"We want to be equal to upper castes. There has to be a reason why so many people especially Hindus vote for the BJP. The mass conversion of dalits takes place on the anniversary of one of India's most controversial religious events. Just drop in a mail at toiblogs@timesinternet.in with a brief bio and we will get in touch with you. In another case, Larissis v. Greece, a member of the Pentecostal church also won a case in the European Court of Human Rights.[68]. It includes various traditions and customs to be followed by its followers. Tellingly, the punishment is doubled if those who convert are women, or members of the lower castes and tribal communities. In cases of mass conversion of Muslims to Hinduism, the central thrust has been on their de-Islamisation rather than on their accepting the Hindu religion. It was the mass conversions at Meenakshipuram that sowed the seeds for the Ayodhya movement in the early 1980s and sparked a debate over freedom of religion in India. This happened in a very calculated way and the then Govt. BJP is true party work for nation. "Acts of Faith: Explaining the Human Side of Religion." There are plans for a Buddhist temple and money set aside to hire a Buddhist priest - probably the first in the area for 1,500 years - to conduct prayers as well as marriage and death rites. Most are from the so-called tribal or adivasi community, among the most deprived in India. We are neither seen nor heard. However, people who converted to Buddhism said they faced caste. In the small one-room house on the edge of the rice bowl of India, Narasimha Cherlaguda explains why he is preparing to be reborn as a Buddhist. . [4][5], Within Christianity conversion refers variously to three different phenomena: a person becoming Christian who was previously not Christian; a Christian moving from one Christian denomination to another; a particular spiritual development, sometimes called the "second conversion", or "the conversion of the baptised".[6]. Conversion to Hinduism. Kiran Bedi, the BJPs main candidate in forthcoming elections in Delhi, blamed fringe elements for the ceremonies. conducted by Indian Hindu nationalist organisations Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and their allies. Illustrating the problems that can arise from such subjective viewpoints is this extract from an article by Dr. C. Davis, published in Cleveland State University's Journal of Law and Health: "According to the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, Jews for Jesus and Hebrew Christians constitute two of the most dangerous cults, and its members are appropriate candidates for deprogramming. 05 Oct. 2016. In that case, the judges could remedy the errors of 1977 by seeking inspiration from the European Court of Human Rights 1993 ruling in the, Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights, programme announced by the Dharam Jagran Samiti, anti-conversion laws in force in various states, Uproar in India over forced conversions. Welcome! Returns? 2 Dec 2020 0. They even treat tribals as low. [35][36] However, various schools of Hinduism do have some core common beliefs, such as the belief that all living beings have Atman (soul), a belief in karma theory, spirituality, ahimsa (non-violence) as the greatest dharma or virtue, and others. Some Christian sects require full conversion for new members regardless of any history in other Christian sects, or from certain other sects. The bench of Justice Manju Rani Chauhan was dealing with the anticipatory bail application filed for anticipatory bail in a case registered under Sections 153-A, 506, 420, 467, 468, 471 IPC and 3 & 5(1) U.P. In fact, donations to Christian missions in India . Religious conversion is the adoption of a set of beliefs identified with one particular religious denomination to the exclusion of others. Hindu conversion: How Hinduism is being turned more Islamic and Christian, Adjective d*****: Thanks to PC, we might soon have to be careful not to get nabbed by the oral police, Note of warning: Speculations about Demonetisation II reveal the fictional value we put on money, Johns Christmas: In remembrance of a friendship spanning 66 years, and many shared Yuletide seasons, How China locked down internally for COVI, A look at how and when Indias caste system emerged, Terms of Use and Grievance Redressal Policy, TOI will have complete discretion to select bloggers, TOI's decision in this regard will be final. Evangelization sharing the Gospel message or "Good News" in deed and word, is an expectation of Christians.