Modi: Mother Teresa's sainthood source of pride for India. Protest of a radical Hindu leader
Indian Prime Minister sends a delegation to the ceremony which will be held September 4 at the Vatican. The leader of a radical nationalist branch states that the canonization "is a problem" because "it will generate more conversions." Christian leaders: "These statements do not surprise us."
Mumbai (AsiaNews) - The Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, leader of the Hindu BJP (nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party), paid tribute to Mother Teresa for her "service to the poor of India" and said that "the Indians should be proud for her canonization".
These official statements by the head of the Union Government, however, have aroused resentment in the radical nationalist base of his party, which has openely contested the Catholic nun. Sajan K George, president of the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), told AsiaNews that the attacks of Hindu nationalists on the figure of the Blessed, already numerous in the past, are no "surprise to us". The Christian leaders also states: “World attention is focused on the work of love and peace carried out by Mother Teresa. The GCIC welcomes and appreciates the esteem of our Prime Minister in respect of the future saint".
Mother Teresa will be proclaimed a saint on September 4 to Rome. An indefatigable servant of the "poorest of the poor", her contribution is recognized worldwide. Even in India the majority of the population worships the Blessed, while Hindu radicals have repeatedly attempted to blighten her figure.
Prime Minister Modi recognized the value of Mother Teresa in his weekly radio address "Mann Ki Baat". But soon after Surendra Jain, general secretary of the VHP (Vishwa Hindu Parishad, ultra-nationalist paramilitary group), said: "The canonization of Mother Teresa promises more conversions to Christianity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi should have considered this issue before deciding to send a delegation to the Vatican".
The radical leader then stated that it is not "feasible" to declare a person holy based on miracles and added disparagingly: "Do you really believe in miracles in this day and age?".
Sajan K George said that these comments are not unusual for Hindus exponents. Ever since Modi was elected in 2014, "the right-wing radicals who support saffronization have pushed forward the Hindutva ideology, which includes ghar Wapsi programs ( 'homecoming', conversion to Hinduism) harassment and intimidation of pastors and raids on prayer meetings. They have also augmented peoples suspicions of the vulnerable Christian minority ".
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