Gautama Buddha was born in Nepal but achieved enlightenment in India. Within the context of a morally rigid Hindu society, he introduced the concept of “the Middle Way,” advocating for a balanced path between the extreme asceticism of certain Hindu traditions and the materialism and exploitation prevalent in others.

Some consider Buddhism to have originated as a reform movement within Hinduism. Today, over 2,600 years later, many Hindus in India are rediscovering Buddha’s teachings and converting to Buddhism, largely due to the ongoing impact of the caste system that continues to shape Indian society.

The Dalits (Scheduled Castes) and the Adivasis (Scheduled Tribes), who make up roughly 25% of the population, have faced systemic oppression under this hierarchical structure for thousands of years. Women and children in these communities bear the brunt of the inequality. It is estimated that India has 35 million orphans, 11 million abandoned children (90% of whom are girls), and 3 million children living on the streets.

The Indian Church is incredibly diverse. Orthodox churches trace their origins back to the Apostle Thomas. Roman Catholicism, the largest Christian denomination in India, with 20 million adherents, is widely respected for its extensive work among the poor. Evangelical and Pentecostal churches have experienced remarkable growth over the past 15 years, transforming the Christian landscape in the country.

However, persecution of Christians has been steadily increasing. In some regions, Hindu extremist groups have attacked churches and killed believers with little legal consequence. This lack of accountability is often attributed to the fact that 80% of India’s Christians come from the lower castes, further highlighting the entrenched social inequalities.