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Representatives of four Christian Organisations called on the Prime Minister recently, stressing that the benefits available to Hindu Harijans be extended to the Christian Harijans also. Christianity was offered as a way out to the Hindu Harijans but once they are christianised, the old basis is re-borrowed. It is a confession that the Hindu Harijans converted to Christianity are not benefited and their economic condition is not improved and the change of religion is not a change for the better. The number of former converts returning to the Hindu fold is also increasing. You cannot give equality you promise at the time of enticement. But you want to have the best of both worlds.
In June 1981 about 200 Hindus and 50 Christians of Kurayoor Village, only 40 KM from Madurai embraced Islam. The reason is Harijan Hindus and Harijan Christians buffer from the same disabilities. Christianity has failed to overcome the so called evils of casteism. There are clear distinct groups within with absolutely no social exchange and the backward class converts are still regarded as low-caste Christians by others.
In a reply to a question Are not Christians entitled to combat untouchability Mahatma Gandhi said,
"Not only are the Christians entitled, but it is their duty to combat untouchability in their own midst. But if the question is that Christians should combat untouchability in Hinduism my answer is that they simply cannot do it because untouchability of Hinduism should not be untouchability of Christians. The anti-untouchability movement means weaning Hindus from their error. This cannot be effectively done by non-Hindus, even as Hindus cannot bring about religious reform among Christians and Mussalmans. If the question means that Christian should combat untouchability among Hindus by converting untouchables to Christianity they do not advance the cause in any shape or form; the cause being reform among caste Hindus. If the latter repented their sin the Harijans would be delivered from the yoke of untouchability in a moment. Conversion can never do it. It can only add to the prevailing bitterness and introduce a disturbing factor in a situation which is already bad".
Author:Shripaty Sastry
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