Christian Group Celebrates Memory of Man Credited with Writing India's Constitution Who also Championed Religious Freedom
"Indians have the right to tell fellow citizens about different choices in religion so they have the knowledge and options to convert. We believe each Indian citizen must be allowed to shop in the marketplace of religions and choose a faith. We appeal to Indians of all religions to protect this freedom."
(New Delhi, India)—Today the All India Christian Council (AICC) celebrates "Dhammadiksha," the day on which Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who is credited with writing India's Constitution, freely chose a new religion on October 14, 1956 in Nagpur, Maharashtra, showing that conversion to another religion is not a crime.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar commented in a speech, "Mukti kon pathe?" (What path to liberation?), published on June 20, 1936, "To remain in a religion because it is ancestral is only suited to a fool. No thinking man can take such a policy. Remaining in a situation in which one finds oneself fits an animal; it cannot satisfy a human being."
Seven states have passed "Freedom of Religion Acts" and five are enforcing it, but, today, there has not been one conviction for conversion by allurement, fraud, or force. Even if wrongful conversions do exist in India, major religious leaders—especially from Christianity—have condemned them and believe this type of conversion is not legitimate. (A church in Vasai)
According to India's Constitution, the freedom of religion is given to every individual Indian citizen, says Dr. Joseph D'souza, AICC President. "As long as laws of the land are respected and other faiths are not denigrated, each person has the right to convert," says D'souza. "And other Indians have the right to tell fellow citizens about different choices in religion so they have the knowledge and options to convert. We believe each Indian citizen must be allowed to shop in the marketplace of religions and choose a faith. We appeal to Indians of all religions to protect this freedom.
Conversion is the sign of a healthy democracy. Conversion is the ultimate symbol of freedom of conscience."
D'souza says the AICC is determined to protect and serve the Dalits. "We have stated long ago that we will love and serve them unconditionally with Christ's love whether they are Christians or not. The Dalit Christian ethnic cleansing of Orissa must be contested by every means possible under the Indian Constitution and the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The freedom of religion must be supported in every corner of our beloved country."
