis in the name of Hinduism manufacture hate campaign. This is the worst tragedy that has struck our nation!

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shihaba, mangalore

No where in India forcible conversion in happening, religion is not observed by physical it is by heart The forcible conversion is baseless. if such thing is happening victims can report to the police and the legal sytem is there. instead taking march seers should think to eradicate unholy system from the hindu religion. and the seers who are shouting against the conversion is because of their self interest.

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usman, udupi

Forceful making converson is wrong but everyone have their own right to make their Decision to conversion. We have full right to take own decision about conversion and I think no one will conveting one cast to other cast but thing is if we will give good treatment in out cost then no one wil go for converted so Hindus must think about their so many hindus cost religion and treat them very well. So there is no Question of introducing Laws agaist Coversion

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Elias, Mangalore

Please see the reality and say because, the swamijis can not meet any SC / ST people because they are so called untouchable. as for me the Hindus are themselves divided as caste and blame others for no reason

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Joseph F. Gonsalves , Bannur Puttur/Mangalore

Dear Janaki Devi,Generally to say here that in a multilingual society like India people should not have love for one particular language. We have to encourage our children to learn as much languages as they can and in my opinion there is nothing wrong in any other languages.

All languages are having its own goodness and sweetness which will be evident only a person understand and start to converse in those languages. Moreover, learning other languages will never be a burden to any one instead a benefit to develop his or her carrier.

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Rolphy Almeida, Udupi

Forcible conversion must be banned and nobody should object voluntary conversion to any religion. Conversion to any religion is individuals’ personal decision and his/her fundamental right according to Indian constitution.

The question is how effectively our elected governments implement the existing law against rape and killings or they say again that it is mistaken identity and mistaken action.

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Santosh, Udupi / Bahrain

There is no such thing as forcible conversion. However there is one thing such as Induced Conversion and that is what is the business New Life & other such Missionaries are doing. There must be a law against Induced Conversion as well.

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Alfred J. Rebello, Kundapur/Dubai

I fully agree, there should not be any forced conversions, but what about if anyone wants to convert on his/her own? Is it not ones individual right? If not, then ours is not a democratic country but a fundamentalistic country. However, if anyone wants to covert into hinduism be it forceful or self decision, will it also not allowed?

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Stan Rodrigues, Farla/Rome

These days we hear much about the ongoing tensions between the Christians and the Hindu fundamentalists groups! The only remark that we hear from these fundamentalists group is “forceful conversions” (form the part of Christians). Mere 16 million so Christians have become a great treat to 800 million and more Hindus!! Now the heads of several Hindu Matts have submitted a memorandum to the government regarding this. But the real question is that how can this group or in that matter the Bajrang dal or VHP accuse Christian’s unjustly? The only accusation they bring is “forceful conversion”. Do they have proofs to prove their case? How can they unjustly accuse the Christians? What about the conversion of so many Dalits to Buddhism? Why dint the so called fundamentalists prevent them?

Again, where do the so called Dalits belong? If the Hindus don’t accept them in their temples and if they don’t have their identity then where they have to go? Let me tell the so called our Hindu brethren who destroy the places of worship and beat up our Christian brethren: when the foreigners come to India don’t invite them in to your temple and stop converting them to be Hindus ok? In Mangalore they have established a peace committee yet the attacks on Christians (in particular on Catholics) and their places of worship continue.

Many of our youth were put in prison unjustly. It was so sad and heart rending experience to read and see the photos of women/religious nuns and children being beaten up! While the real culprits were at large, the government and the so called law enforcing organs did nothing to catch the real culprits. Now the game is this: attack and the police will call the peace committee to calm the situation! Is it justice?

 Can our Church in Mangalore especially the priest back the laity who suffered terribly during these days and do something to stop these atrocities at the same time working for peace? Many of the Indians are ignorant to the core and they go with the mob psychology. And at the end of the day it is the minority and innocent who have to pay the price!!

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Kevin Mascarenhas, Managalore/UAE

Its sad to see a hidden agenda whenever the majority religious leaders go on a march.Are they doing the bidding of politicians?This time "forced conversion" is the election mantra. It would be noble of them had they set out with a memorandum to the Chief minister/govenor asking them to protect the minority community after hearing of the attacks.

I have an advice to them....why not get the national media to have an undercover operation to expose 'forced conversions' and then the 'real culprits' will be exposed. I am sure many from the majority community would wonder if they are really led by the right religious leaders? ...it all adds up to nothing if a young girl helping the orphans is raped and killed.Did it not warrant a march? Which religion are we defending here?

