A group of Hindus have reportedly been reading the Bible for four years, claiming the Christian book helps them solve problems.
According to a report by The Times of India, a group of 70 Hindus in the town of Shajahanpur, about 70 kms from Bareilly, has been gathering in a house every Sunday to read the Bible. This habit has been going on for four years.
In the report, some Hindus are already afraid that the group would soon convert to Christianity because of their desire to continue reading the Bible. Members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) as well as the Bajrang Dal, both right-wing Hindu activists, have asked them to stop the weekly reading of the Bible.
However, Matadeen Verma, the leader of the group, and former village chief at Nayagaon Guladiya said that they are doing nothing wrong.
"There is no question of giving up the Bible. I will continue to organise the gathering at my house for Bible-reading sessions", Verma said.
"We read holy books of both Hinduism and Christianity and follow the best things from both. We are Hindus and will remain Hindus", he added.
In spite of pressure from the right-wing Hindu activitists, the members of the Bible-reading group continue their weekly habit. They believe reading the Bible empowers them to go through the tough times in life. Verma said reading the holy book helps them move ahead in their lives.