Indigenous communities of India have often become “target” of conversion attempts by mainstream religions, with individuals enticed through “temptation of material benefit”, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma claimed on Sunday.
He urged younger generations to keep alive the indigenous faiths and religions, while also outlining the measures taken by his government in this regard.
Sarma was speaking at the inaugural session of the 8th International Conference and Gathering of Elders here, which will continue till February 1.
It has been organised by the International Centre for Cultural Studies (ICCS), a non-profit socio-cultural forum for spiritual masters of ancient traditions and cultures of the world.
Emphasising the importance of indigenous faiths and culture globally as well as in India and Assam, which are home to several tribes and communities, Sarma said it is essential to preserve these age-old belief systems as these are integral to the country’s cultural landscape.
“Unfortunately, indigenous communities in India often become the target of conversion efforts by mainstream religions. Missionary activities carried out by various religious groups can result in a decline of population who practise indigenous faith,” the CM maintained. He claimed that the “temptation of material benefit, education and healthcare benefits provided by missionary organisations influence individuals to convert”.