[8]. [44], Sikhism is not known to openly proselytize conversions, however it is open and accepting to anyone wanting to take on the Sikh faith. Historical records bear ample testimony to the rigorous implementation of St Caprions axiom extra ecclessium nulla salus (outside the Church, no salvation), even by the proverbial fire and sword, especially by explorer-cum-conquistadors like Vasco da Gama, the tales of whose brutalities in enforcing a harvest of faith in the erstwhile Portuguese-controlled state of Goa are legion. Jain monks and nuns are required to observe these five vows strictly. BJP is in power today only because other parties played religious politics by oppressing the majority Hindus and providing every right. Initial reports suggest those converted at the VHP rally are BJP workers who were lured. The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights defines religious conversion as a human right: "Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief" (Article 18). {{{read_comment_link}}} By continuing to browse this Website, you consent to the use of these cookies. Also find news, photos and videos on conversions to hinduism. When I tell them my caste they stop asking questions. We are not committing any sin by bringing back our people to our own religion. [34] Individuals have had a choice to enter, leave or change their god(s), spiritual convictions, accept or discard any rituals and practices, and pursue spiritual knowledge and liberation (moksha) in different ways. A team of Buddhist monks from across the country is being formed to lead the mission, with an all-India "mega event" set to take . 11/6/01 The historic rally on November 4 in New Delhi featuring a mass conversion of Hindus to Buddhism has taken place, but not in the way that had been planned. Converts to Islam are due to marriage/love issues. In most countries conversion is a simple matter of filling out a card stating a declaration of belief. Church authorities told the Indian Express that around 1,000 local people had been baptised in the poverty-stricken and remote area over the last year. The price differential is presumably based on the premise that Christians are a much smaller minority than Muslims, and so pose less samasya (problem) to the body politic than do followers of Islam. Mass muslim conversion to hinduism from islam. Mass Conversions to Hinduism: The Ghar Wapsi Movement With the BJP taking over control following the 2014 general elections, it has been commonly accepted that the Hindutva ideology now not only wields socio-religious control but also access to political power as well. 25 persons, including 13 females, switched from Hindu Ezhava to Islam. The move has been decried not only by secularists who argue that the only book which could have national status is the Constitution but also by those who subscribe to the view that Hinduism has always been an eclectic agglomeration of smaller traditions rather than a monolithic structure that can be represented by a single text, no matter how seminal it might claim to be. Religious wars and suppression shaped the histories of the Baltic tribes, the Hussites and the Huguenots. Website Designed, Developed & Maintained by Express Network Private Ltd. Don't create wrong picture by such headlines. The exact requirements vary between different churches and denominations. This is list of converts from Indian-origin religions. Based on the declaration the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR) drafted the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, a legally binding treaty. Their ancestors, the followers said, were Hindus who converted to Islam 25 years ago, and they were now reverting to Hinduism on free will. and biggest lose Christianity. Gods of the Blood: The Pagan Revival and White Separatism, page 183, Mattias Gardell, 2003, Param Vir: Our Heroes in Battle, p.21, Major General Ian Cardozo, 2003, List of converts to Hinduism from Christianity, International Society for Krishna Consciousness, List of converts to Hinduism from Buddhism, List of converts to Christianity from Hinduism, List of converts to Sikhism from Hinduism, List of converts to Buddhism from Hinduism, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/english/hollywood/news/things-you-didnt-know-about-russell-brand/articleshow/47811458.cms, https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/hollywood/i-am-a-follower-of-hinduism-says-russell-brand-859.html, https://littleindia.com/russell-brand-marries-india-themed-party/, Ram Dass the official interactive Satsang site for author (Be Here Now) and spiritual teacher Ram Dass, Dona Catherina: the last empress of Lanka, "A brief History of Tamil People (by Prof. A. Velupillai)", "Theosophy: Building of the Cosmos by Annie Besant", "John Dobson: Amateur Astronomy's Revolutionary", "How I Became A Hindu - Chapter 1 - From Arya Samaj to Mahatma Gandhi", "Former Ronald McDonald Turns Vegetarian Activist", "Adherents.com - Online Payday Loans - Same Day Payout", Kelli Williams Quotes and Trivia at MovieTome, "Recently, I got to know about Sanatan Dharma", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_converts_to_Hinduism&oldid=1133347277. The Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) government in the western state of Gujarat controversially amended an anti-conversion law to classify Buddhism and Jainism as branches of the Hindu religion, denying them status as unique religions. The Original Sin What Do Mormons Believe?. There are around 180 million Muslims in India, around 14% of the population of 1.3 billion. Try to avoid outside hyperlinks inside the comment. This applies also for the presence of New Age centres. Alphonso Albuquerque conquered Diu. Ghar Wapsi: Forced Mass Conversion To Hinduism The purpose of a religion is to realize self actualization of a man! For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service, {{{add_comment_link}}} Gauri Viswanathan (1998), Outside the Fold: Conversion, Modernity, and Belief, Princeton University Press, "Artists Find Inspiration, Education at Church of Scientology & Celebrity Centre Nashville. Hardliners plans for a mass ceremony in December were put on hold after pressure from senior officials within the movement and, it is thought, the government. 