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A COCKEYED VISION IN HARASSING MISSIONS. By Joe D'Souza & Agnelo Remedios. The Hindutva protoganists may consider it their birth right to get their monochromatic views published in a newspaper, owned by a Christian, and read to a large extent, by the minorities in the state of Goa. This in itself clearly reveal the unlimited tolerance shown by the flock committed to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Rajesh Singh in an essay, full of contradictions, expressed suprise, as to why the Catholic church failed to capitalize itself into converting Muslims the world over, which are available in large numbers, very often in abject poverty, instead of concentrating its human and other resources to undertake the missionary work in India. What is it that makes Rajesh Singh believe, converting Muslims into Christianity is acceptable but not the Hindus. The harvest Muslims are available in larger numbers than the Hindus. Is this the reason? We must excuse Rajesh for his observation as he is seeing through a coloured glasses and that too saffron. Inadvertently, he very clearly supports the claim that conversion taking place by Christian missionaries is not based on availability by numbers, poverty allurement or coercion, but because of the urgent need to stop the centuries old discrimination and exploitation by casteists Hindus . The press secretary to the Chief Minister is fully aware that 85% of the Indian population have been facing exploitation for several centuries by less than 5% of its dominating population. In the name of religion the persons who professed themselves to be holding the keys of heaven in India, have exploited and harassed the majority. These handful of exploiters in the name of Hindutva have denied education, entry into temples and their right to commerce and trade, to the down trodden millions in the country. The only solace for the bonded majority of Dalits, Sudhras and the backward classes here was their only right to lead life of slavery and be oppressingly in the service of the priestly class of people, whose progeny inherited the right to rape, exploit, curse and discard their fellow human beings, only because they had the misfortune to be born of Dalit or Sudra parents. The right to inheritance of the nation wealth, and the absolute right to grant salvation to souls was exclusively theirs too. These self styled protoganists of Casteism believed for centuries (and are today raising their ugly head with the resurgence of R.SS and B.J.P) that tolerance means that the age long practices of exploitation cleverly executed in Indian for centuries, by the priestly class in India, must be allowed to continue. Even if the sons of those who exploit are, in sane or are criminals, we must tolerate them and their exploitations. It is the Manus principles laid down centuries ago, that, should not be challenged, as interpreted by them.It must be understood that the Manus principles of Caste and Class laid down centuries ago was not directed towards exploitation and suppression, but to define and assign duties and organize labour to traditional societies at that point of time. It was directed towards good governance andquality life and not selfish arrogances and discrimination. But over the years with exclusive education, power and money generated over generations, the vested interest amongst the Hindus controlled the temple properties, wealth and even political clout. The religious sentiments of the majority of the people specially amongst the Dalits, Harijans, and other gullible backward classes were hence exploited. The majority people were made to believe casteism and oppression were divine and not manmade. Nobody doubts that Hinduism is a way of life which would lead to salvation. It is shocking and shameful that the Press Secretary to the Chief Minister has sought to reduce Hindus and Hinduism to such low level, that they allow themselves to be converted for wetty material gain. Is Hindu philosophy and Hindus so weak as suggested by Rajesh Singh. We do not think so. What is ignored and expressed by fanatics is that the "intolerance" shown by the righteous missionaries was directed towards the age old exploitation by vested interests, which were hell bent on giving all Brahmins in India a bad name. The missionaries never preached hatred but showed the oppressed a path to seek equality self respect and justice. It is not only Christian missionaries alone, which we are talking about but the endless list of social revolutionaries like Jyotirao Phule, Ambedkar, Gandhiji and the other personalities in India and abroad. The "apple cart of exploitations" which was functioning well over centuries, seems unnecessarily disturbed by the missionaries. It was the British and the Muslim rulers of the past who too seem to interfere with the rituals and dogmas professed and imposed by the so called upper castes in the Indian