Christians consist of 2% of the 1.2 billion population of India. These 20 million Christians in India have Hindu ancestry. During 200 years of colonial rule, Christian missionaries wooed the downtrodden, lower class Hindus to embrace Christianity. The caste system has its evil. Higher class Hindus arrogance on the perception that the birth is the deciding factor that distinguishes superiority of one human-being from another. This folly notion has done a tremendous damage to Hinduism.
Complacency of Hindu priests enabled Christian missionaries to take advantage of the situation. Their kindness and humanitarian approach to this unprivileged class came as a boon. In return for embracing Christianity, they were offered food, clothing, housing, jobs and most importantly equal status. Today, Christians have made their mark in India. This enlightened community’s contributions economically, politically and socially are enormous. The elite Hindus take pride in educating their children in convent schools. It’s believed that convent educated children are more successful in life. Indian Christians are the strength of India. They have enriched Indian culture and heritage. They are not outsiders and mustn't be seen with suspicious eyes.
Niranjan Vasant
By email
