Tag: maharashtra

‘Maharashtra Needs Freedom Of Religion Act To Curb Forced Conversions’: All India Saints Committee

**Thane: All India Saints Committee Calls for Freedom of Religion Act in Maharashtra**

The All India Saints Committee, an organisation representing Hindu religious leaders, has called for the enactment of a Freedom of Religion Act in Maharashtra. This legislation would be similar to laws passed by other states, aimed at stopping religious conversions carried out through force, temptation, or deceit.

Addressing the media at the Government Rest House in Thane on Saturday, Swami Jitendranandaji Maharaj, General Secretary of the All India Saints Committee, Varanasi, emphasized India’s greatness lies in its religious diversity and traditions.

### Freedom Facing Crisis Due to Conversions

“The foundation of this diversity is freedom of religion, which grants every individual the right to live according to their faith and adopt their own way of worship. However, this freedom is facing a serious crisis in the form of religious conversion,” Maharaj said.

He added, “Conversions done through deceit, force, or temptation are not only a violation of an individual’s personal freedom but also an attack on the cultural identity of society.”

### Constitutional Rights with Reasonable Limits

Citing the Indian Constitution, Maharaj explained, “Religious freedom is guaranteed under Article 25, but it is subject to public order, morality, and health. This means that every individual can hold their own faith and propagate it, but not by infringing on others’ rights.”

He stressed that converting communities rooted in Indian culture through allurements is not religious freedom but “a modern form of religious servitude.”

### Forced Conversions Are a Crime, Not Freedom

“Forced conversions are not freedom, but a crime,” Maharaj asserted. “History bears witness that conversions done through deceit, force, or lure have led to division and conflict in society. In medieval times, conversions forced by the sword destroyed countless Indian traditions. Today, foreign funding and missionary activity target villages, forests, and impoverished areas,” he said.

He further added that the aim of the proposed Freedom of Religion Act is not to restrict genuine faith but to prevent conversions through coercion, deceit, or allurements.

### Law Should Ensure Transparency in Conversions

“According to these laws, if someone genuinely wishes to change their religion of their own free will, they should inform the administration to ensure that no pressure or inducement is involved,” he explained.

Swami Jitendranandaji Maharaj concluded by urging the Maharashtra government to consider similar legislation to protect social harmony and uphold the spirit of constitutional freedom.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/maharashtra-needs-freedom-of-religion-act-to-curb-forced-conversions-all-india-saints-committee

Nashik: 55,000 Indigenous Trees Planted At Saptashrungi Fort Under Jai Hind Lok Movement

Under the guidance of former minister Balasaheb Thorat and former MLC Dr. Sudhir Tambe, an impressive initiative has been undertaken to plant 55,000 indigenous trees at Saptashrungi Fort, one of the three and a half Shakti Peethas of Maharashtra. This environmental service has been offered to Saptashrungi Mata on behalf of the Jai Hind Lok Movement during the auspicious occasion of Navratri.

In collaboration with the Maharashtra Government, Nashik SMBT Sevabhavi Trust, Gram Panchayat, and Jai Hind Lok Chalaval, around 55,000 indigenous trees have been planted at the fort located in Vani. Saptashrungi Fort draws a large crowd of devotees every year, with lakhs visiting for darshan during Navratri. To enrich this hilly area with greenery and promote environmental sustainability, Jai Hind Lok Chalaval spearheaded this large-scale tree plantation drive.

The responsibility for the upkeep of these trees has been entrusted to the SMBT Sevabhavi Trust. The plantation includes a variety of species such as pipal, umber, lemon, vad, as well as medicinal plants, carefully selected to suit the local ecosystem.

The Maharashtra Government Forest Department and Jai Hind Lok Movement have coordinated the scientific planting of these trees by digging trenches on all four sides of Saptashrungi Fort. To ensure adequate water supply, drip irrigation systems have been installed. Additionally, tree guards have been appointed through charitable efforts to safeguard the young plants. The Gram Panchayat has also extended significant cooperation throughout this endeavour.

Principal Dashrath Varpe, Coordinator of the Dandakaranya Abhiyan, highlighted the involvement of local citizens in planting and maintaining the trees, stating that this collective effort will greatly enhance the greenery of the region within the next two to three years.

Dr. Sudhir Tambe, Founder and Former MLC of Jai Hind, reflected on the historical roots of this movement, saying, “Freedom fighter Sahakar Maharshi Bhausaheb Thorat initiated the Dandakaranya Abhiyan, an environmental movement dedicated to protecting the living world. Under this campaign, crores of seeds have been sown on the barren hills of Sangamner taluka, resulting in the planting of lakhs of trees and a significant increase in the area’s greenery.”

He added, “Under the leadership of former minister Balasaheb Thorat, the environmental movement has expanded from the Sahyadri to the Satpura ranges. The recent tree plantation at Saptashrungi Fort, carried out under the initiative of SMBT Sevabhavi Trust, is a testament to this continued commitment.”

This collaborative effort beautifully blends cultural reverence with ecological responsibility, ensuring that the sacred landscape of Saptashrungi remains vibrant and thriving for generations to come.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/nashik-55000-indigenous-trees-planted-at-saptashrungi-fort-under-jai-hind-lok-movement

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