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Sunitha, Mangalore/Kuwait

Thank you dear Shahnawaz. Well explained. Everyone must read your comment

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MOHAMMED, TAMIL NADU

EVERYBODY CAN MAKE DECISION WHICH RELIGION THEY NEED IT'S THEIR RIGHTS. THEY ARE NOT FORCING TO CONVERT LIKE THIS ACTIVITIES GOING ON BY SWAMIJI & HINDU FACISTS

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Prakash, Indian/Dubai

How can one convert some one forcibilly? I mean mentally? can a person get converted? if so for how long? he will surely go to the Law dept to complain? how can these antisocial can vandalise the churches,orphanages etc?and burn a child in a christian Orphanage(orrisa) who was a hindu? does it make any sense?these anti socials have no respect whatsoever for human life and human freedom.Am sure half of them should be uneducated and unemployed men,same on them who support these goons.And in a place like Mangalore,can anyone think of burning and vandalising a church of heritage?

Only motto of these anti socials are to disturb peace and harmony of the community.It is still shocking that Govt and Law dept took such a long time to arrest the culprits?hope the innocent people get justices.. It is correct law should abide for the conversions as the Sawamijis have demanded.At the same time Law should also punish the people who committe such a violence on the religious places and on innocent people no matter how influential a person is!!!

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shahnawaz k, dubai/udupi

The seer of Pejawar is known for creating news and tension. Can the seer call a press conference and give details of forcible conversions. No he cant do that as he has no data to support it. If he has a proof of forcible conversion, then he must approach the court against the individual/organisation that is responsible for it. You can generalise and throw all the fruits into one basket. This move by Swamiji is sponsored and supported by BJP and its allies.

If Christians were to convert others, by now more than half of India would have become christians by faith as until 60 years before we were ruled by the British for almost 3.5 centuries and I wish if that was the fact, 2day we would have lot of peace, community service/hospitals/schools etc as christian community is known for peace and community development and upliftment of the poor. You begot the child and threw in to the garbage and Mother Theresa picked them up, gave them shelter and life. You abandoned the sick and aged.

Mother Theresa gave them shelter. Can you name one Hindu organisation set up by these swamis, where Christians and muslims are admitted like that of Nirmal Hridaya of Mother Theresa. This swami is known for adding fuel to the problems. Because of these religious fanatics, the terrorist activities in coastal Karnataka is raising. If Pakistan want to destabilise India, by sponsoring terroris, them the target should have been infrastructure, economy, oil installations and not the market or temples.

This destruction what we see today is because of the attitude and vision of these swamis and their mentors BJP and its parivar. I only ask these swamijis to stop this as it will casue greater loss to the society and peace shall be shattered. I want my India a peaceful and peace loving country. Every Indian has a right to live in peace and every Indian has a duty to stop those who disrespect peace and those who spread violence. It can be achieved by non violence means like Gandhiji or by violent means like Nathuram Godse. Swamiji. choose tha path you want. But please dont devide the community.

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Harold D'cunha, Mangalore, India

Creating confusion in the mind of people rather than the real issue of unsociability is the new trend followed by the upper caste group. Just walk into the Bar and Restaurant in the evening, you find many vegetarian by birth relishing both wine and non veg. food.

Are they consuming it by force? Robbers robbing their own house are more dangerous than outside robbers. Today religious conversion is not an issue at all. It is a tactic used by selfish group to divert the attention.

The religious leader’s position is in danger as the young generation has started asking questions against their own religious leaders their loyalty to their own community. So the best way is to divert to unnecessary issue.

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Juliana Rego, Dubai

Rahul, beautifully summed up.

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Ronald, Udyavara/Dubai

If someone was forced to change to change religion, he should file a case against concerned person and police should take action against those people actually involved in that and instead do not attack christians / worship places.

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Janaki Devi, Managalore

Manipal Medical Relief Mission - Face-to-Face with Poverty and Diseases in Bihar Can't we all march towards Bihar, rather than, marching for change in law. they are young and energetic people, who can do better, than marching.

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Marian D'Souza, Mangalore Falnir

An MP of the then JanSangh (now BJP)by name Om Prakash Tyagi from MP had moved a private member's bill in the Lok Sabha titled "Freedom of Religion Bill" somewhere in the year 1977 when the first non Congress government headed by Morarji Desai was in office which dealt with the much debated topic presently of" forcible conversions".Even before the debate on this bill could begin in parliament the government fell and the bill got a silent death. Thereafter this issue was totally forgotten for long number of years.

