BIBLE SOCIETY OF INDIA OBSERVES INDIGENOUS DAY 2026
“Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Wellbeing”
The Bible Society of India (BSI) joined the wider Church in observing Indigenous Day 2026 under the theme, “Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Wellbeing.” The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) has called the Church to recognise and honour the significant contribution of indigenous midwives who, through traditional knowledge, compassionate care and community-based practices, have helped safeguard the lives and wellbeing of mothers and children.
At the BSI Central Office, the observance was held on 7 August 2026 during the Corporate Worship in the morning at 9:00 AM as Combined Prayer Fellowship, bringing together the staff of the Central Office and the Karnataka Auxiliary. The observance was also conducted across BSI offices and Auxiliaries throughout India, providing an opportunity for staff to reflect on the dignity of Indigenous Peoples, appreciate indigenous knowledge and affirm the Church’s commitment to safeguarding life and promoting the wellbeing of all communities. At the Central Office, Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi, Director – Church, Public Relations and Resource Mobilisation, served as the Resource Person and reflected on the theme from Exodus 1:15–21. The biblical account of the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, who courageously protected the lives of newborn children in defiance of Pharaoh’s command, offered a powerful reflection on courage, compassion and the sacred responsibility of safeguarding life.
The story of Shiphrah and Puah reminds us that ordinary people, while valuing their profession “midwives” through courage and faithfulness, can become instruments of saving God’s given life. Their story also highlights the value of women’s knowledge, caregiving and leadership in preserving and nurturing life within communities. The observance encouraged BSI staff to recognise the wisdom and contributions of Indigenous communities and to reflect on the Church’s and BSI ministerial responsibility to uphold human dignity, justice, cultural identity, traditional knowledge and the sanctity of life. Through its combined worship and prayer fellowship, BSI reaffirmed its commitment to being a community that cherishes life, respects indigenous wisdom and stands in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples. Even as the Christian population across India is made up of Tribal and Adivasi community on a large scale, it is so important to observe this day by the Indian Christian community. The observance across BSI offices in India was a meaningful expression of the Society’s commitment to Scripture engagement, prayer and solidarity with communities whose voices and contributions deserve to be recognised, respected and celebrated.
By Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi
Director Church, Public Relations and Resource Mobilisation
DEDICATION OF BIBLE SHOW ROOM AT BSI ASSOCIATE AUXILIARY, ANDAMAN
18 July 2026 | Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The Bible Society of India (BSI) Associate Auxiliary, Andaman and Nicobar Islands witnessed a significant and joyful occasion with the dedication of a new Bible Show Room at the Mar Thoma Complex, Goalghar, in the heart of the Port Blair city, on 18 July 2026. The dedication was held during the official visit of the BSI General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Kavito G. Zhimo, to the Associate Auxiliary.
We give thanks to God for His unfailing grace and mercy, which have sustained us through the ups and downs of life and ministry of the ANIs Associate Auxiliary. It was a great joy and privilege for the members of the Associate Auxiliary to welcome Rev. Dr. Kavito G. Zhimo on his visit to Andaman. The opening of the Bible Show Room is truly an answer to prayer and a testimony to God’s providence. For several years, the Associate Auxiliary had been praying and planning to establish a Book Room in Port Blair, in God’s own time and in His wonderful way, the long-cherished vision became a reality. The Bible Show Room will serve as an important centre through which the Word of God can reach the people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and will be a place of blessing to churches, individuals and families across the Islands.
The Associate Auxiliary expresses its sincere gratitude to Rev. Dr. Kavito G. Zhimo, General Secretary, BSI, for his continued support, encouragement and guidance, which have greatly contributed to making this initiative possible. His presence at the dedication added special significance to the occasion. We also express our heartfelt appreciation to Mr. B. John Stephen, Sr. Director – Property Management, who accompanied the General Secretary to Andaman. His valuable inputs and dedicated efforts in preparing the room for the dedication are deeply appreciated. Our sincere thanks are also extended to Rev. T. Selvaraj, Executive Member and President of the Committee; Rev. Raja Lawrence, Treasurer; the Committee members; and all the pastors who graced the occasion with their presence and support.
The Associate Auxiliary is especially grateful to the Mar Thoma Metropolitan, the Secretary of the Mar Thoma Evangelical Association, the local priest Rev. Jinu Dani James, and the members of the Mar Thoma Church Committee for generously allowing the Bible Show Room to be established within the Mar Thoma Church Complex. Their cooperation and support for the Bible cause are deeply valued. We pray that God will continue to bless the leaders and ministry of the Mar Thoma Church. A special word of appreciation is also due to Rev. Jacob Antony Koodathinkal, Auxiliary Secretary, Kerala Auxiliary, for his valuable assistance in facilitating the establishment of the Bible Show Room and for his work behind the scenes in making this initiative possible.
