Disillusionment sets in as the new Government led by Narendra Modi which came to power amidst a lot of hopes for a positive change, now plays around with dates and religious observances. December 25th is an auspicious day for Christians across the world. While Christians are a minority in India they expect the Government in New Delhi to abide by the Indian Constitution which accords equal respect to all religions. It has oft been stated that secularism in India does not imply that the state is irreligious as compared to states like Pakistan where theological tenets guide statecraft. In India although the Hindus form the majority of the population they have never asserted their majoritarian views, religious culture and practices on non-Hindus. It is unfortunate therefore, that in recent times, the word ‘Hindu’ is being re-interpreted to mean, “the Indian way of life.” If that be so then to which religious groups do we attribute the long list of religious observances such as Durga Puja, Saraswati Puja or Dussehra for that matter ? These and other festivals have been celebrated by Hindus as religious rites. Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists et al have also been observing their respective religious festivals in this country without any interference from any quarters. Hence when the Modi Government speaks about observing December 25 as Good Governance Day in honour of former Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, Christians feel that this is a subversive manner of depriving them of their religious rights. Further, the Human Resources Development Minister, Smriti Irani is asking schools to conduct all kinds of events on this day.
These are other rabidly fundamentalist proposals such as reconversion to Hinduism and doing that on December 25 (Christmas Day) and the fact that Government is not even making an effort to rein in the sadhus and sadhvis who have begun to assert their might, is suggestive of a Government that acquiesces with the growing religious intolerance in this country. India’s religious, ethnic and racial diversities are realities that cannot be ignored by any Government at the Centre and in the states as well. Diversity is India’s strength. Take that away and India faces the threat of Balkanisation.
Good Governance cannot be a one-day observance. Similarly Swacch Bharat cannot be a one-day affair. They cannot be mere symbolic gestures. They need to be imprinted in the minds and hearts of every Indian and for that to happen every Indian must feel a sense of citizenship and equality. By taking away from the sanctity and solemnity of Christmas and turning it into something else the Government will turn a section of its own people against itself. Surely Modi is wise enough to recognise this!