While all eyes are fixed on the still escalating Saffron shawls versus Hijabs controversy in Karnataka, communal targeting continues in other states across the country. Educational institutions are on alert against any possible targeting, and the fear has led some to take unprecedented steps.

In the Congress government-led state of Chhattisgarh, a decades old private school has removed ‘crucifix’ from its uniform logo, reportedly “under duress”. According to a report in The New Indian Express, parents of some students had “strongly opposed the depiction of a ‘cross’ in the logo of the school” alleging that the school got the new uniform prepared only this year. These parents claim that “the modified logo was not there earlier.”

The recent objections and protests escalated so much that the  management of the New Life  English Higher Secondary School, at Janakpur in Koriya district of north Chhattisgarh decided to withdraw the symbolic logo from the uniform under duress. The School principal Aradhna Patel, issued a press statement on Tuesday, “Our school has been using the logo on uniforms for the past 30 years and no one ever objected to it. Our institute never intends to hurt the sentiments of any community. Keeping in view the present scenario, the school management committee has decided to change the symbolic logo on the uniform so that communal harmony prevails.” According to the news report, the school has over a thousand students enrolled from nursery to Class XII. 

It is important to note that it was in Congress-ruled Chhattisgarh where hate speeches were given freely from a so-called Dharma Sansad. Recently videos of a saffron-clad woman reportedly identified as Sadhvi Vibhanand Giri, openly calling for rape telling Hindu men to abduct Muslim women and sexually attack them had gone viral.  She had said, “If any Muslim man laid their eyes on a Hindu girl from today onwards, their women will give birth to Hindu children, without a nikah or pheras.” The video was purportedly from the ‘Dharma Sansad’ held in Raipur on December 26, the same event where Kalicharan aka Kalicharan Maharaj, alias Abhijit Dhananjay Sarag, had made derogatory comments against Mahatma Gandhi, and was arrested. 

The Religious Liberty Commission (RLC) of the Evangelical Fellowship of India has recorded in its recently released 2021 report that while Uttar Pradesh had with a record 129 instances where Christians were targeted, Chhattisgarh followed with 74 cases, Madhya Pradesh with 66 and Karnataka had 48, the recently released report may be read here.

Related:

Dharm Sansad: Has the woman Hindutva ‘leader’ calling for rape of Muslim women been arrested yet?

Socio-economic boycott of Muslims underway in Chhattisgarh?

Chhattisgarh: A dead woman’s ‘ghar wapsi’ before final rites were allowed

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Image courtesy: Facebook page, oHeraldoGoa.
 
Since early July, Goans have woken to the shock of daily headlines reporting desecrations, mainly of Catholic religious sites, apart from two idols inside a Krishna temple including that of a nandi. Many wayside crosses in villages have been knocked down. The latest was a vicious attack on the cemetery of the Guardian Angel Church in Curchorem — where 28 niches, five wooden crosses, nine granite crosses, 16 tombs and a big cross on the arch opening into the cemetery were vandalised. All this was clearly the work of a group using heavy instruments.

Every one of these sites is situated in South Goa. South Goa is credited with winning many battles to preserve Goa’s identity: the Opinion Poll which saved Goa from being merged with Maharashtra; the declaration of Konkani as the official language (though there is still a struggle over scripts); and voting in each election to preserve the secular fabric of the state. The BJP has won seats here by supporting Catholic candidates, a precarious balance for the government at the moment, as it is a coalition government which has had to hold in abeyance measures such as the beef ban, for instance. This spate of malevolence is perhaps an attempt to discredit the government and create discord.

The RSS-backed Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch (BBSM) has been demanding that regional languages (Konkani and Marathi) be made the medium of instruction in Goa’s elementary schools, and that the government should stop the grants of English medium schools. The party lost all seats contested in the elections, and currently has no MLA that supports its cause. Their main target is the Diocesan Society of Education, whose primary schools are English medium; its tirades are aimed almost solely against the Catholic community. Their current strategy is to embarrass the BJP government in power.

The Sanathan Sanstha, a Goa-based rightwing Hindu outfit some of whose sadhaks (seekers) are under the scanner of investigating agencies looking into the killing of some rationalists, has had a presence here for some years, held meetings, and made controversial statements. Pramod Muthalik, chief of the Mangalore-based Sri Ram Sene, responsible for moral policing and attack on a pub in Mangalore, has tried, at various times to muddy our waters. But his entry has been banned for several months at a time, starting with the Congress government and continued by the BJP. Sadhvi Saraswati addressed the Sixth All India Hindu Convention held at the Ramnathi temple in Ponda: “People who take it as status symbol to eat beef… I request the Centre to hang them in public.” The lawyer Albertina Almeida writes: “There have been various Hindu Rashtra meetings brazenly hosted on Goan territory, with no reprimand by the State through its criminal justice system for the threatening statements made during and post these meetings.”

