In a striking example of the intersection between faith and cultural identity, Devlal Watti, the young sarpanch of Dompadar village in Kanker district, Chhattisgarh, recently found himself at the center of controversy due to his social media activity. In October 2025, he updated his WhatsApp status to a quote from Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which enshrines the right to practice and propagate any religion. This seemingly simple act was a form of resistance against the growing scrutiny faced by converted Christians in his community.
Watti is a follower of Koya Punem, an indigenous belief system practiced by the Gond Adivasis. His choice to showcase a constitutional right was not merely a personal statement but an act of solidarity in light of rising hostility towards Christians in the region. He reflected on the ongoing tensions, stating, “I had been observing for a while that Christians were being criticized for conversions. However, it’s essential to recognize that all religions have influenced our indigenous faith.”
The Bastar division, home to Kanker, is often regarded as the ancestral land of Central India’s Adivasi communities, who have historically adhered to their native spiritual practices. However, the region’s religious landscape has witnessed significant changes over the years. Hindu sects have increasingly encroached upon traditional beliefs, while Christianity, which made its way to central India in the 19th century, has added to the socio-religious dynamics of the area.
As Christianity expanded, it drew the ire of some Hindu groups, leading to a complex interplay of faith and identity. In response to the growing influence of Christian missionaries, the Sangh Parivar established the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram in Jashpur in 1952, an initiative aimed at reinforcing Hindu identities among Adivasi populations. This initiative, supported by local royal families, aimed to counter the perceived threat of Christian conversions and to bolster the traditional Hindu framework.
The situation in Chhattisgarh highlights a broader narrative unfolding across India, where issues of religious identity, conversion, and cultural heritage are deeply intertwined. Watti’s experience not only emphasizes the challenges faced by Adivasi communities in maintaining their ancestral beliefs amidst external influences but also underscores the need for dialogue and understanding in a diverse society. In a country where the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, the battle for acceptance and coexistence continues to be a poignant struggle for many.
