- To raise USD 30,000
- Violence has stopped evangelism, finished human rights and ostracization is at peak levels
- Uniting to rebuild Christian tribal society
- Project to reach-out and strengthen tribal community through social media outreach
- Requirement of equipment for recording studio
REASONS AND HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION IN INDIA
Religious persecution is an ideological confrontation that goes back to several thousand years. Brahmins have been the ruling class, hence untouchability, oppression, property ownership rights, health, education et-al, were not given to Dalits (Oppressed Class). Christian philosophy treats all humans as equals and Bible considers all humans as children of God. This is the root cause of confrontation thus persecution will continue.
Right wing ideology controls State and Central Governments in India today. RSS is determined to re-establish a privileged class order. In this way isolation of an oppressed class will take place. While the HSS in the US want to establish a privileged class order across the world. Christ’s order was to establish a kingdom of equality and love, which Christians across the globe obey.
PERSECUTION IN INDIA TODAY
Since the British left India, all governments have tried to crush Christian ideals. Till the nineties the dismantling of Christianity was through hidden efforts, like making lopsided laws, misinterpretation, misrepresentation of constitutional provisions, denying reservation (affirmative action) and humiliation was a common practice.
Today with the right-wing Governments, no holds barred violence has been declared against Christians. The state machinery and law enforcing agencies are active tools of oppression. Previous methods like press, media taking up issues, representations, memorandums, parliamentary debates, protests, police protection, judicial intervention, relief by administration is no more available to us. Targeted violence by non-state groups takes place with absolute disregard to the provisions in Indian Constitution is being faced. With such challenges our mode of defending human rights has to be changed.
BUILDING NEW METHODS OF PROTECTING CHRISTIAN FAITH
Alternative Avenues Available Today:
- Violence against us can be countered, by developing grass root unity, direct confrontation will subdue the oppressor.
- Reorientation of true Biblical guidance which empowers us to protect our faith, family and the Church. Make our masses aware of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and provisions of the Indian Constitution.
- Political empowerment. Learning to bargain collectively.
For achieving the above I propose to develop a SOCIAL MEDIA CENTER initiating dialogue reaching out to the effected though direct WhatsApp posts, create cell phone number data bank, call centre for response, Youtube news channels and programs also on other platforms.
The target groups that need empowerment are the first time converts, Tribals and Dalits are the major group that will defend the future Christian faith in India. EVANGELISM has come to a near halt, village churches have closed down in Chhattisgarh, as no pastor is allowed to enter any village, even house prayers are violently stopped, possession of bible has become a crime, police are confiscating bible and Christian literature.
DEVOTION TO THE CAUSE:
I come from Army background, studied in Sainik School, selected for National Defence Academy, but could not clear the medical tests. Then did my Engineering and running my own small manufacturing enterprise at Raipur Chhattisgarh India, also a happy granddad now.
CHHATTISGARH CHRISTIAN FORUM (REGD.)
In 1999 Graham Staines (a leprosy missionary) and his two children were burnt alive. That day was a turning point in my life. Since then, I have been uniting and organising Christians fight for our rights though my business suffered. Two Land mark achievements were, Anti Conversion Bill could not become a law because 25,000 Christians vociferously protested. Subsequently three times the bill was defeated. President Barak Obama was the chief guest for India’s Republic Day parade. His draft address did not include the issue of RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE in India. Chattisgarh Christian Forum protested, USA Consul General visited us at Raipur and 12,000 Indo American Christians joined the protest through an on-line petition to the US President. FINALLY, THE US PRESIDENT RELENTED & ADDRESSED THE ISSUE OF PERSECUTION. CCF gives social cover, legal relief, pressurises administration and establishes our political presence, especially amongst the persecuted tribal Christians. Several battles we have fought and won. We have experienced THE LORDS MIGHTY SUPPORT. It’s a continuous battle.
PROJECT REPORT:
Phase – I of the project envisages setting up of a well-equipped recording studio. In my own house. The list of the following equipment and their costs is given below:
| SL | EQUIPMENT | QTY | UNIT PRICE | AMOUNT (INR) |
| 1 | Camera | 3 | 200000 | 600000 |
| 2 | Tripod | 3 | 10000 | 30000 |
| 3 | Lights & Hood | 4 | 30000 | 120000 |
| 4 | Teleprompter | 2 | 70000 | 140000 |
| 5 | Podcast 4 Ch. Recorder | 1 | 25000 | 25000 |
| 6 | Podcast Micorphone | 4 | 25000 | 100000 |
| 7 | Wired Microphone | 4 | 5000 | 20000 |
| 8 | Livestream Video Mixer | 1 | 100000 | 100000 |
| 9 | HDMI Cable | 1 | 10000 | 10000 |
| 10 | Online Editing PC | 1 | 400000 | 400000 |
| 11 | Graphic Editing PC | 1 | 200000 | 200000 |
| 12 | Editing Software | 50000 | ||
| 13 | Furniture | 250000 | ||
| 14 | Sound Proofing | 300000 | ||
| TOTAL (INR) | 2345000 | |||
| (USD) | 27500 |
Creating two-minute programs in the local dialect, they cannot speak Hindi or Chattisgarhi. They communicate in Halbi, Oraon & Gondi. The percentage that can read or write is very low. Hence distribution of Bibles, tracts or literature do not effectively communicate with them.
The professionally produced programmes could be:
1. Biblical direction
2. Knowledge of the Constitution their rights and responsibilities.
3. Uniting for a common cause
4. Educating them on Political awareness and collective bargaining.
5. Short evangelism programs
6. International outreach, let the world know what’s happening in India.
7. Person to person evangelical outreach.
END RESULT
Evangelism in tribal areas continues.
The neo-converts get an umbrella cover against persecution, ostracization, and for political empowerment.
The monthly running expenses could be in the range of 300000 to 500000 lacs per month that will be met by us through donations and advertisements.
PHASE – II FUTURE EXPANSION AND CONTINUITY
I propose that a trust could be formed in the future and an owned premises be purchased to continue this project. Proper security arrangements will be required, as is the common practice with all TV Studios. The equipment and studio could be insured. In this way a capital cost for 1000 Sq Ft space on a 2000 Sqft plot which could be around 2.50 Cr Rupees. Secondly continuity of the project is desirable. I may last for another 5 or 6 years. Gen next must be groomed to take over, a professionally managed Trust must be in place.