Arunthathiyar in India

Arunthathiyar in India

pronounced: aroon-DAH-dee-yur

The Arundhatiyar live in south India. Their traditional occupation is making leather goods. The Indian villagers pay them for their leather products by giving them a fixed quantity of grain. They are also engaged in rearing pigs, goats and sheep, or working in industries, construction and other kinds of manual work. They are known to adorn their bodies with tattoo designs. The main languages of the Arunthathiyar are Tamil and Telugu. Other Indian people treat the the Arunthathiyar as Dalits or outcastes. The literacy rate of the Arunthathiyar rate is less than 20%.

Ministry Obstacles

Higher caste Indian believers may not want to associate with Dalit Arunthathiyar. The gospel will have to be presented in oral and visual form to the Arunthathiyar.

Outreach Ideas

Teachers can help the Arunthathiyar learn to read and write. Workers can help them learn new job skills. Films and radio programs are available in both Tamil and Telugu.

Scripture Focus

I said to the Lord, “You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you.” Ps 16:2

Scripture Prayer

Pray that this people group will understand that they have many good things, all of which came only from God the creator.

Prayer Focus

Pray for the tiny number of Arunthathiyar believers. Pray that they would be trained to share the gospel with their brothers and sisters. * Pray that the Arundhatiyar people may receive help from NGOs through educational and developmental programs. * Ask God to send workers to help these needy people hear the gospel and improve their lives both physically and spiritually. * Pray the Lord will start a movement of Arunthathiyar families experiencing God's blessings