[Reader-list] HINDU-CHRISTIAN NEGOTIATION IN MANGALORE

[Pawan Durani]

*THE OUTCOME OF HINDU-CHRISTIAN NEGOTIATION IN MANGALORE*



Christian leaders and Hindu leaders held a meeting to thrash out the
differences at The Circuit House in Mangalore.



The Hindu delegation consisted of Prof M B Puranik, Vibhag Sanghachallak and
VHP district President, Dr. Prabhakar Bhat, Prant Karyavaya, Dr. Madhav
Bhandary, Vibhaga Karyakarini Sadasya, Monappa Bhandary, district BJP
President, Shrikar Prabhu, Jagadish Shenava, Rajagopala Rai.  The Christian
delegation was led by Fr. J B Crasta, Louis Pinto,Felix Alberque, M P
Noronha, William D'Souza, Stany Alvares.



The negotiation was held under the supervision of district in-charge
Minister Shri Krishna Palemar.  The persons who mediated towards bringing
both sides together were Dharmaraj, Mangalore-based-builder and  S Ramesh,
Social worker.



The Hindu delegation put forth its view stating that

   1. Hindu society was never aggressive and in fact encouraged and promoted
   plurality in society.
   2. Christianity grew because of Hindu patronage
   3. Christians were denigrating Hindu faith through distribution of
   pamphlets denigrating Hindu God. (Satya Darshini pamphlet distributed by New
   Life says that Hindu gods were promiscuous and wallowing in darkness  of
   hell).
   4. Christians were objecting to Hindu articles of faith like Rakhi,
   bindi, flowers et al
   5. Christians used the children of Hindu parents when the institutions
   were protesting against Kandmal violence
   6. The Christians in Mangalore had even protested when Jayalalitha
   Government had banned conversion in Tamil Nadu
   7. They had even pelted stones and had injured policemen who were trying
   to protect law and order.
   8. Though the Christian delegation was distancing itself from New Life,
   they were in fact supporting it by protesting in a big way as if to condone
   the New Life activities.
   9. The Schools run by Christians were psychologically dominating Hindu
   school children as if to give a bad impression about the Hindu faith.
   10. Harmony can be established only when the Christians observe their
   religion in private without encroaching on the domain of Hindu faith.
   11. Conversions were affecting the family life as several families had
   broken up due to conversion activities.
   12. Conversions due to inducement and allurements are not in the interest
   of the society. There is nothing wrong in voluntary conversions.
   13. The Resurgent Hindu society would not tolerate such proselytisation
   activities which aim at division rather than integration.
   14. The Service activities of the Church were more  directed towards the
   ulterior motives of proselytisation.
   15. The Hindus won't harm the Christian faith in any way if they do it
   without forcing it on others.  And there would not be any cause for
   conflict.
   16. There is no question of social boycott against Christians.  In fact,
   the Hindus are for cordial relations with Christians.
   17. In case of any further problems, the problems would be solved through
   bilateral talks involving leaders of both sides.
   18. The Hindu leaders made it clear that they did not support the attack
   on the building that housed the Cloistered Nuns.  They said that it was
   inadvertent and it would not be repeated.



The Church leaders put forth its view in the following manner



   1. Christians are feeling insecure due to the recent spate of violence in
   New Life prayer halls
   2. Is it wrong on our part to serve the society?
   3. We don't have anything to do with New Life activities except that both
   of us respect Jesus and Bible.
   4. Hindu leaders may stop the Hindus from attending New Life
   congregational meetings.
   5. Educate the Hindus in such a manner that they refrain from New Life
   activities.
   6. In the case of Kandmal incidents, the Hindus had provoked the
   Christians through banners depicting the Christians in poor light
   7. Any case of provocation from any side  is improper.
   8. It should not happen.  Steps should be taken to improve relations.
   9. Christians will not resort to conversions in South Kanara and Udupi
   district.
   10. The Christian institutions will not prevent the school children from
   wearing Rakhi, Bindi, flowers et al that depict the Hindu faith.
   11. The Christian educational institutions will not take the Hindu
   children to Church
   12. Since the Catholic Christians do not have any connection with New
   Life missionaries, it would not object to any action against New Life in
   connection with proselytisation activities.
   13. Since Bible and Cross are very holy in Christianity, the Hindus
   should not damage it any way.
   14. The Christians would rein in their youths from violent activities
   henceforth.
   15. The Christians are distressed with the attack on the cloistered Nuns
   inside the premises.