More than 150 people of Scheduled Tribes have returned to the Hindu Dharma (Gharwapsi)

(Gharwapsi means re-converting back to Hindu Faith)

Narmada (Gujarat) – In an event organised in Dediapada more than 150 Schedule Tribes did Gharwapsi (returned back to the Hindu Dharma). This event of Gharwapsi was done under the leadership of the Saints in the Dediapada region, Rashtriya Adiwasi Jagran Manch, and also other Devout Hindu Organisation. The 150 Hindus who did Gharwapsi had earlier converted to Christianity; but the returned back into the Hindu fold on their own initiative. The organisers of the Gharwapsi programme said that such programmes should be done more often to preserve the original traditions of the Adiwasi Communities and to preserve the identity of the Adiwasi Tribal Community. They said the poor tribal families were converted by tempting them with offers of money, jobs, medical aid, etc. Sonjibhai Vasava Minister of ‘Rashtriya Jagran Manch’ spoke of the conversions being done by Christian Missionaries. Some Adiwasi families spoke of how they were duped and cheated. The Saints and Devout Hindu organisation, resolved to hold such events in the future too, such that Sanatan Culture and Heritage would be preserved and protected.

Happy to have returned to the original heritage and traditions – The feelings of the Hindus who returned to the Hindu Dharma

Those who did the Gharwapsi expressed their happiness for being back in the Hindu Dharma. ‘Now we will be able to follow and participate in our Hindu customs and tradition again’ they said.