Gujarati in Singapore

Introduction / History

The Gujarati are primarily classified as the inhabitants of the state of Gujarat, western India. Gujarat is one of the most industrialized states in India. For most of them, Gujarati is their native language. They are a complex people group, speaking various dialects and having many cultural distinctions. Some of these differences are based on region, while others are based on their "caste" (social class) or community.
Gujarat's lengthy coastline and numerous harbors have made it a focal point of travel and trade throughout the world. The Gujarati are known as being resourceful businessmen. This has helped them to successfully emigrate and thrive anywhere they go. The Gujarati who have emigrated are usually from the higher, wealthier castes and have maintained many aspects of their own culture. The Gujarati have a long history of moving to other parts of the world for business purposes. They started out going to parts of the world controlled by the British Empire, but they have expanded beyond that. You can find them in Africa, as well as Asian countries like Myanmar, Singapore, and Malaysia. In today's world, they are more likely to emigrate to English speaking countries where there are good business opportunities.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Gujaratis are often involved in trade or in operating small businesses. They are especially noted for having family-owned shops and motels. Singapore is a business-oriented country, and the Gujaratis fit in very well there.
The majority of the Gujarati are Hindus regardless of their location in the world. The Gujarati diaspora is made up of people from the Brahmin, Kshatriya, and Vaisya castes. Brahmin families usually prefer their members to be IT specialists, medical doctors or high- level businessmen. A high percentage of the Gujarati are from the Kshatriya, the military caste, though they are much more likely to work in the business arena. One of the Vaishya castes, the Banias, are another major sector of the Gujarati diaspora.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Gujarati in diaspora serve the great god of mammon but hold to traditional Gujarati Hindu beliefs and practices as well. Those beliefs and practices will differ widely according to details of caste and family background, and some will be deeply concerned and committed related to their traditional ways. Traditional gods and modern gurus compete for attention, with the 19th century-origin Swaminarayan movement continuing to grow and draw Gujarati involvement.

What Are Their Needs?

In many countries where there are Gujarati communities, there are no missionary agencies focusing taking Christ to them. The Bible is available in their language, but the Gujarati must see Christianity lived out. Singapore has freedom of religion, but there will be obstacles to those who want to take Christ to these highly unreached Hindus. As it stands, there are very few who will dare to take that step.

Prayer Points

Pray for an intense spiritual hunger among these Hindus that will draw them into the loving arms of Jesus Christ.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out workers to the Gujarati in Singapore.
Pray for a movement to Christ among the Gujarati diaspora that will bless them and the people around them.
Pray that the Lord will soon use this people group to take Christ to other communities.

Text Source:   Joshua Project