Eight members of a Muslim family in the yamuna Par area of mathura embraced hinduism on thursday in a religious ceremony held with Vedic rituals at an ashram in Vrindavan. The family members also changed their names and said that this decision is voluntary and based on their ancestral religion. 50-year-old Zakir, the head of the family, has now changed his name to Jagdish. He originally hails from Shergarh area of the district, but has been living in his in-laws' village for years and running a shop. The family head Zakir is accompanied by 8 members of the family, including his wife, daughter-in-law, son and grandchildren.

I worship Goddess kali with my mind, deeds and words - Zakir

Speaking to the media, Jagdish said, "Our ancestors were Hindus till the Mughal period. They adopted islam under pressure. But I have been worshipping Goddess kali with my mind, words and deeds. The villagers still call me 'Bhagat ji'." He said that the family, originally belonging to the Gujjar community, was considering returning to its roots for the last three years. He said, "We took this step without any pressure or temptation, having full faith in Hinduism." Hindu yuva Vahini conducted the conversion at Bhagwat Dham Ashram in Shri Ji Vatika Colony of Vrindavan. Jagdish's family, including his wife, sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren, participated in the one-hour-long havan-yagya ritual.

What did the Kotwali in-charge say about the religious conversion?

After the conversion, Zakir was named Jagdish, his wife Guddi was named Gudiya, elder son Anwar was named Sumit, younger son Ranwar was named Rameshwar, daughter-in-law Sabira was named savitri and grandchildren Sabir, Zoya and Neha were named Shatrughan, Saraswati and sneha respectively. Hindu yuva Vahini worker Sharad saini said, 'The family purified themselves with Gangajal and saffron sashes were worn before the ceremony. They took this step completely of their own free will. Even the children are very happy to return to their ancestral religion.' Vrindavan Kotwali in-charge prashant Kapil said, "The entire process was voluntary and peaceful. There was no pressure or inducement of any kind and no police action was required."

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G GOWTHAM

04/05/2025 05:41 PM