The satyagraha code

In stark contrast, the Christian community in India has been remarkably dignified in their protests against the movie based on Dan Brown8217;s bestselling novel on how the church distorted the truth about Jesus Christ8217;s life. They neither burnt copies of the book nor attacked bookstores stocking it. The film, however, met with protests. Catholic organisations expressed their anguish and anger against the portrayal of Jesus and the Christian religion. But they did so without resorting to violence or taking the law into their hands. They approached the government and demanded a ban on the film. The Catholic Bishops Conference of India called for peaceful protests if their demand was not conceded.

In doing so, the community has displayed extraordinary discipline and respect for the law. That is something in short supply in India. Nobody has the right to denigrate a religion. But nobody has the right to take the law into their hands, either. The satyagraha against The Da Vinci Code is a lesson for other communities and the rabble-rousers who claim to be their leaders.