Our state is often praised for its communal harmony, and the BJP flaunts this quality when it is in power. Despite transformations effected by social engineering in the early years of Portuguese colonialism, which changed social relations, there has been peace. It has been argued that life was stable and without strife, because the two communities lived separate lives. Yet in our community life, political, religious and cultural dimensions merge and flow, as do our streams and rivers, into the great sea of Goan experience. It is an environment, and a way of life, that has charmed the well-to-do in Delhi, Mumbai and elsewhere into crowding our spaces with second homes.

But Goa has been no different when it comes to exploitation of all communities by the brahmins in the past. Goan society leaves more room for individual freedom than anywhere else in India. There could be several reasons for this, reasons that are to do with temporal rather than religious considerations. However, the influence of Buddhism, Jainism, Islam, the Bhakti movement and Christianity, must have led to a process of leavening and softening of the hierarchical rigidity seen elsewhere in India. Poet Bakibab (B.B.) Borkar described this component of the Goan personality as veglenchmunxaponn, a unique humanism.

Although there is a growing disquiet over the cultural transformations in other parts of the country, the Goan, who has gone about his business peacefully so far, has not felt threatened. Agitations have focused on the government’s support of excessive mining, casinos, environmental degradation. The desecrations this month, and the inadequacy of police action, have aroused anger and anxiety. Wayside crosses abound in our villages – honoured and venerated by everyone. Flowers and garlands adorn them, candles are lit around them. Cars and trucks slow down. The driver alights, bows and prays, then proceeds on his way. The Vashem cross broken in Loutulim – my ancestral village – was, in fact, renovated by the Shetyes, a Hindu community of jewellers. Religion in Goa is not divisive. There are many examples of cultural assimilation, not least the prominent transformation of the goddess Santeri.

Barring only two shrines outside Goa to goddess Santeri (and these are in the neighbouring state of Karnataka), it is only in Goa that Santeri is worshipped in various transformations, including as her sister Saibin Mai, the Virgin Mary of the Christians. Her special attributes are peace, fertility and protection — which Goa is proud to give as its special contribution to the Indian tradition. And this will ensure the defeat of political forces trying to sow discord. The singer Hema Sardesai is to lead a peace rally and concert Sunday July 16th.
 

Eminent writer and teacher Maria Couto’s books include Goa: A Daughter's Story and Filomena's Journeys: Portrait of a Marriage, a Family and a Culture.

Courtesy: Indian Cultural Forum
 

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The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) demolished a 122-year-old cross in suburban Bandra on the order of the Bombay High Court directing the civic body to remove unauthorized religious structures-the demolition of the cross has now evoked sharp reactions from the Christian community, with the Bombay Catholic Sabha terming the action as an “insult” to the community. The HC had recently ordered removal of as many as 32 temples and 6 crosses from H west ward, which fall under ‘B’ Category. But as per Christian activists the matter will be legally pursued by the Archdiocese of Bombay, and presently makeshift cross has been installed on the site in an effort to offer reassurance to worshipers.

According to Fr Nigel Barrett, spokesman for the archdiocese of Bombay who said, “A notice by Sharad Ughade, Assistant Municipal Commissioner, pertains to a 2010 PIL pending before the Bombay HC, which relates to structures on public property but this was invalid since the cross which was demolished was on private land. Ughade was met with documentary evidence by the owner and community organizations, who had replied in time to the BMC notice. The matter will be pursued legally since the cross was demolished despite this. This move by BMC is an insult to our religion”.

Dolphy D’souza-the Former President of the Bombay Catholic Sabha; Former National Vice-President- All India Catholic Union; and spokesperson for SOUL-Save Our Land, and also convener of Police Reforms Watch speaking to Team Mangalorean over the phone said, ” Mumbai civic body Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) decision to demolish a cross at Bandra in Mumbai has sparked controversy. Members of the Christian community in the area allege there is selective action by the civic body, demand action against the Assistant Municipal Commissioner who carried out the act and want Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to intervene over the issue.”

“The cross was on a private property and not on any public or disputed property-so it should be restored to its original place. There are photographs and evidence to prove that the cross has been there at the particular place since 1895, and the court order which says illegal religious structures should be removed from public places should not apply to this structure since it is on a private land. Though the residents have provided evidence to the civic body officials, it has not been taken into considerations and the razing of the structure by BMC is an ‘unjust’ act. A formal complaint has been given by the residents at the local police station, and an FIR is registered over the issue. A massive protest rally is planned for tomorrow, where we request the Christians to join in large numbers, so that justice is served in this regard” added D’souza.

