Cultural genocide of Indian tribals through Christian conversion

Last year, India witnessed the historic achievements of two tribal women. Among them, there is one who attracted the attention of the whole world by occupying the highest position in the world's largest democracy. She became the first tribal woman and youngest President of India.

Tribal society in India has a great tradition and rich culture, however, despite having a proud tradition, the tribal society was ignored for decades.

The way Smt. Draupadi Murmu has become the President is not only a moment of pride for the tribal society which was ignored for years, but is also the best example of the rights given to the tribal society in other parts of the world.

Another major success was that a tribal woman received the National Award for Best Playback Singer for a traditional tribal song. Although this topic did not receive as much discussion, this achievement was comparatively equally important.

This achievement was not just of Mrs. Nanchiamma but also of the traditional music and culture that she represents. These two incidents show how India respects the tradition and culture of its tribes.

Nanchiyamma's achievement is a great consolation for the tribal song, but at the same time it also points to its endangered status. The actual reality is that due to religious conversion this great culture is rapidly becoming extinct.

Even after conversion (from tribal to Muslim), the Siddhi Muslims of Gujarat still followed their customs and celebrated festivals like Navratri with pomp.

But as Islamic religious institutions strengthened their hold on these groups, they moved away from their original and traditional culture.

Apart from this, Christian missionaries also spread a large amount of propaganda against the tribal groups and distanced them from their culture, civilization and customs.

At one time the tribal society was a worshiper of nature and liked it, but the influence of the conversion lobby made them move away from this idea also.

There are more than 3 dozen nations across the world that have legally banned groups engaged in religious conversion activities.

Many countries, including Greece, consider religious conversion activities to be criminal activities. In some Islamic countries, provisions have been made for the highest punishment for this act.

Under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, all citizens of India are allowed religious freedom as well as permission to propagate their religion. By interpreting the word 'promote' as per their own fabrications, Christian missionaries work to convert non-Christians into Christians.

In the case of Rev. Stanislovas vs. State of Madhya Pradesh and Ors, the Supreme Court had clearly said that 'right to religious propagation' does not mean converting anyone to another religion. This article also gives freedom of conscience.

Religious freedom is not supreme in India. The government can also exercise this freedom to control public order, morality and health and other fundamental rights proposed by the Constitution. But our identity is unity in cultural diversity, which is being affected by these activities of religious conversion.

The direct relation of cultural change due to religious conversion can be seen in tribal areas, mainly in backward areas. These religious conversions are resulting in our cultural genocide. Like other countries, we also need to protect our indigenous rich cultures from legal conversion.

Rare cultural treasures like Nanchiyamma's music need to be protected by the Constitution through legal means. Otherwise, with time we will lose these treasures into oblivion like many other genres, traditions and cultures.

Last year, India witnessed the historic achievements of two tribal women. Among them, there is one who attracted the attention of the whole world by occupying the highest position in the world's largest democracy. She became the first tribal woman and youngest President of India.

Tribal society in India has a great tradition and rich culture, however, despite having a proud tradition, the tribal society was ignored for decades.

The way Smt. Draupadi Murmu has become the President is not only a moment of pride for the tribal society which was ignored for years, but is also the best example of the rights given to the tribal society in other parts of the world.

Another major success was that a tribal woman received the National Award for Best Playback Singer for a traditional tribal song. Although this topic did not receive as much discussion, this achievement was comparatively equally important.

This achievement was not just of Mrs. Nanchiamma but also of the traditional music and culture that she represents. These two incidents show how India respects the tradition and culture of its tribes.

Nanchiyamma's achievement is a great consolation for the tribal song, but at the same time it also points to its endangered status. The actual reality is that due to religious conversion this great culture is rapidly becoming extinct.

Even after conversion (from tribal to Muslim), the Siddhi Muslims of Gujarat still followed their customs and celebrated festivals like Navratri with pomp.

But as Islamic religious institutions strengthened their hold on these groups, they moved away from their original and traditional culture.

Apart from this, Christian missionaries also spread a large amount of propaganda against the tribal groups and distanced them from their culture, civilization and customs.

At one time the tribal society was a worshiper of nature and liked it, but the influence of the conversion lobby made them move away from this idea also.

There are more than 3 dozen nations across the world that have legally banned groups engaged in religious conversion activities.

Many countries, including Greece, consider religious conversion activities to be criminal activities. In some Islamic countries, provisions have been made for the highest punishment for this act.

Under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, all citizens of India are allowed religious freedom as well as permission to propagate their religion. By interpreting the word 'promote' as per their own fabrications, Christian missionaries work to convert non-Christians into Christians.

In the case of Rev. Stanislovas vs. State of Madhya Pradesh and Ors, the Supreme Court had clearly said that 'right to religious propagation' does not mean converting anyone to another religion. This article also gives freedom of conscience.

Religious freedom is not supreme in India. The government can also exercise this freedom to control public order, morality and health and other fundamental rights proposed by the Constitution. But our identity is unity in cultural diversity, which is being affected by these activities of religious conversion.

The direct relation of cultural change due to religious conversion can be seen in tribal areas, mainly in backward areas. These religious conversions are resulting in our cultural genocide. Like other countries, we also need to protect our indigenous rich cultures from legal conversion.

Rare cultural treasures like Nanchiyamma's music need to be protected by the Constitution through legal means. Otherwise, with time we will lose these treasures into oblivion like many other genres, traditions and cultures.