In a nation celebrated for its spiritual diversity, Christianity stands not as a foreign import but as a faith woven into India's cultural fabric for millennia. Recent debates often mistakenly label it a colonial legacy, overshadowing its ancient origins and profound contributions to Indian society, particularly in serving the most marginalised communities.
Ancient Roots: Christianity's Arrival in the 1st Century AD
Historical and ecclesiastical records firmly establish that Saint Thomas the Apostle brought the message of Christ to the Malabar Coast in the 1st century AD, long before European colonial powers set foot on the subcontinent. Early Church theologians like Origen, Eusebius, Gregory of Nazianzus, and Ambrose of Milan from the third and fourth centuries documented Thomas's mission to India.
Gregory of Nazianzus explicitly noted in his Oration that Thomas reached the "Kingdoms... shut out by rugged mountains," referring to India. Ambrose of Milan, in his commentary on the Book of Psalms, also affirmed that the Apostle carried the gospel to the Indian people.
Tangible evidence, such as the Persian crosses at St Thomas Mount in Chennai and Syriac inscriptions from the sixth to ninth centuries, provides archaeological confirmation of this ancient Christian presence. Today, the Saint Thomas Christians maintain unique rites and uphold their claim to apostolic origins, underscoring Christianity's status as an indigenous Indian tradition.
Pillars of Nation-Building: Education, Healthcare, and Social Outreach
Since India's Independence, Christian institutions have been pivotal in the nation's development. The network includes approximately 55,000 educational institutions that have nurtured generations of leaders in politics, civil service, industry, science, and the arts. These institutions are chosen by parents of all faiths for their academic excellence, value-based education, and focus on holistic development.
In healthcare, over 4,000 Christian hospitals and healthcare centres operate across the country. From major city hospitals to rural dispensaries, this commitment to healing has remained steadfast, especially visible during national crises like natural disasters, epidemics, and the recent pandemic, where Christian medical professionals and volunteers were consistently at the forefront.
Perhaps most significant is the Church's dedicated outreach to society's most neglected sections: the poor, Dalits, tribals, migrants, and the differently abled. Through self-help groups, literacy drives, skill development, women's empowerment initiatives, and rehabilitation centres, Christian organisations work tirelessly to uplift the marginalised and bridge societal divides.
Addressing Allegations: Supreme Court's Landmark Ruling
Over recent decades, the selfless service rendered by Christian groups has often been maligned with allegations of forced conversions. This narrative has gained traction in the era of social media. However, a landmark Supreme Court judgment on October 17 provided crucial clarity.
A bench comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra quashed multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) from Fatehpur district in Uttar Pradesh. These cases, filed under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021, alleged "mass religious conversions." The Court observed a lack of credible evidence and procedural lapses, stating that criminal law must not be used to harass innocent citizens. Justice Pardiwala noted that continuing such prosecutions would be a "travesty of justice."
The integrity of Christian service is further evidenced by the numerous alumni from Christian institutions who have served as ministers in Central and state cabinets across India. Their public service stands as a testament that conversion is not the aim of these foundational institutions.
India's strength lies in its unity amidst profound diversity. The Christian community's centuries-long commitment to educating the mind, healing the body, and nurturing the spirit exemplifies this ideal. They remain steadfast partners in the ongoing mission of building a more humane, just, inclusive, and compassionate India.
