Sankhalim: Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant on Friday took a dig at religious conversions in the name of healing, claiming that it is “unfortunate that such things still happen in Independent India.”
“The attempts are still made to convert people (religious conversion) in the name of offering them treatment or healing. These practices, which began to convert tribals in the name of education or healing, still continue even after the country became Independent,” Sawant said, addressing a state-level function to mark the 150th Birth Anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda at Sankhalim in North Goa.
The Chief Minister said that a “bhul bhullaiya” (confusion) is created by such people, and that the public should be cautious of such preachers who convert people in the name of healing.
Sawant added that before PM Narendra Modi took over in 2014, the British-era practice of converting tribals by luring them had continued. He mentioned that during the Portuguese era, a similar practice had been implemented in Goa.
“When Modi took over as PM, he wondered whether the aspirations of the tribals during the British period had been fulfilled, even after 60 years of Independence,” he commented.
The Chief Minister said that the Modi-led government gave special attention to ensuring that tribals (adivasis) were linked to the mainstream by providing basic facilities like water and electricity.
He noted that the rights of tribals were restored under the Modi-led government, while initiatives like scholarships were offered to students. “High schools were started in tribal belts so that the children don’t have to go to convents for their education,” Sawant said.
Sawant also mentioned that the central government focused on uplifting the financial capabilities of the Adivasi community in the country.
