India is witnessing a growing wave of hypernationalism and intolerance, with attacks on Christians surging from 139 incidents to 834 over the last decade. Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore once said, “I will never allow patriotism to triumph over humanity as long as I live,” a sentiment increasingly at odds with recent events in the country.
Just days after a Bajrang Dal member disrupted a Christmas mass in Delhi, the youth wing of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) allegedly vandalised Christmas decorations worth lakhs at Raipur’s Magneto Mall in BJP-ruled Chhattisgarh. The VHP reportedly urged Hindus to avoid celebrating Christmas, describing the move as part of a cultural “awakening.” Shops and commercial establishments were also reportedly encouraged to oppose festive celebrations.
Videos circulating on social media show Bajrang Dal members destroying Santa Claus statues and reindeer displays with sticks, sparking nationwide outrage.
Christian Community Faces Rising Threats
India’s 32 million Christians, around 2.3% of the population, are increasingly targeted with intimidation, harassment, and violence. While the Christian population grew 15.5% between 2001 and 2011 — slightly below the national growth rate of 17.7% — vigilance against them has intensified. Vigilante groups often allege forced conversions, portraying Christians as a threat to the Hindu majority.
CBCI Expresses Deep Concern
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) condemned the attacks, expressing “deep anguish” over the rise in violence against Christians during the festive season.
In a statement, the bishops stressed that such incidents threaten constitutional rights, including freedom of religion and the ability to worship safely. They called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and state governments to enforce the law strictly and provide proactive protection to Christian communities.
A video message from the CBCI Archbishop highlighted the true spirit of Christmas: peace, joy, hope, and harmony, urging the public to uphold these values despite rising intolerance.
Recent Attacks Across India
- Delhi (Lajpat Nagar): Bajrang Dal members harassed women and children wearing Santa caps, accusing them of proselytising.
- Madhya Pradesh (Jabalpur): A viral video showed BJP city vice-president allegedly assaulting a visually impaired woman during a Christmas charity event.
- Chhattisgarh (Kanker district): Villages including Dumali and Kurrutola witnessed mobs torching churches, damaging Christian homes, and clashing with police following a dispute over a Christian-style burial on private family land.
The International Christian Concern, a US-based charity, reports that in the last decade, these attacks have affected nearly 5,000 Christian families across India.
Why This Matters
The recent incidents highlight a disturbing trend of intolerance and religious harassment in India, particularly during the festive season. Experts stress that protecting minority communities and enforcing constitutional rights is critical to maintaining social harmony and the secular principles enshrined in India’s Constitution.
