On Wednesday, nearly 200 tribal Christian families that had earlier converted to Christianity have returned to Hinduism in a Hindu Dharma Jagran Sammelan organised at the Biliya-Aslona village of Valsad district, Gujarat, reported Times of India.
Kapil Swami, the organiser of the Hindu Dharma Jagran Sammelan, said that he and his supporters were protecting Hinduism in Adivasi areas of Kaprada. In this sammelan, nearly 700 members belonging to 200 families were made to wear ‘kanthi mala’ around their neck after puja was held.
The event was sponsored by Swaminarayan Gyanpith, a USA-based community, to which the sarpanches of nearly 50 villages around Kaprada and other important people were invited. The Swaminarayan sect provides education and caters to the daily needs of the local people.
“We gave idols of Lord Hanuman to our brothers and sisters so that they can install them in their houses and also build a temple in their village. Around 40,000 Adivasis have become Christians in this area in the last two decades. We work to bring them back to our fold. We get support from some non-resident Indians based in the United States of America for our religious activities,” said Kapil Swami.
Amit Patel, a resident of the US said his community will support this activity and said this initiative to bring back adivasis to Hinduism is a good initiative for the Adivasi community.
The sarpanch of Aslona village, Suresh Kamli, said that of the 6,000-odd population of his village, 100 families are Christians who constructed no less than three churches. “They believe they would not fall ill and be saved from evil spirits if they follow Christianity,” he says.
Nirlap Swami, an ascetic belonging to Swaminarayan sect said that religious conversions are a major problem in Adivasi areas. He further added that they have built Hanuman temples to instil faith among Adivasi community. Swami also said that they are trying to provide them with basic education and also fulfil the needs of adivasis.
However, CR Kharsan, Valsad district collector stated that he was not aware of any such function and that only if someone complains can his office take action.
