The article, “Debating the conversion conundrum” (Dec.24), has shown the dilemmas of various faiths in our country. Though these social dilemmas continue to haunt our nation, the ‘socio-litero-economic’ combine in many layers of our society is what holds back the country’s progress. There need not be any fuss or controversy over reconversion either. Why not let people choose if they wish to come back to their earlier faith?
D. Davidson,Tiruchi
The article was interesting as it threw light on the strands to conversions and other related issues. The Constitution provides one the freedom of belief. The government can at best regulate forcible conversion. The majority community should remember that diversity is essential for communities to survive. Also, I believe that a scientific temper has to be promoted among the public, especially children, so that religion cannot be used as a political tool. All religions should reform themselves and leave it to the public to choose what they want.
Sudharshan P.,Hyderabad
The writer is right in calling conversion a “conundrum”. It is not merely about the freedom of religion or secularism as has been projected in the mainstream media. What he wants to say has been lost in a maze of meandering and convoluted explanations about what constitutes a change of faith. His desire not to offend is palpable. Socially divisive issues are sometimes frozen for future generations to tackle. There has to be a tacit agreement among religious leaders to put a moratorium on mass conversions. Of course, individuals who want to change their faiths should be free to do so. It is not very difficult to distinguish between the induced conversion of large numbers and individuals crossing over to different faiths.
V.N. Mukundarajan,Thiruvananthapuram
One really wonders what actual benefit accrues to the subject of these conversions in exercises high on symbolism and religious bigotry. Except in serving communal interests, do these conversions in any way elevate the socio-economic status of the converts or reconverts? For a party that says development and good governance are at the core of its agenda, giving even indirect support to such activities seems like reneging on promises. Religion is, and should always be, a matter of one’s inner beliefs and should never have anything to do with public life.
Rahul Jain,Kota, Rajasthan
