Hyderabad : In the last six months, over 8,000 people in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have been reconverted to Hinduism under the aegis of the VHP’s “Ghar Wapsi” programme. And Hyderabad too is not lagging behind.

“More than 1,200 members (comprising families) were reconverted to Hinduism in Hyderabad. Reconversions were made mainly in Balajinagar of Kushaiguda, ST Hills, Borabanda, Uppal and other areas of the city,” said Mr Venkatesh, in-charge AP and TS, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).

Mr Venkatesh added, “We don’t call it conversion but Ghar Wapsi (homecoming) as they were wrongly influenced to convert to other religions by claiming that their economic condition would improve.”

Mr K. Veeraiah, a Hindu by birth, had converted to Christianity in 2006 and again reconverted to Hinduism in October this year. A mason by profession and a resident of Suraram Colony, he said, “My son Kondalu was admitted in Gandhi Hospital with a severe kidney problem.

He was undergoing treatment and despite several surgeries he didn’t do well. A pastor and his wife used to come to the hospital regularly and pray for us and other patients in the ward. They convinced us to convert to Christianity and we, along with other patients, did so.

However, my son died after two years. Now, when few VHP members came in contact with me I felt I should go back to the religion of my birth.”