India at a Crossroads

By Abhineeta Matney

An April election raises pressing questions, especially for the Christian minority in one of the world”s largest nations.

Until a few months ago, the U.S. government boycotted Narendra Modi, the former head of the government in the Indian state of Gujarat. Modi was blacklisted and shunned for his questionably reticent political tactics. He was denied a visa to the U.S. for almost a decade because he allegedly encouraged and/or did nothing to stop the violence that erupted against minorities in Gujarat in 2002.

Today Modi is the prime minister of the world”s largest electorate. Hours after this Hindu nationalist politician was announced as the new prime minister of India, President Obama not only called to congratulate him, but also invited Modi to the White House as an honored guest.

Modi”s political party has managed to form a majority in Parliament. Modi holds such executive powers that his statements seemingly ripple throughout the country. Many are speculating whether this authoritarian leader will create the wave of political and economic reforms he promised, or allow a tsunami of nationalistic religiosity.

Prominent human rights groups have expressed credible concerns with Modi”s dark tendencies, but the fact is, Modi ignited a historical landslide victory and has promised the people “fair governance through greater economic development initiatives.” He has emerged as the most celebrated leader in India.

As Christians, we believe God grants us our fundamental human rights and that God appoints authorities who we are called to respect out of reverence for Christ. Furthermore, in India, our authorities are to respect our Constitution.

Modi”s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) carries a long-standing reputation of promoting extreme right-wing agendas that tarnish the pluralistic fabric of democratic India. However, instead of voting for the Indian National Congress (INC)””the party that prides itself on the mantra of “unity in spite of diversity”””close to 500 million Indians chose to vote for the BJP, which promotes “one nation one culture,” a proclamation that essentially launches an offensive against citizens who refuse to recognize the supremacy of the Hindu majority”s culture.

One may wonder about the irony behind the world”s most culturally, religiously, and ethnically diverse population rallying for a political party that advocates discriminatory, divisive, and antiminority policies. The blunt truth is the people of India are tired of rhetoric and simply want to see their basic daily needs met.

Modi”s campaign was focused on reaching out to the people and giving them assurance for the future. People voted for Modi, even if they disapproved of BJP ideologies, because Modi established his credibility as the head of a state government that successfully provided jobs, affordable food, clothing, shelter, electricity, and drinking water for the people.

 

Important Lessons

Those of us on the mission field can learn many important lessons as we rise to the challenges of the growing complexities in a newly emerging India. We strive to create resonance and credibility with people as we advance in political and intellectual integrity with our authorities, and we pray our efforts are tempered by the love and compassion of Christ.

A few decades ago one would rarely hear of Muslims or Christians supporting the BJP, but recently the INC showed support for legislation and issues that many conservative followers of most prominent world religions would consider immoral and unethical. And, although the INC consists of some of India”s best thinkers and strategists, in the past few years the party has lacked the capacity to implement constructive policies. And so people opted to reward the age-old qualities of intelligence, hard work, and discipline demonstrated by the BJP.

Modi has established his credibility as an aggressive leader who is willing to implement programs, even if it means taking provocative measures. People see Modi as riding in on a white horse, hoping or believing he can almost magically fix the problems. But India would be wise to adopt the vision of President John F. Kennedy, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”

Instead of looking at many reasons for concern from the past, India is adamant about moving forward into a new era that professes security and a favorable future for all residents. However, Modi”s choice of cabinet ministers demonstrates reasonable disregard for at least 8 percent of the population and a meager representation of other minority groups.

In our bureaucratic system, the kind of ministers the prime minister appoints to his cabinet affects how secure other civil servants feel about making decisions and executing their responsibilities. One can only hope that Modi”s choices are not a reflection of how his administration chooses to prioritize freedom of religion, thought, and expression. All prime ministers, to some extent, preach secularism in order to appear politically correct and to gain favor from the people. Modi has promised to “unite India,” recognizing the fact that while three-fourths of its people are Hindus, India is equally the land of other faiths.

 

Important Contributions

Christians have contributed greatly in India”s overall development and are known for demonstrating excellence, especially in the fields of education and healthcare. We are privileged to pursue rural and economic development initiatives that respect and complement government programs. However, we need greater support and cooperation from the government in order to take our beloved nation to greater heights of overall progress.

We recognize that hostility toward Christians often stems from our emphasis on conversion. But we sincerely believe if a person recognizes Jesus is the way to salvation, this is the work of the Holy Spirit. It should not trigger antagonism or resentment from anyone. The freedom of religion extended by the Indian Constitution should allow Christians to fulfill the Great Commission without opposition.

We wholeheartedly respect our new prime minister, and our prayers are with all the leaders of our nation as we unite to mobilize the masses for equitable and just causes.

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom recently issued its 2014 annual report and stated in its summary:

In the past year, reports of incidents of communal and religiously-motivated violence against religious minorities in India increased. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and religious leaders, including from the Muslim, Christian, and Sikh communities, attribute the increase to India”s general election and some politicians” use of religiously divisive language. Christian NGOs and leaders report that their co-religionists are particularly at risk in states that have adopted “Freedom of Religion Act(s),” commonly referred to as anti-conversion laws. Despite the country”s status as a pluralistic, secular democracy, India has struggled to protect minority communities or provide justice when crimes occur due to a lack of political will, political corruption, and religious bias by government officials.

 

High Hopes

This report came out prior to the election of Prime Minister Modi. Even though religious freedom does not seem to be on President Obama”s current radar, Indians hope to see some positive changes in the near future. Every person who loves India and shares Modi”s vision of a stronger, more developed, progressive India, hopes to have the opportunity to become a key player in India”s resurgence.

In April 2014, a new law was passed stating that every company operating in India must spend 2 percent of its profits on social development projects. Earlier this year, McKinsey & Co. estimated that, of the current 1.2 billion Indians, nearly 800 million do not have their basic daily needs met. Furthermore, India can be better prepared for projected population growth challenges if 20 million jobs are created within the next three decades. These jobs need to be accompanied by skills training for workers below the poverty line in a way that “benefits are directly transferred to the poor.” Modi”s campaign focused on these issues, and he can encourage, support, and empower initiatives already started in these areas.

This is an important time in India. Leaders encourage the people to forgive the past and look to a future, to put aside our differences and help develop solutions built on justice, sustainability, and accountability. We need consistent prayers and support as we seek God”s wisdom to advance and implement kingdom strategic ventures.

 

Abhineeta Lall Matney works with her husband, Greg, in the ministry of Central India Christian Mission.