society. Who are the Britishers, and the Christian missionary to proclaim, childmarriages were wrong, that sati should be banned or the Dalits be granted the right of education and temple entry. The pseudo protoganists who felt that with the emancipation of women and the liberation of the Sudras from their clutches of slavery, there would be no scavengers to clean their toilets, or labourers to work in their ill gotten agricultural fields, or masons to build palaces for them. If this trend of the missionary delivered education continued one would be forced to forsee sometimes in the near future , a Sudra conducted religious duties and became priests based on their merit. Can a priest undertaking manual labour? The hindu fanatic do not wish to see that their occupational roles to be reversed and exchange with the Dalits. The tenets of Christianity, focused on equal opportunity for all, has been becoming increasingly a threat to the society practicing the dogma of Casteism. So the Chief Ministers who have at heart casteists indoctrination as in the case of Tamil Nadu have enacted legislations or let loose rabid journalists to preach and write against Christian values through minority bashing and stalling religious conversions, directed to improving the quality of lives of the oppressed majority. The Christians missionary in their zeal to liberate the society from exploitation felt education was one weapon to bring about social change. Unfortunately, the good intentions of the church has been again exploited by the vested interest. The objective of the Christian missionaries in opening educational institutions was to arm the downtrodden with knowledge and values, and to also make the exploiters realize through education, that we are all equal, and the centuries old oppression by them should cease. Within the doors of values based education open to all, it was the Trojan horses amongst the oppressors who initially took advantage of the missionary educational system. Due to poverty, oppression and inheritent weaknesses, compounded over centuries, the Dalits and the Sudras were unable to even reach the vast majority of these schools and colleges opened by the missionaries which were actually meant for them to benefit from. We all are aware that there are endless lists of R.SS volunteers and Hindutva protoganists who have benifitted themselves or are the alumnii of Catholic institutions. Mr. Manohar Parriker, studied in St. Xavier's College and L.K.Advani too had his education in a institution (St Patrick's Karachi) which was built over the sacrifices of Christian congregations, the world over. The Christian are happy that the R.SS zealots have taken advantage of rich education system built by them, but what is a worrying factor is the fact that many amongst those who have taken the benefit of Christian educational system are today up in arms denouncing Christianity and are persecuting christians. It is sad to realize that while the money generated by sacrifices of Christian went in the upliftment of the society and even educating Hindutva zealots through missionery run institutions the money, gold and properties accrued in Hindu temples were seldom ploughed back in the cause of the society. No doubt we hear about the questions as to which is the richest temple in India? Is it in Andhra Prasesh? How much gold is there in temples in Tamil Nadu? And so on? It is only in recent times that Hindu educational institutions are seen mushrooming which is a welcome sign. But what is upsetting is the fact that a portion of the money and resources generated in temples are siphoned off by antisocial elements in disseminating the ?Hate Minority Campaign?. Let us not question as to how the temples acquired so much properties, gold and money. Or why is it, misused to spread the hate minority campaign? What is irritating is the fact that when the minorities open educational and charitable institutions, their intentions are questioned and their sources of revenue is under cloud. The expenditures by minority institutions are very transparent and visible and there could be no questions to ask as to how much gold is there in any church, as isn?t any as church resources generally go into social activities. The educated Dalits, acquiring leadership qualities through the Christian institutions are lately a serious challenge to the administration, controlled by the protagonists of casteism. Since Christian missionaries have catalysed this process of social transformation which is against the vested interest propagating casteism, it would be best to give dog a bad name and shoot it. No doubt killing of Christian missionary burning of their institutions, rape of nuns is increasing in modern India. The conversion of the down trodden into a educated lot with self confidence is a threat to their hold on society and their wealth. The vested interest amongst Hindutva protoganists, instead of using education received by them