Kochi ,26 Feb (HS):

Amid renewed debate sparked by the controversy surrounding the film Kerala Story 2, official data on religious conversions in Kerala has once again come under public scrutiny. According to the latest government figures, the highest number of religious conversions in the State in 2024 were to Hinduism.

According to the latest government figures, the highest number of religious conversions in the State in 2024 were to Hinduism.

Between January and December 2024, a total of 365 Keralites embraced Hinduism. Of these, 329 individuals — including 180 men and 149 women — converted from Christianity. Another 36 people, comprising 24 men and 12 women, left Islam to adopt Hinduism. Significantly, 262 of those who converted to Hinduism during the year were from Dalit Christian and Muslim communities, the records indicate. The data suggests that, in terms of attracting converts from other faiths, Hinduism accounted for the largest share in the State during the period.

At the same time, conversions to Christianity and Islam were also reported in notable numbers. In 2024, a total of 255 people embraced Christianity through religious conversion. This included 234 individuals — 130 women and 104 men — who left Hinduism, along with 21 people (13 women and 8 men) who converted from Islam.

Islam, too, saw a significant number of new adherents. Government figures show that 343 people converted to Islam in 2024. Among them were 276 former Hindus, including 154 women and 122 men. Additionally, 67 people — 42 women and 25 men — left Christianity to adopt Islam.

The broader trend appears consistent with earlier years. In 2020, 506 religious conversions were officially published in the State Gazette. Of these, 241 individuals had converted from Christianity and Islam to Hinduism. During the same year, 144 people embraced Islam, while 119 converted to Christianity.

The data, released through official records of religious change notifications, has added fresh dimension to the ongoing public and political discussions around faith, identity, and freedom of religion in Kerala. Authorities maintain that all conversions are processed in accordance with established legal procedures, with individuals formally declaring their change of faith through Gazette notification.

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman