Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Conversion politics

Sir, — This has reference to Mr. P. Radhakrishnan's analysis on `Conversion Politics' (November 6 and 7). It is pertinent to ponder this: "When the State has hardly any concern for the Dalits, and they are still victims of untouchability and social ostracism, why should it be a stumbling block to their regeneration with the help of other religions?" Thirty per cent of the population in India are bonded labourers of whom 86.4 per cent are Dalits. The Dalit population in Tamil Nadu is around 25 per cent. Poverty, illiteracy and marginalisation are fundamental causes for this persistent problem. The future of India lies not in any legislation or debate on conversion, but in implementing social sector development programmes in less developed regions and in transforming the social order.

P. Jegadish Gandhi,

Vellore, T.N. Sir, — Mr. C. Ponnaiyan in his letter (Nov. 6) concedes that the Bill banning "forcible" conversions has nothing against those seeking conversions of their own. A careful reading of the Bill shows that this argument is a form of propaganda aimed at misleading the public. Though the Bill intends to ban only "forcible" conversions, it has provisions that can be misused against Muslims and Christians despite the fact that both Islam and Christianity prohibit the use of force to convert people. Mr. Ponnaiyan says that the real aim of the Bill is to safeguard the interests of Dalits. The fact is it is the caste system of Hinduism which has exploited the Dalits and treated them like chattel. If the Government is really concerned about the Dalits, it should punish people practising untouchability.

Fahima Mashoor,

Chennai

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