In the run-up to Assembly elections in Goa on 2nd June, the Hindutva forces are upping the tempo. Else, why would a Ratnagiri-based swami have a 'reconversion'function in Goa for alleged converts largely from other states?
For a photograph of the poster for the event, see :
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fn-goa/481231710/
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Gomantak Times, 1/5/07, p.4
Naniz seer reconverts 760 individuals to Hinduism
Back into the fold
MANGUESHI: His Holiness Swami Narendra Maharaj, the seer of Jagadguru Ramanandcharya Peeth, has reconverted 760 individuals who were earlier in Hinduism fold and had converted to Christianity under the influence of Christian missionaries.
These individuals, a majority of them hailing from different parts of Maharashtra and Gujarat, and a few from Goa, were formally absorbed into Hinduism fold after performing Hindu religious rituals and attended by the seer from Naniz (Ratnagiri district) at a function held at Bainguinuim, Old Goa, recently. In addition to these families, three Christian and four Muslim girls who had married Hindu boys were administered ‘diksha’ and converted to Hinduism.
Addressing a largely attended gathering, which was marked by the presence of Transport Minister Pandurang Madkaikar and Santacruz MLA Victoria Fernandes, the Swamiji said that in one-and-half years he had succeeded in reconverting 19,229 individuals back to Hinduism. Stating that Hinduism was in danger, the Swamiji appealed to all Hindus to forget the barriers of caste, creed and unite. “We are not indulging in conversions. WE are only getting those wayward individuals back to the
fold of Hinduism who had earlier strayed from this religion,” he said. The seer from Naniz also demanded the formation of an independent ministry which would protect the interests of Hindus.
“Hindus who are in a minority in those states should get the same benefits as granted to other religious minorities,” he added, while appealing to the gathering to support only those candidates who endorse the Hindu school of thought.
