The ceremony was a part of the nationwide campaign that has seen over 1.5 lakh people return to their original faith
Old Goa – In a significant religious ceremony held at the Shri Sampradaya’s Up-peeth in Old Goa (Bainguinim), 115 individuals who had converted to other faiths returned to the Hindu faith on 14 July 2026. The ceremony was conducted in a traditional atmosphere with the chanting of Vedic mantras, in the presence of Jagadguru Shrimad Ramanandacharya Narendracharyaji.
According to the details shared, these individuals had previously strayed from Sanatan Hindu Dharma after succumbing to various enticements and false promises made by preachers of other religions. Deeply influenced by the inspiring thoughts of Jagadguru Narendracharyaji, they voluntarily decided to return to their original faith.
A voluntary return to roots
Addressing the attendees during the event, Jagadguru Narendracharyaji stated, “These individuals were led away from their original faith through misguidance and various allurements. Today, they have been given an honourable place back in their original Sanatan Dharma, and their traditional methods of worship have been restored. Every person participating in this programme has returned to the Hindu fold voluntarily and happily.”
Follow the ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
During a subsequent press conference, Jagadguru Narendracharyaji further clarified that this initiative is not about “conversion” but rather a return to one’s roots, adding that the individuals’ names and castes will not be changed.
Targeting Christian missionaries, he alleged, “They go to tribal areas and convert people. They do not change their castes so that they can continue to avail all government schemes. We, on the other hand, have not offered any allurements to these people.”
He further invoked historical examples to support the cause. “Bhagwan Shri Ramanandacharya undertook this work in the 13th and 14th centuries. Our ideal, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, put this into practice and brought the converted Netaji Palkar back into the Hindu fold. Everyone should follow the ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,” he added.
A nationwide effort: Over 1.5 lakh have returned to the Hindu faith so far
Earlier, on 14 February, 300 individuals had returned to the Hindu faith at this very up-peeth.
This initiative is part of an ongoing nationwide religious campaign led by Jagadguru Narendracharyaji. Following this latest ceremony, a total of 1,56,129 individuals across the country have successfully returned to the Hindu faith under his guidance to date.
Dignitaries present
Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant extended his best wishes for the successful conduct of the programme. The event witnessed the presence of several prominent dignitaries, including BJP Goa State President Damodar Naik, MLA Premendra Shet, Hindu Janajagruti Samiti’s National Spokesperson Ramesh Shinde and State Organiser (Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh) Sunil Ghanwat, along with Sanatan Sanstha’s National Spokesperson Chetan Rajhans.
