The Quiet Battle for India’s Tribal Identity: How Social Services are Rewriting Religious Affiliation
In Jharkhand, India, a quiet revolution is underway, one not fought with protests or political rallies, but with healthcare clinics, educational opportunities, and the promise of a better life. Over 25% of Jharkhand’s population identifies as Adivasi – indigenous communities with ancient, animistic traditions – and they are now at the center of a complex struggle for religious and cultural identity. This isn’t simply about faith; it’s about power, political alignment, and the very definition of what it means to be Indian.
The “Ghar Wapsi” Campaign and the Rise of Hindu Nationalism
Mahavir Das Goswami, a social worker affiliated with the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram (VKA) – an organization linked to the Hindu nationalist Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) – embodies this shift. His work in Khunti district isn’t solely charitable; it’s a deliberate strategy to strengthen Hindu identity among Adivasi communities. The VKA’s approach centers around “ghar wapsi” – a Hindi term meaning “return home” – the belief that all Indians were originally Hindu and that conversions to other faiths were deviations from this original state. This campaign, fueled by the ideological underpinnings of Prime Minister Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, is gaining traction by addressing immediate needs.
Beyond Conversion: The Power of Social Service
The strategy isn’t overt proselytization. Instead, it mirrors tactics historically employed by Christian missionaries: providing essential services like healthcare and education as a gateway to deeper religious affiliation. As Dinesh Narayanan, author of “The RSS and the Making of the Deep Nation,” points out, Hindu nationalist groups are effectively “copying the Christian playbook.” Binita Munda’s story – a woman struggling with infertility and lacking access to basic medical care – illustrates this perfectly. Goswami’s offer of affordable gynecological care through a Hindu trust isn’t just about her health; it’s about fostering a sense of obligation and alignment. This approach is particularly potent given the historical marginalization and lack of access to resources experienced by many Adivasi communities.
The Shifting Sands of Identity: Sarna and the Assertion of Indigenous Faith
However, the narrative isn’t simply a two-way battle between Hinduism and Christianity. A resurgence of the Sarna faith – an ancient animistic belief system deeply rooted in the natural world – is adding another layer of complexity. Over 4 million people identified as Sarna in the 2011 census, and the faith is gaining momentum as a means of asserting indigenous identity and resisting assimilation. Sarna priests like Bandhu Tigga emphasize the political nature of other religions, positioning Sarna as a harmonious connection with nature, free from political agendas. This growing assertion of Sarna identity even influenced election results in November 2024, demonstrating its increasing political power.
The “Reconversion” Trend and its Roots in Disillusionment
This assertion has led to a phenomenon of “reconversion,” with individuals like Sandeep Oraon returning to Sarna after periods of Christian faith. Oraon’s story highlights a common thread: initial attraction to the perceived benefits of other faiths (in his case, healing through divine intervention) followed by disillusionment and a renewed connection to ancestral beliefs. This suggests that faith choices are often pragmatic, driven by immediate needs and experiences, rather than purely theological conviction.
The Political Undercurrent and the Fight for Resources
The religious dynamics in Jharkhand are inextricably linked to political power and resource allocation. Goswami alleges that Christian leaders hold disproportionate influence in local government, controlling access to funds and benefits. While these claims require further investigation, they underscore the high stakes involved in this struggle for identity. The competition for Adivasi allegiance isn’t just about souls; it’s about control over a significant voting bloc and access to valuable resources.
The Future of Adivasi Identity: A Complex and Uncertain Path
The situation in Jharkhand offers a compelling case study in the evolving dynamics of religious identity in a rapidly changing world. The success of the VKA’s strategy hinges on its ability to provide tangible benefits to Adivasi communities while simultaneously fostering a sense of Hindu belonging. However, the resurgence of the Sarna faith demonstrates a powerful counter-current – a desire to reclaim and celebrate indigenous traditions. The long-term outcome will likely be a complex mosaic of religious and cultural identities, shaped by a combination of social, political, and economic forces. The key takeaway is that religious affiliation is increasingly fluid and pragmatic, driven by immediate needs and a search for belonging. Pew Research Center data on religious tolerance in India provides further context on the broader trends at play.
What role will government policy play in navigating these competing claims? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
