Conversion exposes our own weakness and ignorance of those who convert: Shankaracharya

Jamshedpur: The Shankaracharya of Dwarka Shardapeeth, Sadanand Saraswati, Thursday said that conversion of religion indicates our own weakness, while it also shows the ignorance of those who convert others.

Speaking to mediapersons at Shiva Residency in Jugsalai, he also chastised those who are running the government and rich and well-to-do persons of the society. He said that normally people who are well-placed and in a comfortable financial position do not try to help the less fortunate.

He said that NGOs working in tribal regions get relief in taxation and there are tax relief in foreign donations too for such organizations, but the government must guarantee such donations are not utilized for religious conversion and are used only for philanthropic objectives. He also stressed that dharma, according to Hindu scriptures, cannot be changed.

Politics behind demand for Sarna Dharma Code

He said that political reasons are behind the demand for separate Sarna Dharma Code in the census. He said that vanvasis and forest dwellers are indigenous to India and are Hindus. He said that he has met numerous Vanvasis even before arriving here. As he went, he said, he met tribals who built temples and are worshiping there and he also joined them.

He said that a Hindu is someone who believes in the sacredness of cows, chants the Omkar mantra, believes in reincarnation, and worships his or her parents.