On Xmas, 60 Dalit Christians rejoin Hinduism

Dalit Christians had approached VHP voluntarily, says seva pramukh

Over 60 Dalit Christians joined Hinduism at a ‘Ghar Vapsi’ programme organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad on Thursday, Christmas Day.

VHP seva pramukh Mr. Prakash said the initiative, taken out with the participation of the Arya Samaj, was held in two places, one at Puthiyakavu Devi Temple at Ponkunnam where 46 people from 21 families rejoined Hinduism.

The second one was at Sreekrishna Swamy Temple, Thirunakkara, where 17 persons from 11 families converted to Hinduism.

All of them were converted Christians from the Dalit segment, mostly from Cheramar and Sambavar communities, Mr. Prakash said.

18 families more

The ceremony at Kottayam commenced at 9.30 a.m. under the supervision of priests from Arya Samaj and VHP. Another 18 families had expressed interest in rejoining Hinduism and the process would continue, Mr. Prakash said.

He said the converts had approached the VHP voluntarily. “Many of them were recently converted to Christianity and were dissatisfied with the new system. So far, people of their original faith had made no move to welcome them back. We opened a door and they felt they were welcome,” he added.

“Most of those who rejoined Hinduism were common people who were influenced either by social or financial inducements by those who tried to convert them to Christianity. We have to take care of such needs of these people,” he said.