National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has called upon the Dravida Model government, led by Chief Minister M K Stalin, to investigate these allegations and submit an action taken report. The NCPCR has directed the Chief Secretary, Shiv Das Meena, to inquire into allegations against a primary school located in the K V Kuppam block in Vellore district. The school is accused of “spreading or promoting faith in a particular religion (Christianity).” The commission has set a deadline of seven days for the submission of the action taken report, effective from October 13.
The allegations have sparked heated debates and political reactions in Tamil Nadu. Minister Udayanidhi Stalin’s statement regarding ‘Sana tan dharma’ (Hinduism) has caused division and discussion. Notably, all political parties, except the BJP, have rallied together to seek the premature release of 36 Muslim prisoners involved in terror attacks. It has been alleged that conversion activities are taking place in the state with the tacit approval of the government.
Protests and Controversy Over Renaming of Places
Controversy has arisen over attempts by Christians to rename places with Hindu significance. In Chennimalai, a significant gathering of Hindus expressed their anger over attempts to rename Chennimalai as ‘Jesus Hillock’ or ‘Kalvari Hillock.’ Moreover, there have been reports of government and Christian-run private schools conducting classes on the Bible and making derogatory remarks about Hinduism, its customs, traditions, and spiritual beliefs.
The situation has taken a tragic turn in some instances. In Thanjavur, a student named Lavanya committed suicide, alleging unbearable pressure to convert to Christianity. In Kanyakumari, a young girl accused her government school tailoring teacher of promoting Christianity inside the classroom and attempting religious conversion. These incidents have been exposed by national satellite channels.
Prominent political figures have made statements that are fueling the controversy. Tamil Nadu Speaker M Appavu, Minister Mano Thangaraj, and MP A Raja have praised Christianity and made remarks perceived as ‘Hindu-phobic.’ UdhayaNidhi Stalin admitted that both he and his wife are Christians. Pastor Ponnaiah claimed that the DMK won because of the support of the Christian community. Chief Minister M K Stalin, in a Christmas Eve celebration, pledged to fulfill the demands of the Christian community.
Missionary Activities and Allegations
There have been reports of door-to-door visits by missionary agents, distributing leaflets and attempting conversions, often targeting people in poverty or those who are terminally ill. This has raised concerns about exploitation and unethical conversions.
On October 1, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court denied bail to 12 individuals accused of stoking communal tensions. They were accused of mobilizing people in a village to withdraw their wards from a government-aided Christian school in Acchankuttam, Tenkasi district, out of fear of proselytization attempts.
Recently, Hindu outfits held protests in Sankarankoil, defying police orders while seeking a government school for their wards. VP Jayakumar claimed that the police treated them inhumanely, even dragging them on the road during the protest.
Previous Concerns Raised by NCPCR
In the past, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights had expressed concerns about a CSI Monahan School in Royapettah, Chennai, for housing girl students in their unregistered child care institute and allegedly forcing them into religious conversions to Christianity.
The NCPCR’s chairman, Priyank Kanoongo, reported that a team from the commission visited a primary school in Vellore district. They discovered a book titled ‘Growing Faith,’ which appeared to be a textbook for new and re-directed Christians. The commission has expressed concern that the presence of such a book in a government school may indicate an increase in faith in Christianity among school children. They have condemned such activities, citing potential psychological and emotional effects on the students.
Kanoongo further stated that this incident appears to be in violation of Article 28 of the Indian Constitution and Section 29 of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, as well as other provisions of the law. The NCPCR has directed the Chief Secretary to intervene and take necessary action against the institution in question. They have requested that an action taken report be furnished to the commission within seven days of receiving the letter dated October 13.
Historical Lack of Response
It is worth noting that in the past, the state government has not been responsive to communications from statutory bodies like the NCPCR and has not taken action as suggested by them. Many such communications have ended up discarded or left pending without action.
The situation in Tamil Nadu raises important questions about the separation of religion and education, freedom of faith, and the protection of child rights. It remains to be seen how the government and other stakeholders will address these concerns and allegations in the coming days.
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