'Black Christmas for Orissa Christians'

The most anticipated season for Christians is here, but for those in Orissa and neighboring states, it makes no difference.

If you haven't forgotten, and have been following up our articles in Christian Today, you would remember the 2007 Orissa violence, which was coetaneous and barbaric in nature. It was during the same mid-December their homes were burnt and many of them murdered and injured by Hindu fundamentalists wielding arms and swords.

The Chief Minister himself confirmed, 800 families were affected and over 1,453 people accused in 127 cases last year.

And this year, says the politico, 252 prayer halls damaged and 4,215 houses burnt. 10,000 people have been named in 746 cases lodged since August 23 after violence broke out in Orissa with the assassination of Swami Laxamananda Saraswati by Maoists.

Sadly, another 'Black Christmas' for the indigent clean-handed Christians in the hot spot state of Orissa. They have done no wrong; neither killed, robbed, or went rampaging on others properties. So what is their crime that they have been made to suffer once again in the biting cold, with no shelter, lack of food and their children's future jeopardized? Apparently it is not those in fortunate and opulent families that are being attacked, but the pauperized, men who rarely have a three-square meal.

I am even curious if the affluent and well-to-do Christians in India even heard of what their brotherhood has been facing? Would there still be the 'Jingle Bells' and 'Merry Christmas', apprehending the appalling stage where their brothers stand. And if you were one of Mr Joy who emailed us asking, "Where were Christians attacked and what is the status?" You got to at least now come to your senses. It was after two months that Mr Joy, an Indian, became cognizant of the violence on Christians. Blame the secular media for not underscoring the minorities' plights?

"Independent India as conceived by me will have all Indians belonging to different religions, living in perfect friendship," said Mahatma Gandhiji, as he secured freedom for India.

To what extent has this become a reality in contrast with the uncultured inhumane onslaught on Christians? To those primarily in Orissa and its tribal regions - Kandhamal, Phulbani and other tiny districts, freedom is still a long way.

The Kandhamal violence since August 23 2008 witnessed one of the largest well engineered attacks on Christians. Not a spontaneous one, but a well-planned attack by insensate Hindutavadis who indulged in killing, burning of Christian properties, institutions, churches and assault and rape on women. It is a shame on India, that a nun who dedicated her life for the service of poor was gang-raped and paraded naked in Baliguda, Orissa, even as police stood 'silent spectators'.

Now the question is why were Christians being targeted? Deputy Inspector General of Police RP Koche attributes it to the killing of Swami Lakshmananda Saraswati and the intense proselytisation of Christian missionaries. While Swami's killing must be condemned, sources claim that he had 55 criminal cases pending against him. Besides, the Maoists have claimed responsibility for this dastardly act.

Now the allegations of 'fraud conversions' - what is the fraud that is perpetrated on the alleged victims of conversion? What are the contents of this allurement? Help in times of sickness? The prospect of dignity and empowerment? Proselytisation patently is nothing other than a bunch of hooey spread by fundamentalist Hindus from decades to counter the Christian influence in the country.

The most surprising fact is that countries like Korea have more Christians in comparison with India - where Christianity took birth 2000 years back - when Apostle Thomas arrived Kerala. Christians account for only 2.18%, according to national survey. All available evidence proves that the truth is the other way round: force is used against the Christian community. Can you believe? So where are these conversions happening? If Christians are luring gullible tribal offering money and job, you should be seeing some affluent and not those in thousands swarming government relief camps after being forced to flee to forests for their change in faith.

The 1971 census showed that there were 2.6 crore Christians in India and the 2001 census says that there were 2.16 crore. This is an indication that the population has fallen and there are no mass conversions as is being alleged.

In a single term, the conversion charges must be called ERRONEOUS! Completely erroneous with unsubstantiated claims. Not a single case has been proved in the court of India against Christian missionaries indulging in conversion. It is nothing other than hypocrisy to thwart the efforts of Christian missionaries who have been assiduously engaged in the field of education, health and social welfare.

To this day, Christian missionaries run the best schools, colleges and hospitals in our country. They are inexpensive and free of corruption. If at all they get converts, it must be the sense of gratitude they generate. This should stand a challenge to the jingoistic Hindutavadis to do better, but not to disintegrate the society in the name of religion.

Christianity based on the teachings of Jesus Christ is a faith embracing all human beings to witness and explore the unconditional love of God. It is a faith that exhorts "love those who hate" and "pray for your enemies". It is one that has no caste, creed, color...no untouchables, tribal...no rich, poor but all one in the eyes of God. And for this very reason are the Jesuits and veteran missioners in India from decades been involved in ameliorating the lives of people.

Tribal cannibals transformed to mannered human beings, numberless people saved through the well-established hospitals, children being disciplined and raised as good Indian citizens in the multitudinous Christian institutions. L K Advani himself studied at St Patrick's, a Jesuit school in Karachi. Nobody tried to convert him or other boys and girls who have passed out of Christian schools and colleges in India. He and they continue to be good Hindus, or Muslims or Sikhs.

I studied in a Christian school, and I have more Hindu friends (even now) than Christians. I never felt isolated nor were my Christian neighbors. We always remained proud for being an Indian - which is our true identity. I take pride in our recent successful Chandrayaan moon mission, the 38% of doctors and 36% of Nasa scientists in USA who are Indians, India's archaic history, its cultural values and several others that have made me more than a nationalist.

So how long can the Hindu radical outfits and its cadres go preaching hate on Christians? They might have won the easily gullible in believing these, but not the young cream of Indians. Their intuitionism of divided India will render muted minds causing further chaos. Can we still hide the truth that Christians have dedicated their own lives for the development of this country?

The truth is naked - let the people judge!

"It has been said that Swaraj will be the rule of the majority community i.e. the Hindus…. If this were to be true, I for one would refuse to call it Swaraj and would fight it with all the strength at my command, for to me Hind Swaraj is the rule of all the people and the rule of justice…By Ram Raj I do not mean Hindu Raj. I mean Divine Raj, the Kingdom of God" - Mahatma Gandhi.