Indianised version of Bible a hit

"You have offered us Christianity in a Western cup... Give it to us in an Eastern bowl and we will drink of it," said the famous Sadhu Sundar Singh, who is said to have done more to "indeginize" the churches of India than any figures in the twentieth century.

This is exactly what a Bible publishing group has done in the country, after its latest release of the Indianised version of the Holy Bible, introduced last fortnight, all over the country.

The Bible contains words of Sanskrit origin like "bhakti," "janam," “kripa” and "gyaanmarg" used liberally. In addition, it also has Mother Mary in a sari, Joseph clad in a dhoti and they nurse the Holy Infant Jesus attired in typical Indian baby clothes, in a small hut.

"It has proved to be extremely popular among the Christian community with over 15,000 copies sold out within barely 10 days. Now it has gone for a reprint," said Rev. Augustine Kanachikuzhy, the general editor of the new Bible.

Kanachikuzhy told IANS that the new Bible has 2,200 pages in full colour printing, illustrations with an Indian touch spread across the text and each copy weighing around one kg.

The Bible is said to be a very user–friendly holy scripture, specially helping the Hindu's and laypersons to understand, even the most complicated chapters.

According to the publishers, the decision to bring out an Indian version with complete Indian text, appropriate illustrations and other relevant aspects was based on a Philippines version, which became widely popular among people.

"We hope it will appeal to the Indian sensibilities, reading it will make the text come alive in the Indian situation, and give the faithful a feeling that it is 'our' text," said Bishop Dabre, Chairman of the Indian Bishops Commission for Christian Doctrine.

The aim behind the unique project was two–fold – the text of the Holy Bible must speak to the people and their culture, and also have meaning for the non–Christian readers, Dabre was quoted saying.

The Bible, which is already a hit among Christians and non–Christians in the country, costs only Rs 250 compared to the standard Rs 1000 a copy.