‘No one can force Sindhi Christians in Ulhasnagar to change names’

Vice-chairman of state minorities commission Dr Abraham Mathai has come out in defence of neo-Christians in Ulhasnagar. He said the demand to change their names is unconstitutional. DNA had published a report ‘Sindhi conversions in Ulhasnagar raises a storm’ on February 24. 

Following that, Sindhi leaders in Ulhasnagar threatened to socially boycott these Christians if they did not give up their Hindu names. “The demand for Sindhi Christians to change their names against their will is unconstitutional. Those pressurising them must be reminded that they are going against the law. It is the same law that permits women to retain their maiden name even after marriage. Force and coercion is not the way to come to terms with the faith that their brethren have embraced,” Mathai said.

Mathai alleged that an attempt was being made to paint those from the Sindhi community practising Christianity in poor light. “Why is it that the testimony of a Sindhi who has suffered bereavement, broken marriage or battled chronic alcoholism, and who now professes a transformation through an experience with Christ, not valid in its own context?,” he asked.

“A person’s choice of personal faith is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Indian Constitution. It is not fair to allege some insidious plot being hatched by the Christian community to lure unsuspecting people. Those who have made the change of faith have categorically denied being baited by a promise of a financial windfall. But no one seems to care about what they have to say,” Mathai said.