The No Conversion Educational Framework: Countering Religious Misinformation Through Evidence-Based Literacy

Religious misinformation propagated through conversion-driven narratives represents a significant threat to pluralistic societies, fueling intolerance, communal violence, and systematic persecution. This paper introduces the No Conversion Educational Framework (NCEF), a novel pedagogical approach designed to counter religious misinformation through evidence-based literacy while maintaining strict non-proselytization principles. Unlike restrictive legislative approaches that curtail religious freedom, NCEF empowers citizens with critical thinking tools to evaluate religious claims independently. Notably, the framework emphasizes the unique nature of Sanatan Dharma (Hinduism), which inherently lacks any term or concept equivalent to "conversion" found in other religions, promoting instead an organic, inclusive spiritual exploration without structured proselytization mechanisms. The framework employs a modular curriculum structure, multi-faith governance mechanisms, and localized implementation strategies adaptable to diverse socio-religious contexts. Using India as a case study, this paper demonstrates how conversion narratives exemplified by misrepresentations of Sati Pratha and exclusivist origin claims can be systematically deconstructed through scholarly rigor and primary source analysis, with a focus on safeguarding Hindu traditions from external distortions. The paper proposes a comprehensive implementation architecture including curriculum design, teacher certification protocols, digital delivery mechanisms, and measurable outcome frameworks. Findings suggest that evidence-based religious literacy can significantly reduce susceptibility to propaganda, increase interfaith empathy, and contribute to long-term communal harmony. The NCEF model offers a scalable, cost-effective alternative to reactive conflict management, positioning education as the primary instrument of religious peacebuilding in the 21st century. Keywords: religious literacy, interfaith education, conversion narratives, religious misinformation, evidence-based pedagogy, pluralism, peacebuilding, India, Sanatan Dharma