By Mazhar | April 19, 2025 In an ironic twist that reflects the growing imbalance of religious freedoms, Hindus around the world enjoy unprecedented liberty to practice and celebrate their faith in Christian-majority countries, while in India—a nation founded on secular principles—Christians increasingly find their religious rights under siege. The most recent flashpoint is the Delhi Police’s refusal to permit a Palm Sunday procession by the Catholic Association of the Archdiocese of Delhi (CAAD). The annual Way of the Cross, a sacred and peaceful Christian observance commemorating the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, was denied permission just one day before the event. The cited reasons? Vague "law and order" concerns and traffic disruption due to a cricket match. For India’s Christian community, the message was clear: their religious practices are expendable. The Global Contrast: Compare this to scenes across London, New York, Toronto, or Melbourne—cities where Hindu festivals like Diwali, Holi, and even religious processions are not only tolerated but enthusiastically supported by local authorities. Roads are blocked for Diwali parades, fireworks are permitted, and public squares glow with diyas and colorful decorations. Politicians and mayors often participate in these events, honoring the values of diversity and inclusion. Hindu temples across the West operate freely, many with state-of-the-art architecture and generous community backing. Interfaith dialogues welcome Hindu leaders as respected voices. School children in countries like the UK learn about Hinduism as part of cultural literacy and pluralism. These same freedoms are embraced by Sikhs, Muslims, Jews, and Buddhists—because democratic societies recognize the strength of diversity. Yet in India, the birthplace of Hinduism and a multi-religious democracy, the story is alarmingly reversed when it comes to minorities like Christians and Muslims. Palm Sunday Denial: A Symptom of a Larger Problem: The denial of the Palm Sunday procession is not an isolated incident. It fits a broader trend of systemic marginalization. Christian processions, prayer meetings, and community events are frequently scrutinized, obstructed, or outright banned—often under flimsy pretexts of "conversion" or "security." A.C. Michael, President of CAAD, condemned the decision, pointing out that “the same police granted permission to another Christian group for a different Palm Sunday procession.” The inconsistency smacks of bias, suggesting that not all Christian groups are treated equally—and some are more policed than others. Meanwhile, organizations aligned with Hindutva ideologies roam freely, organizing large public events, inciting communal rhetoric, and even staging aggressive rallies under the pretext of cultural pride. Rarely do these events face the kind of bureaucratic and legal hurdles that Christian observances are subject to. The Politics of Persecution: Elias Vas, President of the All India Catholic Union, highlighted the rise in anti-Christian violence—cases increasing from around 100 annually before 2014 to nearly 800 today. “No one has ever been found guilty of forceful conversion, but we’re still attacked daily on that basis,” he said. This persecution has coincided with the consolidation of Hindu nationalist politics, where minorities are portrayed as "outsiders" or threats to Indian culture. Ironically, those very same political forces maintain diplomatic ties and attend religious functions abroad, where Hinduism is not just accepted but celebrated in Christian-majority societies. The contradiction is glaring: Hinduism thrives under secular democracies, while the same principles are being steadily eroded in India. The Double Standard: This stark disparity between how Hindus are treated abroad and how Christians are treated in India raises difficult questions. Why is a religion that enjoys so much protection overseas unable—or unwilling—to extend the same courtesy to its minorities at home? Why are Indians of Christian and Muslim faith increasingly treated with suspicion, policed in their worship, and denied basic constitutional rights? Hindu communities in the West have not just survived—they’ve flourished. They’ve built temples, schools, community centers, and earned respect for their contributions to society. Christians in India, by contrast, are facing an environment where even organizing a peaceful procession is considered a threat. This is not about religious superiority or inferiority. It's about equity, dignity, and justice.