India, since independence has been celebrated as the world’s largest democracy, a land where people of different faiths, languages and cultures coexist under the values of freedom, equality and secularism enshrined in our Constitution. Yet, in recent years we have witnessed an alarming trend in the systematic targeting of minority religions, especially Christians and Muslims by the BJP-led government at the centre and its ideological affiliates. This raises a critical question, why is a government backed by the majority religion which already makes up 79.8% of the population according to the 2011 Census, so worried and insecure about the Hindu faith?
The Hindu community dominates every sphere of Indian life from government institutions to law enforcement, from the education system to political leadership, from media to the businessworld. The reality is that Hindus are not under threat either numerically or socially. On the contrary, minorities often live in fear, constantly portrayed as “outsiders” or “enemies” despitebeing citizens of this country for generations.
The narrative of Hinduism being “in danger” is carefully manufactured. It is not based on facts but on propaganda designed to consolidate political power. Accusations of “forced conversions,” “love jihad,” or “anti-national activities” are repeatedly thrown against Christians and Muslims without credible evidence.
These narratives serve one purpose, to create fear among the majority and hostility toward minorities.
A glaring example is the recent arrest of two Catholic nuns in Chhattisgarh on charges of conversion and human trafficking. Without fair investigation, these women were humiliated and treated as criminals. Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. Across India, pastors are beaten, churches vandalized, prayer meetings disrupted and false cases filed against ordinary believers.
These actions do not represent justice, they represent persecution. As Christians, let us be clear: we do not force anyone to convert. Conversion by force is against the very principles of Christianity. What we do is share the message of Jesus Christ, a message of love, equality, forgiveness and hope. Many people who choose to embrace Christianity do so because they encounter this love, not because of money, fear or manipulation. When someone experiences compassion, dignity and acceptance, it speaks louder than any force. That is why the Christian community continues to grow despite being a small minority because love attracts.
The government, however, uses fear of conversions as a political tool. Instead of strengthening constitutional values it seeks to police people’s faith and restrict their freedom of conscience. This is dangerous, not just for minorities but for India as a whole. A democracy cannot survive if its citizens are not free to believe and practice their faith.
Article 25 of our Constitution clearly guarantees the right to “freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practice and propagate religion.” By criminalizing peaceful religious activity the government itself undermines the Constitution.
It is important to ask, who benefits from this climate of fear? The answer is simple, politicians who thrive on dividing people. When communities are pitted against each other, when suspicion replaces trust, it becomes easier to mobilize votes through hate rather than development.
Instead of addressing unemployment, poverty, inflation and corruption, the focus is shifted to controlling personal beliefs. Ironically, Hinduism itself does not teach hatred. At its core, Hindu philosophy speaks of tolerance, peace and respect for all beings. Similarly, Christianity teaches love, forgiveness and service. Both religions, along with Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism and others have contributed immensely to India’s cultural richness. The tragedy is that political forces are hijacking faith and twisting it into a weapon for power.
As a Christian citizen of India, we affirm that we love our country. We contribute in education, healthcare, social work and nation-building. Our schools and hospitals serve people of all religions without discrimination.
We are proud to be Indians and to live alongside our Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Buddhist brothers and sisters. But we cannot remain silent when injustice and false accusations are used to weaken our community.
If India is to remain strong, it must return to the principles on which it was built, secularism, democracy and equality. The government must protect all its citizens equally not privilege one religion over another. History teaches us that nations divided by religion and hate cannot prosper. Unity, justice and love are the only foundations on which India can truly stand tall.
The BJP-led government must realize that minorities are not enemies and Hinduism is not under threat.
What is truly under threat is India’s democratic soul. Instead of promoting fear, let us celebrate diversity. Instead of silencing minorities, let us hear their voices. Instead of dividing the people, let us work for justice, peace and harmony.
India does not belong to one religion. India belongs to all its people.
Moajungshi Menon
Friday, October 2, 2026