John Dayal
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John Dayal, (New Delhi, Oct. 2, 1948 - ) is an Indian Christian activist and campaigner for Dalit rights. Formerly a journalist with the Delhi edition of the Indian tabloid newspaper, the Mid-Day, he has gone on to found and preside over the ecumenical All India Christian Council and United Christian Forum for Human Rights. Dayal, born of Christian parents from Central India, is married and resides normally in New Delhi. He is frequently the target of accusations that he is biased against the Hindu faith.
He describes himself as a "human rights activist" who is "fighting for the rights of Muslim, Christian and Dalit minorities" in India. He is associated with numerous Christian evangelical groups, such as Dalit Freedom Network[1].
He has attacked anti-Conversion bills passed in various states in India[1].
Criticism
He has been described by Francois Gautier as a radical fanatic[2]. P.N Benjamin, the coordinator of the Bangalore Initiative for Religious Dialogue, said that Dayal "opens his mouth and wields his pen only to spew venom on the Hindu community"[3] >.John Dayal was very popular among some anti-Hindu elements, such as the (now defunct) website Dalitstan, where his works were frequently showcased [4]. Rediff columnist Varsha Bhosle criticizes Dayal for having subversive separatist views and misrepresenting the Catholic Church in India [5].
Notes
- ^ Fending off Hindutva
- ^ Sonia’s presence in Delhi is costing India dearly Indian Express - December 8, 2008
- ^ Sister Sonia, he wanted a total ban on conversions, New India Press,mirror
- ^ dalitstan.org
- ^ Towards Balkanisation, IV: Catholics Rediff.com