Adi Dravida in India

Adi Dravida in India

pronounced: AH-dee DRAH-vee-dahr

How would you like your name to be “pariah?” Due to the negative connotation of the name Paraiyar or pariah in English, the leaders of this community in the early 20th century had their name changed to Adi Dravida or "original Dravidians." Today, the Adi Dravida are a scheduled caste which means they receive special benefits for government jobs and places in education to rectify past societal wrongs. Unfortunately, illiteracy is still high among the Adi Dravida.

Ministry Obstacles

Family and community pressure keep the Adi Dravida people from accepting Jesus Christ, believing it means turning their back on their community.

Outreach Ideas

There are Tamil speaking churches, pastors, and even Tamil speaking missionaries! Pray that God moves some of them to take Christ to the Adi Dravida people.

Scripture Focus

"Who is like you among the gods, O Lord—glorious in holiness, awesome in splendor, performing great wonders?"  Exodus 15:11

Scripture Prayer

Pray that today’s people group will understand that glory, holiness and power come only from our Lord and king.

Prayer Focus

Though we know of no one who has accepted the grace and salvation of Christ from this community, we will continue to pray for a movement to the Savior among them. * Pray that the Lord would lead Indian Christians to become friends with the Adi Dravida to help them with their spiritual, educational, and vocational needs. * Pray for the Adi Dravida people to begin Discovery Bible Studies leading to a powerful movement to Christ. * Pray for the Adi Dravida people to have new and better educational and economic opportunities this decade.