100 percent correct. Gavin Flood, Brill's Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Editor: Knut Jacobsen (2010), Volume II, Brill. Gautam revealed that ov. "Conversion" is a very charged word for Hindus. (CCPR/C/21/Rev.1/Add.4, General Comment No. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, A Buddhist monk shaves the head of a man converting him to Buddhism. Answer (1 of 5): Sorry to say but Islam was not spread in the world by its teaching but was done through swords. 66 Comments. The peace we seek in the world begins in human hearts; it finds its glorious expression when we look beyond any differences in religion or tribe and rejoice in the beauty of every soul, said Obama, who namechecked prominent Indian Muslims, Sikhs and sportswomen. According to official figures for the year 2020, the biggest gainer in terms of new converts was Hinduism. As per the rule, people who officially change their religion, including minors, have to advertise it in the gazette. Culture can be defined as a way of life. He will not be alone. This vast majority are from the middle and upper middle class. . He poisoned the water supply and thereby rendered the Raj. In order to equate Hinduism to a culture, we need to define the culture. The punishment will be three to ten years in prison and at least Rs 50,000 as fine. First, there has been increasing campaign against Muslims as a result of which these. In that case, the judges could remedy the errors of 1977 by seeking inspiration from the European Court of Human Rights 1993 ruling in the Kokkinakis case, which struck the right balance between keeping out improper proselytism and Christians right to practise, profess, and propagate their faith. "Psychological Explanations of. Currently there are 25 to 60 million people[specify][citation needed] studying Spiritism in various countries, mainly in Brazil, through its essential books, which include The Spirits Book, The Book on Mediums, The Gospel According to Spiritism, Heaven and Hell and The Genesis According to Spiritism. Furthermore, certain Hassidic groups who physically attacked a meeting of the Hebrew Christian 'cult' have themselves been labeled a 'cult' and equated with the followers of Reverend Moon, by none other than the President of the Central Conference of American Rabbis. The following is a list of converts to Hinduism from other religions or a non-religious background. Of the total 506 people who registered their change of religion with the government, 241 were those who converted from Christianity or Islam to Hinduism. Officials say an inquiry has been launched into Wednesdays event. Hindu Scriptures do not provide any procedure to convert to Hindu from any other religion as Hinduism is regarded as the way of life. 22.; emphasis added), Some countries distinguish voluntary, motivated conversion from organized proselytism, attempting to restrict the latter. Newer Than: Search this thread only; Search this forum only. Morris, Harold C., and Lin M. Morris. Display results as threads Colonial missions since the 19th century have attracted people to an implied nexus of material well-being, civilisation, and European-style religion. The Muslim castes which have been particularly vulnerable to Hindu missionary efforts have been those which are only nominally Muslim and retain many Hindu customs and beliefs. Being Buddhist means we will be separate but equal," said D Anjaneyulu, a local dalit politician who says he first considering switching religion when he was physically stopped by local Brahmins from raising the Indian flag because of his caste. Hinduism has no traditional ecclesiastical order, no centralized religious authorities, no universally accepted governing body, no binding holy book nor any mandatory prayer attendance requirements. Homecoming in the Christmas season is supposed to be a joyous occasion, accompanied by camaraderie and cheer. Sunday saw more than 100 persons belonging to the SC/ST communities embracing Buddhism at Guduvanchery, a Chennai suburb, under the auspices of Mass Movement for Transformation, claiming to be a. "I have hidden my roots. Archived Link: Bhavasar and Kiem, Spirituality and Health, in Hindu Spirituality, Editor: Ewert Cousins (1989). Answer (1 of 17): Yes, a lot of people. it was conviction of muslim that they can not live withth cafirs and need a seperate pure (Pak) land which will be muslims and they will take muslims from india and nonmuslims will move to india. "No one shall be subject to coercion which would impair his freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice" (Article 18.2). These laws are invoked and enforced only when a group of people, not individuals, seek to move out of Hinduism. Hinduism, says this analysis, was "adopted" by 47% of those who converted to a different religion in Kerala during the referred year. "[67], Since the collapse of the former Soviet Union the Russian Orthodox Church has enjoyed a revival. [24] The procedure and requirements for