A series of religious conversions and re-conversions were witnessed over the past few months in some parts of India. Right wing Hindu leaders affiliated to various Sangh outfits organised some events under the name "Ghar Wapsi"- an effort to 'revive' Hinduism. The move was aimed to convert people from other religions to Hinduism with lucrative 'incentives' like money, jobs and land.

However, the ruling Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) government clearly denied any 'involvement' in such 'controversial' events. But, the irony is that BJP's ideological mentor, Rashtriya Shramsevak Sangh (RSS) terms Ghar Wapsi as a 'natural' process.

Religious conversions have always been practised for fringe political motives. The usage of the word 'Ghar wapsi - return to home' itself is highly inappropriate. How can people practising one religion be termed as the ones living in 'home' while others practising other religions are 'outsiders'.

Different political and religious leaders have fought over the issue, inside and outside parliament to score political points, but nothing concrete came out to solve the issue.

There are many such Arif Ali's who were converted and were later duped. Sadly, the condition of such people have not changed. They continue to remain poor irrespective of their religious identity.

A file photo of Dr Manmohan Vaidya, Spokesperson of the RSS | Source : RSS website