Enforce a stringent Anti-Conversion Act to stop conversion across the Nation and declare the ‘Hatkatro Khaamb’ at Old Goa as a National Monument!
Ponda (Goa), 11th January – India got independence; however Christian missionaries continue to conduct conversion of Hindus in schools, hospitals, orphanages, etc. in the name of social work, by offering material bounties. The Central Government should enforce a stringent Anti-Conversion Act in order to stop this conversion of Hindus. The ‘Hatkatro Khaamb’ at Old Goa is a symbol of martyr Goans who sacrificed their lives to guard their self-respect. It is their memory-pillar. In order to keep the memory of their sacrifice alive in the minds of the future generations, all Hindu organisations, under the banner of Rashtriya Hindu Andolan, have unanimously demanded that the ‘Hatkatro Khaamb’ be declared as a National Monument. In this context, the Rashtriya Hindu Andolan held demonstrations on 11th January morning at Old Bus Stand, Ponda. This demonstration is a part of a nationwide Hindu campaign.
The demonstration was commenced by offering a coconut to deity Sree Zareshwar and recitation of Sree Ganesh’s shlokas. Slogans such as ‘Enforce Anti-Conversion Act to stop devious conversion of Hindus!’, ‘Declare ‘Hatkatro Khaamb’ as National Monument!’ were given at this time. At the onset, Shri. Satyavijay Naik gave an introduction regarding the objective of the agitation. Thereafter, devout Hindu speakers present at the venue addressed the crowd.
Following demands were made in line with the agitation –
1. Enforce a stringent Anti-Conversion Act to stop forceful conversions made by offering monetary incentives
2. Strict action be initiated against Persons, NGO’s and educational institutions engaged in conversion activities and inquiry be held into their source of funding.
3. Hindus who wish to re-convert to their original religion should not be restrained from doing so. Also, the administration should provide them with all facilities.
The compeering of the demonstration and vote of thanks was done by Shri. Shailesh Behare. The resolutions were presented by Shri. Satyavijay Naik.
Following organisations participated in the agitation – Shivsena, Hindu Janajagruti samiti, Sanatan Sanstha, Ranragini.
Devout Hindus who addressed the gathering – Shri Rama Usapkaroh, Shivsena; Mrs Deepa Mamledar of Ranaragini; Mr. Suryakant Satarkar, Staunch Hindu of Madkai; Mrs. Rakha Kolvekar, member of Mahila Mandal; Shri. Akshay Parab of Dharma Shakti Sena; Dr. Manoj Solanki of HJS; Mrs. Sruti Hazare of self help group; Advt. Gajanan Naik of Hindu Vidhinya Parishad and Mr. Yogesh Nagvekar member of Itihaspremi (History-Lover) organisation.