Images Courtesy: Mangolerean.com

In the meantime, sources from BMC reveal that the Category B structures are the ones which did interfere with the DP (Development Plan) of the city. The letters of the court order were sent to the concerned people and they were requested to remove these religious structures. Also, a meeting was arranged with the representatives of the religious structures along with local councilors. During the meeting, the court order was explained and another request was made to remove the unauthorized religious structures. Accordingly, six temples were found to be removed by themselves. On April 29 a temple and the cross, which were on the road and obstructing traffic movement, were removed. Action will continue in the next week on remaining structures of ‘B’ Category. Police has been providing good support to BMC in this regard.

However, Rita D’sa of Bombay Catholic Sabha termed the demolition of the 19th century cross as an “insult” of the Christian community. “This PIL (in the high court) only relates to religious structures on public property. The notice issued has no application to the said Holy Cross since it was constructed on a private property,” D’sa claimed. The court had directed that all illegal religious structures that have come up after September 29, 2009 should be demolished. A May 2011 Government Resolution (GR) had divided illegal religious structures into various categories. Category B pertains to illegal shrines that interfere with the city’s development plan.

Images Courtesy: Mangolerean.com

Also Read Related Statement Released and sent to the Municipal Commissioner, Mumbai and the Police Commissioner, Mumbai.
*WE DEMAND ARREST OF SHRI SHARAD UGADE, ASSISTANT MUNICIPAL COMMISSIONER H WEST WARD, BMC, FOR BLASPHEMY.*
On behalf of the entire Christian Community, we hereby register our strongest protest and displeasure against the Assistant Municipal Commissioner Shri Sharad Ughade, who has illegally and deliberately by taking law in his own hands with the help of Staff of H West Ward, BMC along with Police Protection from Bandra West Police Station intentionally demolished the Holy Cross ( erected in or about 1895) with a Bulldozer with an intent to damage/defile the place of worship which is held sacred by Christians thereby insulting the religion of Christians with clear knowledge by doing so he and others would insult the Christian Community.
– The said Holy Cross is situated on a private land being Plot No.38 situate at C.S. No.A/650 near D’monte Street and Bazar Road, Bandra West Mumbai 400 050.
-The notice issued on 26th April 2017 Assistant Municipal Commissioner Sharad Ughade gives reference to Public Interest Litigation No.104 of 2010 pending Hon’ble Bombay High Court. This PIL only relates to religious structures on public property. As such the notice in question issued to the said Holy Cross had no application to the said Holy Cross since same is constructed on a private property. The Owner /the Community Organizations had written/replied few days to the said notice and even met Shri Sharad Ughade with documentary evidence including Revenue Plan/Property Card and explained the legal position.
– However, today (29 April 2017) at about 10.30 am Assistant Municipal Commissioner Sharad Ughade along with staff of H/West Ward along with Police Officials arrived at the site, but the locals vehemently opposed the said illegal and deliberate demolition but Shri Ugade was adamant even quoted that “Humne EK Mandir Toda Hai to ek Cross bhi todna padega”. Thereafter Sharad Ughade along with staff of H/West Ward along with Police Officials demolished the said Holy Cross. ( photographs attached )
– This is nothing but blasphemy. An outrageously ridiculous reasoning which not only defies law of land but does not appeal to reason. This wanton and deliberate action on the part of Sharad Ughade and H/West Staff.
– How can a responsible Public Servant make such an irresponsible statement in full public view. This statement by Shri Ugade has been knowingly made by him disobeying the law thereby caused injury to the members of the Christian Community.
-This is record that one Kaka Shidu Maske, AMC had filed a detailed Affidavit in Writ Petition No.2063 of 2002, giving therein detailed list of alleged illegal religious structures and shrines, wherein 67 such structures have been then noticed by BMC in H/West Ward, but nowhere the Holy Cross mentioned above and which has been demolished today figures. it cannot figure for the simple reason that the said Holy Cross was on private property.
– As such we kindly request you to immediately file an FIR against Sharad Ughade and H/West Staff and also request hon’ble Municipal Commissioner to suspend Sharad Ughade and H/West Staff, who have conspired with each other with common intention and offence be registered under Sections, 34, 120B, 166, 295, 298, 425, 441 and 506 of IPC.
-We are alive of the facts that some local Politicians will now rush to the hon’ble Chief Minister to smooth the ruffled feathers.
– We hereby demand that the cost of re-erection of this Holy Cross may be recovered from the salary of Sharad Ughade and concerned H/West Staff.
– IN CASE OF YOUR FAILURE TO TAKE ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW, WE WILL BE CONSTRAINED TO TAKE FURTHER ACTIONS AS DEEMED FIT.
– Bombay Catholic Sabha (Rita D’Sa)
– Save Our Land (Dolphy D’Souza/Greg Pereira/Stanley Fernandez.com)
– Watchdog Foundation (Nicholas Almeida/Godfrey)
– Bombay East Indian Association (Adv. Vivian D’Souza)

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