From: IVAN RODRIGUES /ROG/IBANK/L-PAREL Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2008 12:49 PM Dear Friends in God, I want to narrate a very disturbing incident that happened to me this morning. I was traveling by bus no 344 from Dindoshi to Goregaon (E) bus depot. in the morning @ 7.15 am to attend my early morning shift. It was raining very heavily and I left quite a number of bus to board this particular one. I purchased my ticket and after a while my eyes fell on the steel ticket box which the conductor carries. On this there was a poster which was pasted on the outside flap of the box and was very easily visible to the naked eye. On it the following shocking words in Hindi were found written along with a photo of a Hindu Self-styled Dharam Guru wearing white vestments:- "CHRISTIAN PADRIYON KE BADTE PRACHHAR SE HINDU DHARAM KA MITNA TAY HAI" On reading I was very disturbed, when the bus reached the depot and when everyone alighted, I decided to confront the conductor. I asked him whether he understand the meaning conveyed by this poster, also how such racist/religious propaganda can be pasted on a government machinery used for public welfare, What proof he has to substantiate the allegation? etc etc. The conductor who was in his 50's and of North Indian lineage, got disturbed and started evading me with aggressive verbal behavior and made no eye contact, also he blamed the driver for this poster, he refused to show me the badge number and his name, the Driver on seeing me quietly walked away to the change room. Since I was in a hurry to catch my train and did not want a crowd to assemble, I sternly warned him with dire consequence, If I ever made a complaint to BEST authorities and asked him to remove the poster immediately and then moved ahead. My personal feeling is The VHP/Bajrang Dal has started retorting to a subtle, widespread, but a definite evil propoganda of hate against the Christians by misusing Govt.machinery to create a long term mass ethnic hate situation in our beloved Mumbai just like Orissa,Gujarat etc.... We as a peace loving community and cent % patriotic Indian's at heart need to "not only pray" BUT be vigilant and if possible report such instances to the Bombay Catholic Sabha/Arch-Bishop's House/Local police authorities. I cannot forget the face of this Conductor and I will continue to keep a watch on him in future travels. I would appreciate and oblige if this incident can be be reported to the Church authorities / Bombay Catholic Sabha by ANY catholic brother or sister who has proximity and is involved with the BCS actively. I am ready to stand by and give testimony to the same. KINDLY SENSITIZE AS MANY CHRISTIANS AS POSSIBLE Your's in Christ Ivan Rodrigues 2840 4821 (Residence) 6667 3473 (office)
