The issue of forced conversions has gained momentum in Tamil Nadu under the Dravidian Model rule, sparking concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. Condemning the practice, critics argue that the Hindu religion stands unique in its non-convertible nature, distinguishing it from others who actively engage in proselytization.
Alarming incidents, such as the recent case in Madurthamalai near Coimbatore, highlight the severity of the problem. A student, Dineshkumar, alleged that he was coerced into converting to Christianity under threats and violence after surrendering his educational certificates. Working at the residence of one Divya in Nallampalayam, Dineshkumar claimed he faced torture and physical assault for refusing to change his faith. The perpetrators even confiscated his educational documents, hindering his pursuit of higher education.
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In a village near Kanchipuram, over 50 individuals associated with the Apostolic Christian Church faced resistance from residents and members of the Hindu Munnani as they engaged in proselytization near a local temple. The incident unfolded in the Purisai region of Kanchipuram District, where the missionaries were observed going door-to-door, distributing pamphlets, and actively involved in conversion activities.
Upon learning of the proselytization efforts, members of the Hindu Munnani, alongside local residents, intervened to prevent the group from further attempts to convert villagers. The missionaries were driven away from the area, thwarting their attempts to influence the religious beliefs of the community.
Amidst the confrontation, a young man, identified as a student pursuing BSc Mathematics at a college in Kannadiputhur, came forward with allegations of abuse and coercion. He claimed that after accepting a job offer at a newly constructed building adjacent to his house, he was subjected to menial tasks such as cleaning, gardening, and taking care of pets. When he requested his overdue salary after two months of work, he alleged that he was threatened, beaten, and harassed by the occupants of the house.
The victim further asserted that the occupants demanded his conversion to Christianity in exchange for his salary, and resorted to physical violence and false accusations, including theft, to coerce compliance. He reported being denied permission to visit his family during festivals and alleged mistreatment by the occupants.
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In a startling incident, an evangelical group attempted to convert an entire village near Kancheepuram, leading to a heated confrontation with local residents. The incident, captured in a video shared by Hindu Munnani on social media, portrays the villagers vehemently opposing the conversion activities in front of their temple.
In the video, a resident can be heard pleading with the missionary group, “Sir, please do not do this in front of our temple. This is a temple! Doesn’t this look like a temple to you?” The missionary man dismissively responds, “Call Emmanuel,” and proceeds to film the confrontation, remarking, “How many people like you have we seen before this?”
The tense exchange reflects the rising discontent among local communities over missionary activities in the region. Similar incidents have occurred in Tamil Nadu, where Hindu Munnani, in collaboration with residents, has taken a stand against forced conversions.
காஞ்சிபுரம் அருகே ஒரு ஊரையே மதமாற்றம் செய்ய முயன்ற கிருஸ்துவர்களை, பொதுமக்களை இணைத்து திருப்பியனுப்பிய இந்துமுன்னணியினர்…
காஞ்சிபுரம் மாவட்டம், வாலாஜாபாத் ஒன்றியம், புரிசை பகுதியில் 50 க்கும் மேற்பட்ட அப்போஸ்தல கிருஸ்துவ சபையை சேர்ந்த நபர்கள், வீடு வீடாக சென்று துண்டு… pic.twitter.com/Wg2hkRVn3B
— Hindu Munnani (@hindumunnani_tn) February 14, 2024
However, complaints against such activities often face reluctance from the police, citing constitutional rights for religious activities. Missionary groups, claiming adherence to constitutional provisions, have been known to distribute leaflets and visit households to spread their message. In some cases, teachers accompany students, promoting their faith during house visits.
A television channel exposed instances where students were allegedly forced to convert to Christianity, prompting the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) to issue a notice to the Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP). The parents of a 6th-grade girl student in Kanyakumari released a video in April 2022, detailing how the teacher compelled students to recite Christian prayers and denounce Hindu deities.
Kanyakumari alleged forced conversion row:
Father of the class 6 student says they do not wish to file a police complaint for now, but demands strict departmental action against the teacher who has been accused of promoting Christianity in school. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/JWs47Pi6KO
— Shilpa (@Shilpa1308) April 13, 2022
The child protection body directed the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary and DGP to initiate necessary actions and inquiries against CSI Monahan School Girls Hostel in Chennai. The hostel, identified as an unregistered Child Care Institution (CCI), allegedly forced girls from poor backgrounds to follow Christianity.
In another disturbing incident, a Hindu girl from Orchid International School accused a math teacher of coercing students to pray in the name of Allah for failing to solve a problem. Complaints in 2022 were also made against a teacher at Jaivabai Corporation Girls Higher Secondary School in Tirupur, allegedly forcing students to convert to Christianity.
A government school teacher in Kanyakumari compels students to convert to Christianity.
The girl in the video explains what her teacher said to her. pic.twitter.com/zq825IErrM
— Krishna Kumar Murugan (@ikkmurugan) April 13, 2022
In January 2023, a Hindu girl from Orchid International School released a video accusing a math teacher of forcing students to pray in the name of Allah as a punishment for failing to solve a problem. This disturbing revelation added to the growing concerns about the inappropriate imposition of religious practices within educational institutions.
In 2022, complaints surfaced against a teacher at Jaivabai Corporation Girls Higher Secondary School in Tirupur, who allegedly compelled students to convert to Christianity. These incidents underline the delicate balance required to ensure a secular and inclusive environment in educational institutions.
Further controversy emerged in October 2023 when Saravanan Joseph, the head of the Christian Munnani, proposed changing the name of Chennimalai, a revered Hindu site dedicated to Lord Murugan, to ‘Yesumalai’ hillock. Massive protests by Hindu Munnani, BJP, and other Hindu outfits ensued, leading to Joseph’s arrest. The incident ignited debates on the respect for cultural and religious sentiments.
In March 2022, allegations surfaced that Christian missionaries were involved in forcible conversions by setting up a prayer hall in front of a private school in Velampatti, Krishnagiri district. Local residents, along with Hindu Munnani, resisted the attempts, highlighting the community’s collective opposition to unwarranted proselytization.
Similar incidents unfolded in the Gudalur area of Theni, where a Christian woman faced accusations of proselytization and converting people. Hindu Munnani members thwarted the attempt, reinforcing their commitment to preserving the religious fabric of the region.
In December 2021, the Hindu Munnani successfully prevented the opening of a Christian prayer hall, ‘Grace Assembly Hall,’ in front of the Sakthi Kaliyamman temple in Seelanaickenpatti, Salem. These instances underscore the ongoing efforts by Hindu organisations to safeguard the sanctity of religious spaces and prevent unwarranted conversions.
Tragically, near Thanjavur, a student named Lavanya allegedly committed suicide due to the pressure to convert to Christianity. The BJP took up the case, leading to a CBI probe as the state initially dismissed it as a routine suicide.
Additionally, the Hindu Munnani intervened in Tirupur district when the construction of an illegal Christian prayer hall near the Sugreeswarar temple was revealed. In October 2021, the organisation successfully thwarted attempts by Christian missionaries to engage in proselytization in a village in Tiruvallur district.
These incidents highlight the multifaceted challenges faced by Tamil Nadu in maintaining religious harmony and protecting individual rights while respecting diverse beliefs. The proactive role of Hindu organisations and the authorities’ response to such incidents remain critical in fostering an inclusive and tolerant society.
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