Editorial : Will a mere anti-conversion law suffice ?

To change one’s religion is to change one’s nationality; hence, establish Hindu Rashtra for the protection of Hindus !

“To change one’s religion is to change one’s nationality” – Savarkar had given a historic warning against religious conversion. The history is a testament to this. Until 1400 years ago, there was not a single Islamic Nation in the world; however, today, over 56 Islamic nations have emerged. The Islamic history of using violence and bloodshed to convert non-Muslims is well documented. The Christians are no different either. The bloody revolution carried out by them was aimed at changing global demography. This diversification led to the decimation of several cultures and as a result, there are over 150 Christian nations in the world today. Savarkar’s observations about history were accurate. The same pattern continued in the future, post his demise, too. Big chunks of geographical regions from democratic countries are heading in this direction giving clear signs that they will convert into either an Islamic or Christian Nation, not in a few centuries, but decades. The point that Savarkar was trying to make was that the fate of a Nation depends on the Nation’s culture and the Dharma of its majority population. In this age of democracy, regardless of how strongly the so-called mainstream ideology may reject it, it is important to vociferously stress upon the fact that, ‘Dharma is indeed the vital principle of the Nation !’ Dharma influences the shaping of the Nation, and by that virtue, its society, family and individuals. This rule is applicable regardless of geographical specifications. Regardless of how frantically we wax eloquent about science, progressive ideology and communism, Dharma is an inseparable part of mankind. Let alone the geopolitical parallels from world politics, but every election, in every country on the world map – right from the grassroots level to the parliament – is fought on the basis of Dharma. The political strategies are drawn on the basis of the caste and religion-based ideologies of the voters. To fight elections in this manner in this democratic age points at the very failure of democracy. Here, it must be noted that all this only underlines the indispensability of Dharma.

The alarming situation of India !

In the context of the partition of this country made on religious lines, a similar situation looms large today, that is, 74 years later. Most of the States from the North-Eastern part of the country have either become Muslim or Christian-dominant. Christianity has coiled itself around the States of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Although the country is making dire attempts to save Kashmir, concerted efforts in the right direction will have to be made to ascertain whether it will stay in the grip of a ‘Hindu’ India. Even then, we will get a grasp of the real situation of Kashmir only in the next five years.

Ram temple at Ayodhya and Kashi Vishwanath Dham

Amidst all this, it is being said that the ‘Hindu’ India is enjoying a favourable time. Clearing the path for a Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, and the inauguration of Kashi Vishwanath Dham by PM Modi in Varanasi, are being seen as visible forms of this shift. If this proves to be true, it will swell the chest of every Hindu with pride; however, the reality cannot be overlooked. The rapid pace at which Hindus are being converted is a subject of worry. Every year, over 8 lakh Hindus convert to another religion. These numbers are as per the records ten years ago. To counter this, a few BJP-ruled States are in the process of drafting pro-Hindu Bills. ‘Love Jihad’ is but another form of forced conversion; States like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana have cleared the Bill against this menace. At the same time, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have also passed a bill against religious conversion. Now another BJP-ruled State, Karnataka is making headway towards implementing these two Bills. The State’s Home Minister, Araga Jnanendra has said, “Under Section 25 of the Constitution, there is an article saying that there should be no conversion by inducement or force; however, there’s nothing to state what happens if guilty. That is why we are bringing out this Bill with a strong penal clause.” The efforts being made by the Karnataka Government are commendable; but instead of individual efforts from States, the Bill against forced conversion will prove to be in the best interest of people in the true sense if the Centre implements this Bill nationwide.

Hindu Rashtra a must !

If a nationwide Bill is implemented in the near future, it will put brakes on the possible partition of the country to a certain extent. In addition to this, it is important to impart religious education (Dharmashiksha) to Hindus and encourage them to do spiritual practice. Hindus are deceitfully converted by enticing and offering them allurement, or through supernatural means such as Black Magic. These can be countered only through pride in one’s own Dharma and the spiritual strength earned through spiritual practice. For Hindus, access to education about spiritual practice and Dharma has become difficult in today’s secular India. As such, the only alternative is eestablishing Hindu Rashtra. If 56 Islamic countries and over 150 Christian countries can exist in this world, Hindus should have at least one country of their own ! Dharma forms the support system of a nation, and in the case of Sanatan Dharma, a Hindu Rashtra is the only alternative for its protection and that of Hindus. Therefore, Hindus must openly and vociferously hold on to the demands of the Hindu Rashtra. Understand that therein lies the solution to all problems !