Faith, Politics and Perception: Debates Rekindled Across the Spectrum

By Er. Rajesh Pathak

The mother of film actor Prakash Raj passed away recently. It is being said that she was brought up and taught to live in an orphanage, where she was baptized into Christianity. Prakash Raj, who has described himself as an agnostic, has often been critical of Hindu leadership, Sanatan Dharma, and the Hindu faith. However, he has now come under the target of trolls for performing his mother’s last rites in accordance with Christian traditions and attending the related ceremonies—seen by some as contrary to his stated beliefs.

This, however, is not an isolated instance. The country has witnessed cases involving prominent personalities, including K. R. Narayanan, often described as India’s first Dalit President, whose burial in a Christian cemetery in Delhi has also been cited in similar discussions.

Concerns about challenges to Sanatan Dharma and its place of origin, India, are often raised in public discourse. A recent development in a north-eastern state has drawn attention, with reports alleging the involvement of foreign elements in training individuals from Myanmar, including insurgents linked to India-based groups such as ULFA, NSCN, and certain Kuki factions. These organizations have, at various times, been alleged to have links with missionary activities.

Two years ago, tensions in Manipur escalated following a decision of the High Court regarding the grant of Scheduled Tribe status to the Meitei community. This led to unrest involving sections of the Kuki community. The roots of such conflicts are often traced back to the colonial period, when, with the support of the British administration, missionary activities expanded among tribal populations from the late 19th century onward. Over time, demographic and religious changes have contributed to evolving social dynamics, which some analysts link to ongoing tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities.

Another development has emerged in Tamil Nadu ahead of the forthcoming Assembly elections. Reports indicate that sections of church leadership, including bishops’ councils and Christian groups, have appealed to the community to consolidate their votes and avoid fragmentation among smaller political parties, such as those led by Vijay. According to these appeals, such division could weaken the prospects of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led alliance.

They have also expressed support for the Dravidian ideological framework, which they argue has countered perceived challenges to regional identity and culture. At the same time, criticism has been voiced against policies of the National Democratic Alliance government, including laws such as the Citizenship Amendment Act, amendments to the Waqf Act, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Goods and Services Tax, and the National Education Policy. Concerns have also been raised regarding restrictions under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, particularly in relation to foreign-funded organizations.

Overall, these developments reflect the complex interplay of faith, identity, and politics in contemporary India, where differing perspectives continue to shape public debate.