Again in the year 1999-2002 this topic raised its ugly head when the NDA was in power at the centre and BJP in Gujarath after the atrocities on Christians in Dangs dist. of Gujarath and Jabua in MP. Once again after the massacre of Christians in Kandhamal Orissa and vandalisation of churches and prayer halls in Karnataka (where BJP governments are in office) this bogey of "forcible conversions"is being raised again and again just to cover up the violent, criminal and ugly acts of the anti-national henchmen and cohorts in their party.These goons and rowdies in whatever name you call them have come to the conclusion that they have a clear licence to take the law into their hands and perpetrate acts of domestic terrorism which are even worse than SIMI and Indian Mujahedeen.

Finally one can sum up that the entire episode is just to generate passions in an otherwise secular soceity on cast and communal lines to polarise the voters and derive illegal electoral gains in the forthcoming elections , fearing a severe drubbing as a result of the disastrous track record of the state governments which assumed offices on the slogan of 'development & good governance'both of which are since relegated to the dustbin. The only achievements of these governments is creation of anarchy, chaos and hatred between peace loving citizens for their selfish political ends.

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Janaki Devi, Managalore, dubai

Rahul Dsouza, mangalore/dubai/ your comments seems to be right, probably they will not be able to read english properly ( Kannada would translation is better) to understand

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Ryan Pinto, Mumbai/ Sydney.

The Orissa state govt, is of the opinion that the Khandamal trouble is a caste issue, (SC, ST, OBC, etc.........) then why are only christian dalits targetted. If we take the word of the hindu jagran manch, that the christians had killed the god man, who are the hindu guys to take law in their hands.

Is the rape of a nun justified and burning homes and creating loss to life and property. Has any case been registered of forced conversion and if so, let the concerned authorities take actions, Vandalism is taking place by people who no nothing of the law........

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vincy, shamboor/Bangkok

The statement made by the Sadhu people is very annoying and meaningless. The forcible conversions are in Utter Pradesh and other part of Northern Indian where people are converted into Buddhism by the political involvements.

Why Sadhu people trying to be more holy Now.And where is the connection for attack on churches. These sadhus believe themselves as so sacred and practice untouchablility and the same time asking the government to enact a law against conversions.

Their own community people are not allowed to enter the temples and treated as bad omen if they cross temple barriers .The whole temple has to be cleaned and purified if a Tribal enters a temple by mistake. If they find a tribal or dalit changed his religion on his own choice then it is a crime because VHP don’t want religious freedom to the Dalits.

Where were these people when missionaries fed the orphans and made schools for them? I have met many tribes who changed to Christianity not for money, but they were influenced by the good works and humanitarian helps to them. They were given jobs in offices. The church was always supportive to bring them up. During my college days in Madanthyar I myself attended a funeral of a tribe who was a Christian.

There were many people in the church and people had no difference in the cemetery where they buried. There was nobody to oppose the conversions or to stop them from going to church. Now it is a political game. The Sadhu’s are backed by VHP and changing colors. The VHP is worried of the votes and shame on sadhu’s who involve with these dirty intentions.

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U. P Hegde, Mangalore

While i welcome this move by the Hindu Maths who took out a padayatra. I feel the timing is terribly wrong. The need of the hour is to promote peace and this padayatra might only add fuel to the burning fire.

I am of the opinion that this issue should have simmered down and then the swami's could have taken out this padayatra. Is it a Calculated political gimmick by the BJP who wants to use this issue as vote bank politics ???

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Joseph F. Gonsalves , Bannur Puttur/Mangalore

Only insane human will convert Forcibly to another faith not rational human. But who is to decide a person has converted forcibly?? The law enforcement or the associates of BJP since there are no such cases recorded with police. The topic of conversion is a political trump card played by BJP associates.

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Rahul Dsouza, mangalore/dubai

Good to see our swamiji's going out on a protest march.on the way if you can find someone who is a handicap,a downtrodden, a leper, a homeless citizen. Dont neglect them instead please take them with you & look after them. Your mission will surely be successful.

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Vincy, Mulky/Dubai

Christians too are against forcible conversions and we also know it is against constitution. So, let us (including our clergy) come out strongly supporting such law (even if there exists one). BJP is trying its best in every platform to convince a normal hindu "Christian's are involved in forcible conversions", all around in India. Let the court tell the govt "Hey, there are law's already to deal with forcible conversions". If christian's keep quiet, it will be exploited as "these guys are in favor of forcible conversions".

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Ravi, Karkala/Qatar

A law required for forcible conversion. Swamiji's right in this case. No one should be stopped getting converted according to his will. may be betterment of life & education.

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