through Christian institutions, to help emancipate the exploited and to heal the oppressed, have instead used it as a double edged sword; to murder democracy, torture the Dalits, burn Muslim and their houses, to condemn Catholic missionaries, misuse political power and manipulate and control the press. There is a saying "that one must not eat and defecate in the same plate". Many R.SS Zealots unwittingly are doing just that with missionary education they have become?educated brut?. Using education received at minority institution to harass missionaries. Alas, the education in missionary schools, instead of generating tolerance, has sadly given rise to the vemon of hatred, greed and intolerance amongst BJP elements educated at missionary institutions. It appears that the objectives of the missionaries to transform the exploiters into worthy citizens has failed, they the missionaries, now need to have a fresh look at their past approaches, in their admission policies. Ever since Congress has abjugated it political hold over the polity to the BJP , there is a serious threat to the peace in the country. Whenever a member of the minority joins the BJP, or the Hare Krishna mission, he is an enlightened and a progressive individual. The right to indoctrinate solely belongs to the R.SS, so it seems. If you march in Khaki pants you are a disciplined Indian, a patriot and a nationalist. Or else you are Portuguese Lacky, Bin Laden stooge, a European or a Pakistani spy. You are an antinational element and you better pack your bag and leave for Portugal, England or Pakistan. Indian belongs to 'Chaddiwalas' You must not wear the cross or celebrate the Valentine Day. This is not Indian culture. It is the rise of those, mentally sick individuals, who consider as wrong, the so called intolerance shown by both Christians, and Muslims to their own "fascist intolerances". The intolerance shown by missionaries to social discrimination is a worrying factor for the protoganists of Hindutva. The R.SS and their temples can be flushed with funds. It seems right if the gold accumated by temples if is diverted for funding of fundamentally radical outfits in the garb of nationalism. Those foreign nationals donating funds to spread the Krishna consciousness or build a Hanuman temples in Europe must not be questioned. The several Shakas and other places professing R.SS philosophy or that of Bajrang Dal is welcome. The free room and meals to join and listen to several swamijis discourses, through temple fundings is no allurement and is perfectly in order, but if a Christian missionary gives a meal to a hungry and exploited man on the street and nurses his wounds and prays over him for his cure there is a touch of allurement and coercion. What is our asmitai or culture? Leaving the cows dying on Indian roads or on garbage dumps eating 40 Kilos each, of plastics. The cow is a sacred animal and must not be slaughtered or beef eaten. It is against Hindutva? What is this hypocracy on banning cow slaughter, and allowing cattle to die of starvation and disease. The sentiments and values of fanatics among Hindutva protoganists are often hollow and strikingly misplaced.The cows were rightly considered holy and banned from slaughter in the past, as they were scientifically the backbone of the Indian agricultural economy, and , killing cows during those days in the past, often lead to human starvation deaths, as cows not only gave milk, and cowdung which was useful to the livelihood of the poor but also helped man in his agricultural practices and social activities. If the cow died, man often found much wanting and helpless. But in the present era of biotechnology, is it relevant to breed cows and leave them to die unattended on streets in the name of ?Holy Cow?? Like the cows, lower caste hindus were exploited for centuries in the name of asmitai or tradition. The BJP and the R.SS can have as many offices scattered all over the country. It would not be right to question as to how the BJP within two years in powers, have acquired money and the muscles to possess spacious offices in Goa, alone, while the Congressmen were busy enriching the personality kitty over the last 20 years. And are even today, in a rented premises. The donations to the Christian missionary and their utilization are suspect The BJP or Bajrang Dal can print, post and paste communal filth, as they consider it their inherent right to do so under their version of the Manu doctrine or the misinterpreted Indian Constitution. The successful use of double standards has been always the strength of the R.SS.For these fanatics what is sauce for the Goose is not the same for the Gander. The rights of Brahmins and the Sudras are necessary diverse and different. It is a shame that the Congress have allowed the fanatic elements to mushroom and grow in Goa, through their internal bickerings, and selfish attitude. It is shocking how legislators from the UGDP tolerate views