In a small village in Rajasthan’s Banswara district, efforts are being made to convert a 125-year-old church into a Hindu temple. The move, reportedly part of a ‘Ghar Wapsi’ campaign, aims to bring people back to their ancestral faith. The development has sparked debates over religious identity, community rights, and cultural heritage.

The 125-Year-Old Church: A Historical Landmark

The church in question has been a part of the village for over a century.

• Built during the colonial era, it has served the local Christian community for generations.
• It stands as a historical landmark, representing a time when missionaries spread Christianity in the region.
• Over the years, it has functioned as a place of worship, social gatherings, and educational support for the community.

Why Is There a Move to Convert It Into a Temple?

Religious groups advocating for the conversion claim it is a step toward cultural restoration.

• Local Hindu groups argue that the land originally belonged to Hindu ancestors.
• They believe the conversion will restore the site’s "original" religious identity.
• The move is being positioned as part of a larger campaign to bring converted Hindus back to their faith.

What ‘Ghar Wapsi’ Means in This Context

‘Ghar Wapsi’ refers to efforts to bring people who have converted to other religions back to Hinduism.

• The term has been widely used in India for reconversion campaigns.
• In many cases, people who converted under missionary influence are encouraged to return to their original faith.
• The Banswara church conversion is being linked to similar efforts seen in other parts of India.

Community Response and Reactions

The move to convert the church has led to mixed reactions from different sections of society.

Supporters’ Perspective:

• Many Hindus in the village welcome the decision, seeing it as a cultural revival.
• Some believe that reconversion will strengthen Hindu unity in the area.

Opposition from Christian Groups:

• Christian residents feel that their place of worship is being unfairly targeted.
• They argue that freedom of religion should be respected.