Reading Jubel’s letter “Don’t take advantage of Christians in India” I feel obliged to share my experience with AV readers. While visiting Kerala, we went on early morning bird-watching excursion on River Karmana, leaving early without breakfast. We stopped for refreshment at relatively large island called Edayer, in the middle of the lagoon, home for 250 Hindu families.
Being Sunday, we attended early morning service with our English friends, Marlina and Michael, an accomplished wild-life photograph. We donated Rs 1000 which attracted the attention of Italian Catholic priest who started conversation, when he learnt we were tourist from England.
He moved here ten years back when forced out of neighbouring Pakistan, building this church, attached to “Primary Medical Care Centre”, an audacious move, as there were no Christians.
With imposing personality, he soon gained trust of residents and managed to convert fifty families. He was joined by local nun, qualified nurse, employing two local islanders, with the purpose of converting everyone to Christianity, with free primary medical care and nursery education as bribe.
I had fruitful conversation, mentioning that when we go back, I will encourage our devoted VHP members to build temple with associated facilities. He was horrified, fearing that their presence on the island will create tension, will dent his conversion agenda but agreed under pressure that only Hindus could be so accommodating to Christianity. Perhaps Jubel with his imaginary, persecuted mentality should appreciate accommodating Hindu religion before it is too late.
Bhupendra M. Gandhi
By email
