KALAHANDI: In the remote forest village of Virimuhana (Aampani) in Kalahandi district, a total of 136 individuals belonging to the Janjatiya community who had earlier converted to other faiths were ceremonially brought back to their ancestral Sanatan traditions. The programme was organised under the aegis of the Dharma Jagaran Samnvay Vibhag. The ritual included Vedic chants and traditional customs, where participants were welcomed back by washing their feet as a mark of respect.
The chief guest, Prabal Pratap Singh Judev, who serves as the All-India head of “Ghar Wapsi,” personally performed the ritual of washing the feet of the participants and facilitated their return to the Sanatan fold.
The Kalahandi region has long been identified as a hotspot for religious conversions, particularly among tribal communities. Organisers stated that such communities have historically been targeted due to socio-economic vulnerabilities, making this event significant in the local context.
In his address, Prabal Pratap Singh Judev recalled the contributions of Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati, who had worked extensively in Odisha’s tribal regions, especially in Kandhamal, to bring back converted individuals through “shuddhi” (purification) rituals. He also referred to the monk’s killing) in August 2008, alleging it was orchestrated by forces involved in religious conversions.
He further stated that the “Ghar Wapsi” movement has historical roots in Odisha, initiated earlier by his father Dilip Singh Judev, and that he continues to carry forward the mission. He emphasised the resolve to counter forces perceived as weakening Sanatan traditions and to uphold the legacy of Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati.
The event was attended by several religious leaders and organisers, including Swami Janakananda Giri, Kunjdeo Manishi Ji from Gurukul Ashram Amsena, Vinay Kumar Bhuiyan (regional head of Dharma Jagaran), Veer Vikram Acharya (Odisha state head), Santosh Kumar Panda (Kalahandi district head), Prakash Chandra Thakur (Bolangir coordinator), Kapildev Shastri of Arya Samaj, and other sants and workers.
