Modi Speaks Of Religious Freedom

NEW DELHI: Breaking his long silence on the issue of religious freedom and tolerance, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that “Fanaticism will not be tolerated….My government will give equal respect to all religions and will not allow any form of violence against any religion.’’ 

Accused by opposition and Christian groups of turning a blind eye to a string of recent attacks on five churches and a Christian school in Delhi, Mr. Modi said, his government will not allow any religious group to incite hatred, assuring all minority communities across the country that his government “would stand by individual’s right to freedom of faith.’’ In an apparent bid to reclaim the original plank of his massive electoral win in May last year Mr Modi reiterated, his mantra still remained ‘development’.

The PM’s message at a function organised by the Catholic Church at Vigyan Bhawan to celebrate the elevation to sainthood of Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Mother Euphrasia, both from Kerala, was instantly interpreted as a signal to extremist groups, and welcomed by many. Mr Modi’s silence on divisive campaigns such as ‘Ghar Wapasi’ was widely criticised, including by international media. US president Barack Obama also lamented increasing religions violence in India, on two occasions recently.

“My government will ensure that there is complete freedom of faith and that everyone has the undeniable right to retain or adopt the religion of his or her choice without coercion or undue influence. My government will not allow any religious group, belonging to the majority or the minority, to incite hatred against others, overtly or covertly. Mine will be a government that gives equal respect to all religions,” Mr Modi said.  

Religious intolerance, the PM said, is a global concern. “Today we are celebrating the sainthood of two Indians. Spiritualism is rooted in India’s culture and our openness to new ideas is present even in the Rig Veda,’’ he said.

Almost contradicting the views and recent behaviour of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which has been calling for India to made a ‘Hindu Rashtra’ Mr Modi said, “Religion is a personal choice and I appeal to all religious leaders that they should follow restraint, mutual respect and tolerance of all religions… Equal respect for all religions should be part of the DNA of all Indians.’’

In a stern warning to fringe elements, he said, “We cannot accept violence against any religion on any pretext and I strongly condemn such violence. My government will act strongly in this regard.” Observing that the world is at crossroads, he said if not crossed properly it “can throw us back to the dark days of bigotry, fanaticism and bloodshed”. He further said that this harmonious convergence among religions could not be achieved even when the world entered the third millennium.

Adding his voice to that of his party leader, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitely also spoke out against the recent attacks on Christian institutions in the Capital city. He said: “These attacks are unacceptable aberrations and there is no space in India for such incidents and people.’’

Among the dignitaries present at the function were Cardinal George Alencherry, Archbishops Andrews Thazhath, Kuriakose Bharanikulangara and Anil Couto. Senior political leaders including Union Minister for Minority Affairs Dr. Najma Heptulla and P.J. Kurien, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, were also present on the occasion.

Extending the support of the Christian community in nation building, Major Archbishop of Syro-Malabar Church, Cardinal George Alencherry said: “Conversions cannot be done by false means. Government’s alleged plans to bring in new laws in this regard will create animosity and destroy the peace and harmony in the country.’’

Stating that Christians are peace loving people, he noted that “this should not, however, be used to trample us.”

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