Hindu outfits and the Saurashtra community in Madurai held widespread protests opposing release of the Bible in their language.
The Saurashtrian community, basically silk weaving a main avocation, has been in Madurai for centuries. Now they are into every field including trade and others. They speak their mother tongue indoors and use Tamil for their daily life. They are also in Kumbakonam and other places and live in groups. They are pious Hindus and worship Shiva, Murugan and Lord Venkateswara, Krishnar.
The evangelical groups have been trying its best to convert them but not with success. Now they have come out with a Translation of Bible in Saurashtraian language. Coimbatore based Indian Bible Translators’ have brought out this book. On hearing the news, associations of the community and Hindu organisations have held widespread agitations in Madurai opposing the same. On 1st May, Madurai CSI Bishop M Joseph solemnized the new bible at a function at East Gate Church. Hindu MakkalKatchi threatened to distribute Bhagavad Gita at the church as a counter protest. TN MahaSaurashtraSabha general secretary Suresh said they are not against any individual practicing the religion of their choice. He said that there were 25 lakh Saurashtrains in Tamil Nadu out of which 3.5 lakhs are in Madurai. “A full-fledged bible in our language sounds alarming to our community” he said. Most Saurashtraians are BJP supporters. According to sources, there are 500 families of saurashtrians in Protestant Church or Church of South India (CSI) denomination. Even exclusive churches function for them. There were instances of forced conversions in the guise of calling them for a feast with biryani, cash etc.
The Stalin government which is backing all their activities did not mince a word about it. But it took action against a Dean for allowing students to take CharakShapath saying it is in Sanskrit.
In a related matter, in Chennai landowners protested by kneeling down in Chennai on 29th April in front of the Secretariat demanding retrieval of properties grabbed by the Church pastor. Selaiyur based Kothandaraman willed his 8,063 square feet land to his four sons. Pastor John Venkatesan who became a tenant in a portion of land in 1980 built a prayer hall and slowly grabbed the entire property. When they wanted back their 12 cr worth property, pastor Venkatesan threatened them with dire consequences. They presented a complaint in the CM special cell and accused the police of taking sides with Pastor.
In yet another incident, a church pastor, to teach a lesson to the people who refused to convert Christianity, built a wall blocking the common passage which has been in use for centuries. Over 3,000 people live at Maruthuvampadi village in Thiruvannamalai district. Catholic Christian Missionary Church runs St. Antony Highschool. One pastor, Yesupatham , is in charge of the school. He tried to convert the locals. In an intimidatory move, he constructed a wall blocking the common passage. When locals and Panchayath president Sivakumar raised an objection, the church administration replied that it was their land and raised a wall there. People met the district collector Murugesh and demanded action against church administration and to demolish the wall.
BJP appealed to the District collector to direct Tirupur police, which is delaying the arrest of Muslim married man who sexually assaulted a 16-year-old- girl and impregnated her. Police said after Ramadan, the culprit would be arrested. People say the culprit does not have religio
s identities and this has proved once again that the DMK government is not secular and Hindu phobic. CM Stalin who never wishes or greets people on Hindu festivals, greeted Muslims on Ramadan and Christians on Easter.
The Mayiladuthurai RDO has banned the DharamapuramAdheenamPattinaPravasam (entering the city) , an annual ritual by the mutt head in which he is taken on a palanquin. DMK and its allies complained that it was against human rights. It is another Hindu phobic act.
-T S Venkatesan
venkateshts02@gmail.com