Gwalior Diocese Refutes Claims of Converting Tribal Students, Says Allegations Are Baseless

Gwalior, November 5, 2025: The Catholic Church in Gwalior has strongly refuted fresh allegations of religious conversion after reports claimed that around 26 children from tribal regions of Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh were brought for education by a Christian organisation. The issue has drawn attention after local authorities began inquiries into the claims.

Speaking to Catholic Connect, the PRO of the Gwalior Diocese dismissed the allegations as “baseless and unfounded.” “These are problems created without any reason or evidence by groups that hold prejudiced views against the Church,” he said. Clarifying the situation, he explained that the students are Catholic seminarians pursuing their studies at St. Joseph Seminary, sent by their families for education. “All necessary documentation is in place, including affidavits from the parents affirming that their children were sent for studies,” he added.

The Media Coordinator of the Diocese further stated that St. Joseph Seminary has been serving faithfully in the Diocese of Gwalior for the past 20 years and that all the students enrolled there have been Catholics long before joining the seminary. He added that the report published in 'Dainik Bhaskar' was false and misleading.

Local reports claimed that the children were being trained in religious practices at the Bishop’s House in Badagaon, about 8 km from the city, and that they were being prepared to become future religious leaders. Officials stated that such activities, if done without prior intimation, could fall under the category of forced religious conversion as per the state’s regulations.

Incidents of Christians being accused of conversion without evidence have been reported in several parts of the country, often leading to tension and misunderstanding. Church leaders continue to emphasize that Christian institutions across India remain committed to education, social service, and the upliftment of the poor—values deeply rooted in the faith’s mission of love and service.

By Catholic Connect Reporter