expressed by none other than the Press secretary to the Chief Minister accusing the Christian missionary of intolerance. Are they supporting Good Governance or the selfish Arrogance?? By alluring the Goan voters the R.SS and the BJP have got political powers in Goa, now they hope to push through the saffron agenda.Can these sycophants spell out the personal benefits derived by the Christian missionaries working in tribal areas against much odds to their own personal life?. The motive of the missionaries is simple: save the exploited from the exploiters The lopsided philosophy of the R.SS protagonists is crystal clear. If a person from the so called upper caste drinks alcohol he is a jovial person and a very social human being but if the Dalit, Muslim or Christian drink, even in absolute moderation he is dubbed ?drunkard? Hindu fanatics can give free meals in temples, offer gifts in form of 'Prasads', trap gullible Christians into vedic discourses and saffron life styles with free food and sex. These are no allurements.Whenever Christians missionaries are seen selflessly toiling in forsaken environments, in tribal areas, discarded by casteist Hindus,are made to see light through Christianity. It is conversion by coercion or allurement. Why these doubts standards, or bullying R.SS tactics? When a swami of the Hindu cult converts Christians , he soon moves about in expensive cars and later possesses aeroplanes too,. But, the Christian missionaries return home penniless after discharging their duties. There is one big difference one uses wealth to save souls the other uses souls to generate wealth. The Church has been tolerating the accusation of intolerance, allurement, coercion and forced religious conversions for far long time. Enough in Enough. ?The best form of defense is often in a offence?. so said Churchill. Jesus did not tolerate gambling in the temple too .He used the whip, when he felt it was best needed. The church is built upon the sacrifices of its faithful over centuries. Very often church values and properties have been transformed usurped by vested interested, who are now turning a banner of revolt against it. The church appears dormant and gulfed in fear psycosis It is time for the church in Goa, specially those in its power, to see that the cancer of communalism or one ended propoganda does not adversely affect it. Vision or its mission . The history of church?s suffering in the past should serve as a lesson.The signal of anarchy is slowly gaining roots with the resurgence of R.SS in India. With the BJP in power, the rate of crime is growing in Goa. Murders, have become the order of the day.Why most of those in advisory and decision making bodies constituted by the BJP Government in Goa, happen to be from one community. Never in the past articles committing hatred against Christians and Muslims were ever sought to be published and that too by the Press Secretary/Advisor or Information Director of any Goa Government in the past. The quality of life in Goa is steadily deteriorating. No doubt matka menace,sex scandals, dacoity, burglaries, rapes, numerous road accidents due to flouting traffic rules, growth in impotenceny in police, degradation of environment, saffronised education, and religious fanaticism is increasing in Goa. This epidemic of 'minority bashing' in Goa did not spare even Prime Minister Vajpayeejee. Only when in Goa, did the symptoms of his shocking 'R.SS infection' did show out; when he condemned the Muslims, unilaterally without objective reasoning. Mr. Parrikar is considered as convent educated. He has Christians from the U.G.D.P supporting him, and he even has the secular M.G.P too propping up his ministry with a press secretary vomiting out anti Christian sentiments, the wolf in sheeps clothes seems exposed. It is for the Congress to take the challenge, to save Goa from the Brink of Disaster. Whether Parrikar mends his ways according to his Christian training or the Congress shows him the door. Only time would tell the tale in the future. Till then Goans must remain vigilant to the wicked viles of the R.SS fundamatalists asserting themselves in Goa today. ---------------------------------------------------------- What's On In Goa (WOIG): Nov 06 Children's book exhibn opens, Walkabout, Anjuna... (all weekdays) Nov 06 ArtHouse, Calangute: Chaitali's acrylics on canvas till 19.11 Nov 07 Revision of electoral rolls (till Nov 30) See schedule. Nov 07 Creative science, for children, Goa Sc Centre (till 16.11) Nov 08 Friday Balcao, focuses on North Goa garbage dumpsite at Saligao issue Nov 10 Corporate summit on IT and biotechnology, Intl Centre (till 11.11) Nov 17 Goan Engineers and Assoc meet, at Pickering, Canada. Nov 20 Fr Agnelo's 75th death anniversary, Pilar Dec 01 Two day conference, Goa Agenda. IT For Society. (Ends 2.12) Every Sunday: Music therapy sessions at Moira, 5 pm. 278, N.Portugal ----------------------------------------------------------