The dedication of the Bible Show Room marks an important milestone in the ministry of the Bible Society of India in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. We pray that this new facility will become a vibrant centre for the distribution and promotion of the Holy Scriptures and that, through it, God’s Word will reach every nook and corner of the Islands.
To God be all the glory!
Reported by Ranjit Paswan, BSI Associate Auxiliary, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
EIGHT NEW BSI BRANCHES INAUGURATED IN ANDHRA PRADESH
18 July 2026 | CSN, Rajahmundry
To the glory of God, the Andhra Pradesh Auxiliary of the Bible Society of India celebrated a significant milestone with the inauguration of eight new BSI branches on 18 July 2026 at the Church of South India (CSI), Rajahmundry.
The newly inaugurated branches are Mandapeta, Ramavaram, Kapileswarapuram, Athreyapuram, Ravulapalem, Alamuru, Kothapeta, and Anaparti. The establishment of these branches marks an important step in strengthening the presence and ministry of BSI at the grassroots level and creating greater opportunities for Scripture distribution, Bible engagement and partnership with local churches and communities. The inauguration was a joyful occasion, bringing together church leaders, pastors, BSI supporters, members and well-wishers who gathered to give thanks to God and commit the new branches and their ministry into His hands. The opening of the branches reflects the growing enthusiasm and commitment of churches and believers in the region towards the Bible cause.
These new branches will serve as important points of contact for the Bible Society, helping to facilitate the availability and distribution of Scriptures and encouraging greater participation in BSI programmes and initiatives. They will also provide opportunities to strengthen relationships with local congregations and mobilise volunteers and supporters for the continuing ministry of the Bible Society. The Andhra Pradesh Auxiliary looks forward to nurturing these new branches so that they may become vibrant centres of Scripture engagement and mission, enabling God’s Word to reach more people in the surrounding communities. The Bible Society of India expresses its gratitude to God for this significant development and prays that these eight new branches will become channels of blessing and instruments for spreading God’s Word, strengthening the Church and bringing hope and transformation to many lives.
Reported by Rev. K. John Vikram, Auxiliary Secretary, Andhra Pradesh Auxiliary
YOUTH SPORTS NEW TESTAMENTS DISTRIBUTED AT HRANGBANA COLLEGE, AIZAWL
The BSI Aizawl Auxiliary distributed copies of the Youth Sports New Testament in the Contemporary English Version (CEV) free of cost to members of the Students’ Evangelical Union (SEU) at Government Hrangbana College, Aizawl, one of the biggest and most prominent colleges in Mizoram. The distribution took place during the SEU’s New Session Fellowship Programme, bringing God’s Word to hundreds of young students at the beginning of the new academic session.
The response from the students was overwhelming, with the turnout exceeding expectations. As a result, plans are being made by the Auxiliary to provide copies of the Youth Sports New Testament to those students who were unable to receive one during the programme. This encouraging response reflects the students’ eagerness to engage with the Word of God and the growing opportunities for Scripture engagement among young people. Rev. Remlalfaka, Auxiliary Secretary of the BSI Aizawl Auxiliary, was invited as the main speaker for the occasion. He shared God’s Word with the students. His message encouraged the students to make the Word of God an integral part of their lives and to remain faithful witnesses of Christ in their college community and beyond.
The programme was presided over by Mr. R. Lalruatfela, Leader of the Students’ Evangelical Union, while Mr. Lalchangliana, Vice Principal, delivered the welcome address. More than 300 students participated in the fellowship, creating a vibrant and enthusiastic atmosphere. The gathering was further enriched by uplifting musical performances by the SEU: HBC Choir and several talented vocalists. Their joyful presentation added warmth and celebration to the occasion, making the fellowship a memorable and spiritually enriching time for everyone present. The Scripture distribution at Government Hrangbana College is a significant initiative in reaching young people with God’s Word. Through such programmes, the BSI Aizawl Auxiliary continues to strengthen its partnership with educational institutions and student fellowships, encouraging a new generation to discover, read, and live by the transforming message of the Holy Scriptures.
Reported by Rev. Remlalfaka, Auxiliary Secretary, Aizawl Auxiliary