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Guwahati, Oct 3: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday made a firm statement, highlighting Mahatma Gandhi’s strong stand against religious conversion through inducement. Sarma paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at the Gandhi Mandap atop Sarania Hill in Guwahati on the occasion of the 154th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation.
During a public address associated with the event, Sarma emphasized Gandhiji’s opposition to religious conversion through lucrative incentives. He reiterated that Gandhi strongly believed that religion was a matter of personal choice and that individuals should not interfere in the religious beliefs and practices of others.
According to Sarma, Gandhi was of the view that if Christian missionaries in the Indian subcontinent had focused on practicing the teachings of Jesus Christ, such as selfless compassion and forgiveness, rather than aggressively converting the natives to Christianity, then India’s People would have been more receptive to it. Abrahamic religion.
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The Chief Minister also underlined Gandhi’s special affinity for Assam and its people, evident from his multiple visits to the state during his lifetime in 1921, 1926, 1934, and 1946. Sarma claimed that Gandhi wholeheartedly supported Assam’s opposition to the Cabinet Mission proposal, which aimed to unite Northeast India with East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).
Sarma said Gandhi’s enduring legacy is a symbol of peace and universal brotherhood. Even in the contemporary world, the principles propounded by this eminent leader inspire people across the world to adopt nonviolence as a way of life.
Highlighting Gandhi’s tireless efforts for the upliftment of the marginalized sections of the soci Sarma emphasized Gandhi’s crusade against untouchability and his call for reform within Hinduism to eliminate caste-based discrimination.
The Chief Minister also pointed to Gandhi’s deep faith in the power of prayer and said he believed that true devotion and sincerity were necessary to receive blessings from the Almighty.
Sarma expressed confidence that the ideologies and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi will continue to be adopted by all and continue to guide individuals to lead a principled and meaningful life.
