The RSS, which is the prime moving spirit behind the “Kumbh”, has invoked Mahatma Gandhi, Vivekananda and Dr. BR Ambedkar to convey its warning message to the Church. Hoardings carrying quotations of Gandhi, Vivekananda and Ambedkar, have come up around the Kumbh venue. A hoarding, ostensibly quoting what the Mahatma said in 1935, reads “If I get the power to enact a law, the first law I will enact will put a blanket ban on Conversions”. Similar quotations from Vivekananda and Ambedkar welcome the guests at the main entrance of the Kumbh venue. Visitors are being reminded that Rani Durgawati had also resisted attempt to convert her.

Organisers of the Kumbh admit, though privately, that the main objective behind the grand show is to create an atmosphere in which the Church finds it increasingly difficult to convert tribals into Christianity. They indicate that the Kumbh may also be used to encourage the tribals who have already embraced Christianity to come back to the Hindu fold.

Reports reaching here say that everyday, small rallies, called “Kalash Yatras” are being taken out in which anti-Christian slogans are raised. The slogans warn the Christians of “couter-action, if they do not stop their nefarious activities”. Local Christian leaders fear that they may be physically assaulted and have sought police protection. Besides Christians, the secular elements in the State are of the view that the Kumbh has created a tense situation in an otherwise peaceful area.

In the capital Bhopal, leaders of the Christian community met the Governor and director-general of police to apprise them of the objectionable and inflammatory publicity material being used by the organisers of the Kumbh. The Governor and DGP were also handed over copies of the pamphlets etc. being distributed. Father Anand Muttangal, spokesperson for the Catholic Church of MP and Chhattisgarh claimed that unless preventive measures were taken “a Kandhamal-like situation may develop in Mandla”. Father Anand told this correspondent that the “Christians in the State are upset over the virulent campaign against their community and their faith by the organisers of the Kumbh.” Pamphlets being distributed in Mandla, among other things, describe missionaries as “Wolf in a lamb’s clothing”. Another pamphlet purports to expose the “real face of Mother Teresa”. Yet another pamphlet claims that Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama, who landed in Calicut in 1498 “persecuted Hindus and killed a Brahmin”. In contrast, the pamphlet claims, when Syrian Christians came to India in 321 AD, they were allowed to live here by the Hindu rulers and were even permitted to construct their places of worship”.

Government money is being expended freely to build the infra-structure for the Kumbh. So far, around Rs. 150 crore has already been spent.

There is another aspect of the proposed mega show, though. Whatever may be the political fallout or objective behind the Mandla Kumbh, people of the district are happy over the development it is bringing to this underdeveloped and poor district. “For all practical purposes, it is a Government-show but we are not bothered about it as the event has led to all-round development of our area”, a newspaper said, quoting a resident of the district.

The state urban administration, public works and public health engineering departments are working overtime to ensure smooth holding of the mega event, which is expected to attract around 20 lakh pilgrims. New roads have been built, the existing ones have been broadened and six huge pavilions have been constructed to accommodate the visitors. A new power sub-station has been established, new pipe lines have been laid and several tube wells have been dug.

Among others, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, former chief KS Sudarshan and RSS leader Suresh Soni are expected to address the conclave. Besides MP, tribals from Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa and Rajasthan are expected to attend. (IPA Service)