Rashtra Jyoti Felicitates Anti-Conversion Heroes in Grand Ceremony

Buxar, Bihar: Five courageous villagers of a village in Buxar district of Bihar were honoured with Rashtra Jyoti Samman for their role in putting an end to an illegal religious conversion racket operating in their area.

The award was presented by Priyank Kanoongo, member of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), who travelled from Delhi to attend the ceremony.

The event was organized in Badka Gaon village of Simri block on 1 April 2025 under the leadership of Swati Goel Sharma.

The Rashtra Jyoti Samman recognizes grassroots efforts to safeguard constitutional rights and cultural integrity, particularly among Dalit and other underserved communities.

The villagers honoured were Sanjay Paswan, Laddu Paswan, Mukund Sanatan, Avinash Mishra and Roshan Chaubey.

A few weeks before this event, a pastor had called villagers from Badka Gaon and surrounding areas to a river for baptism ritual to convert them into Christianity. He made them make a dip and then wiped off sindoor from the forehead of women. He also made a cross sign on their heads.

The awardees played an active role in stopping the activity – reaching the spot, protesting, calling the police, and ensuring that such incidents would not recur.

Avinash Mishra, who is a school teacher, told Rashtra Jyoti that “one man confessed he was paid ₹500 for converting”.

Speaking on the occasion, Priyank Kanoongo explained the provisions of the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, which makes it clear that Scheduled Caste status and related benefits are restricted to Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists.

He stated, “Illegal or forced conversions not only violate individual freedom but also deprive Scheduled Castes of their constitutional rights.“

Swati Goel Sharma said, “These villagers are truly the real heroes of our nation.“

The ceremony was attended by more than 300 villagers, and essential supplies were distributed to needy families as part of the programme.