DANGS, India — Christianity is a major threat to Indian nationalism, organizers of a three-day “reconversion” rally held in February in Gujarat state indicated during the closing ceremony. Organizers of the Shabri Kumbh — Hindu “reawakening” rally — including Hindu extremist organizations such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS or Indian Volunteer Corp), led the 60,000-strong crowd to repeat, “I will save my religion,” and the throng often shouted, “Jai Shri Ram (Praise be to the god Rama).” The assembly resolved to save the Hindu religion and Bharat Mata (Mother India goddess) by reconverting Christians. Sadhvi Ritambhara, a popular Hindu preacher whose programs are aired on several TV channels, said, “They [Christians] call us harvest. They intend to pluck us out. And foreigners want to do this to us.” Ritambhara said it was imperative for Hindus to take up arms to save their religion.
The history behind the RSS sheds light on how it could so aggressively disparage Christianity. Their activities were originally social in nature, but the RSS soon progressed to a program of radical Hindu nationalism. They formed a political wing, the Bharatiya Janata Party, which won federal elections in 1998 and gave virtual immunity to extremists who attacked Christians. The party lost elections in April 2004 but still governs in several states. The RSS, meanwhile, continues its aggressive campaign against Christian conversions.
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