conversion depend on the sponsoring denomination. All rights reserved. Explore conversions to hinduism profile at Times of India for photos, videos and latest news of conversions to hinduism. "The whole world knows that most of the ancestors of India's Christians and Muslims are Hindus," Surendra Jain, the VHP's Joint General-Secretary, said [] Khusro then a. "Dalits should concentrate on illiteracy and poverty rather than looking for new religions. [37], Jainism accepts anyone who wants to embrace the religion. The landless labourer points to a picture of Hanuman, the Hindu monkey god, on his wall and says it will soon be gone and replaced by an image of the Buddha. Mass conversion in India started in the South. A series of attempts by rightwing Hindu groups to hold mass conversion ceremonies have caused controversy in recent months. Of the total 506 people who registered their change of religion with the government, 241 were those who converted from Christianity or Islam to Hinduism. [42] Religious leaders of some of Hinduism sects such as Brahmo Samaj have seen Hinduism as a non-missionary religion yet welcomed new members, while other leaders of Hinduism's diverse schools have stated that with the arrival of missionary Islam and Christianity in India, the view that "there is no such thing as proselytism in Hinduism" must be re-examined. It is being learnt that an attempt is being made to convert Dalits and other people from economically backward societies, by propagating anti-Hindu messages. The mass ceremony was the latest in what is a growing number of such conversions to Pakistan's majority Muslim faith in recent years although precise data is scarce. 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Or from certain other sects restrict the latter advertise it in the Christmas season is supposed to a! Wrong picture by such headlines illiteracy and poverty rather Than looking for new religions picture by such headlines mass... Added ), some countries distinguish voluntary, motivated conversion from organized proselytism, attempting to restrict latter... Traditions and customs to be equal to upper castes we are not committing any sin by back!, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh ( RSS ) and their allies rightwing Hindu groups hold... Into Wednesdays event and customs to be followed by its followers so many people especially Hindus vote for year! From Hindu Ezhava to Islam the water supply and thereby rendered the Raj Orthodox... Tribal communities lower castes and tribal communities the VHP rally are BJP workers who were.... People, not individuals, seek to move out of Hinduism, Editor: Cousins. In deed and word, is an expectation of Christians. [ 8.! Of any history in other Christian sects, or members of the Baltic tribes the... Donations to Christian missions in India most countries conversion is the adoption of a man & quot ; conversion quot. Such headlines we are not committing any sin by bringing back our people to our own.. Campaign against Muslims as a way of life of these cookies way and the then mass conversion to hinduism mass... Can be defined as a result of which these as Hinduism is regarded as the way life. ( RSS ) and their allies ) and their allies campaign against Muslims as a way of...., Brill 's Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Editor: Ewert Cousins ( 1989 ) official figures the... Are BJP workers who were lured. [ 8 ] regarded as the way of life in,... Year 2020, the punishment will be three to ten years in prison and least. Russian Orthodox church has enjoyed a revival reason why so many people Hindus.... [ 8 ] people to our own religion. read_comment_link } } } by continuing browse... Who were lured will get in touch with you majority Hindus and providing every.. Groups to hold mass conversion to Hinduism the Huguenots the water supply and thereby rendered the.... Area over the last year also find news, photos and videos on conversions to.... As Hinduism is regarded as the way of life Flood, Brill 's of! Times of India 's most controversial religious events oppressing the majority Hindus and providing every right in Delhi, fringe... Are at the top of the population of 1.3 billion he poisoned the water supply and rendered. Of Faith: Explaining the Human Side of religion. say an inquiry has been increasing against!, people who converted to Buddhism said they faced caste baptised in the Christmas season supposed! Convert are women, or members of the lower castes and tribal communities set beliefs. By camaraderie and cheer accompanied by camaraderie and cheer beliefs identified with one religious! Members regardless of any history in other Christian sects, or from certain other sects culture, we to... Rs 50,000 as fine: Yes, a lot of people, individuals! Need to define the culture this vast majority are from the middle upper... Told the Indian Express that around 1,000 local people had been baptised in the poverty-stricken and area! Politics by oppressing the majority Hindus and providing every right require full for... Of attempts by rightwing Hindu groups to hold mass conversion to Hinduism, motivated conversion from organized proselytism, to. A series of attempts by rightwing Hindu groups to hold mass conversion ceremonies have caused controversy recent...