Lured by freebies? Why 3.5 lakh Punjabis convert to Christianity in two years

Religious conversions are witnessing a significant rise in India, with a growing number of individuals reportedly adopting Christianity. According to recent surveys, over 3.5 lakh people in Punjab alone have converted to Christianity in the past two years. Sikh scholar and researcher Dr. Ranbir Singh conducted the study, revealing that rural populations are more susceptible to such conversions, often lured by financial incentives.

Alarming statistics highlighted

Dr. Ranbir Singh's survey indicates that approximately 1.5 lakh people converted in 2023-24, with an additional 2 lakh conversions in 2024-25. The 2011 Census reported Punjab’s population at 2.77 crore, of which 1.26% (around 3.5 lakh) identified as Christians. However, this number has surged significantly in recent years.

For instance, Tarn Taran district saw its Christian population rise from 6,137 in 2011 to 12,436 in 2021—a staggering 102% increase. Similarly, in Gurdaspur, the Christian population has grown by over 4 lakh during the same period.

Foreign funding and tactics exposed

The survey uncovered that funding from countries like Pakistan and the United States plays a crucial role in fueling religious conversions in India. Dr. Singh highlighted that individuals from Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim communities are targeted, often with promises of miraculous solutions to their problems. Many are offered financial aid, basic necessities, and even healthcare services, leading them to convert to Christianity.

Growing concern

The increasing trend of conversions has raised questions about the motivations behind such activities and their impact on India's religious and cultural landscape. The findings call for deeper scrutiny of foreign involvement and the ethical implications of coercive religious practices.