“In him was life, and that life was the light of India.”
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. (John 1:4 NIV)
》 Country Profile
Continent | Southern Asia
Population | 1.44 billion (144,179,000)
Area | 3,287,263 km² located south of the Himalayan mountain range in South Asia, and is the 7th largest country by area
Capital City | New Delhi (32 million people)
People Groups | Total 2,373 Groups
Hindu: 37% (including Chamars 3.9%, Yadavs 2.9%, Brahmins 2.5%, among 297 groups)
Bengali: 15% (including Shaiks 5%, Mahishas 5%, among 167 groups),
Telugu: 5.4%, Marathi-Konkani: 5.3%, Rajasthan: 5.3%, Tamil: 4.6%, Gujarati: 4.1%,
Mongoloid and Others: 3%
People Groups Unreached | 2,135 (95.1% of the population)
Offical Language(s) | Hindi, English
Total Languages | 456
Bible Translations | Completed 82, New Testament 84, Partial 32
Religions | Christianity 5.8% (Protestant 2.3%), Hinduism 74.3%, Islam 13.6%, Buddhism 0.7%, Other Religions 5.6% Evangelical Christians 2.2% (34 million)
》 About India
India is one of the earliest developed countries in history, beginning with the Indus civilization, one of the oldest civilizations in the world, followed by the Aryans who built the Beta civilization, which gave rise to Hinduism and the caste. The influence of many religions has created a distinctive religious culture and social form. In 1763, the British gained political control of India, and in 1857, after suppressing an Indian revolt, the British government came to rule directly. In 1919, Gandhi led a non-violent resistance movement that led to independence in 1947. The INC (Indian National Congress) Party has been in power since its founding, but the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi in 1991 and the country’s need for an IMF bailout led to the establishment of a two-party system between the INC and the Hindu far-right BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party). The two parties alternated in power until 2014, when the BJP became the ruling party. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister since 2014, is a politician with a background in the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) and is a firm advocate of Hindutva, a far-right Hindu nationalist ideology. He has taken aggressive steps to make India a Hindu country. The sharing of the gospel has been restricted, especially as states have enacted “anti-conversion” laws. Currently, 11 of India’s 28 states have passed anti-conversion laws.
India’s economy is diverse, including traditional farming, modern agriculture, handicrafts, various industries, and a growing service sector. By using its large English-speaking population, India has become a top exporter of IT services, business out-sourcing and software expertise. Economic reforms like reducing regulations, privatizing state-owned companies, and opening up trade and investment have helped the economy grow by an average of 7% per year since the 1990s. In 2019, India was the 5th largest economy in the world according to the IMF. However, 22% of the population still lives in poverty.
India’s GDP per capita is approximately $7,100.
》 Scripture Focus
| John 15:7-14(NIV) 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. |
》 Prayer Points
1. India is the most populous country in the world with over 1.4 billion people and the largest number of ethnic groups with a total of 2,373. The population is divided by race, language, and caste. Hinduism is the foundation that supports this structure. As a religion, Hinduism practices rituals influenced by the “Vedas” (sacred texts containing religious rituals and knowledge) and has a philosophical worldview focused on self-realization. It combines various religious beliefs and systems, including popular expressions (such as 330 million deities) and village customs (such as animism and mysticism). Hinduism has also influenced global postmodern culture, spreading ideas such as New Age, transcendental meditation, reincarnation, yoga, karma, and ethical standards.
Let us pray that the Bible will spread in this land of chaos, where the false philosophy and idolatry of Hinduism keeps people in darkness, so that the people of India will come into the light of truth and find life.
2. The Indian government faces many political, economic, and social challenges. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a right-wing nationalist party with roots in Hindu fundamentalism, openly supports extreme Hindu policies, causing controversy both in India and abroad. As the BJP gains power, tensions with Muslims, India’s largest religious minority, are increasing, raising concerns about potential violence and social conflict. Despite falling employment rates, job creation failures, and growing urban poverty in recent years, Prime Minister Modi has gained support by focusing on Hindu nationalism and religious tensions. This has led to increased oppression and hostility toward minority religions. Hindutva youth group such as Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), supported by the government, have become more aggressive, threatening Muslims, Christians, and other minorities.
Let us pray that the Indian government recognizes that the true ruler of India is not the far right or left, but God alone, and that His sovereignty will be clearly manifested in the nation, regardless of the circumstances.
3. The phrase “a country that moves satellites on bullock carts” is often used to describe India. It highlights the coexistence of two extremes: traditional, rural ways of life alongside cutting-edge technological advancements. Recently, India’s GDP surpassed that of the UK, making it the world’s fifth-largest economy. However, India’s per capita income remains at 138th place. Mumbai, one of the most expensive places in the world, is home to both unimaginable wealth and the world’s largest slum. India is seen as a land of opportunity, attracting global attention and investment.
Let us pray that the many people living in this rapidly developing country do not waste their lives chasing money, fame, and success. Let us pray that before they experience the emptiness and despair that often comes with worldly success, the light of the gospel of the Cross will shine upon them, leading them to Jesus Christ, who offers eternal happiness and true satisfaction to all.
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