545 people changed religion in Ahmedabad district in two-and-a-half years

A total of 545 people from Ahmedabad district have changed their religion over the last two-and-a-half years, with more than 95% of them embracing Buddhism after renouncing Hinduism.

Marriage, personal beliefs and social factors are among the primary reasons cited for religious conversion.

Nearly 60% of those who changed their religion during the period were from urban areas of Ahmedabad.

The rate of conversion was found to be higher in parts of eastern Ahmedabad, including the Amraiwadi area, officials said.

Sources said applications for religious conversion have also been received over the past year from rural areas such as Dholka, Sanand, and Viramgam.

More than 95% of those who changed religion renounced Hinduism and adopted Buddhism. A small number of people from Muslim and Christian communities also adopted Hinduism during the period.

Officials said there have been instances where entire families, including children, changed their religion.

Under the prevailing rules, individuals seeking to change their religion are required to obtain permission from the district collector's office at least 30 days in advance.

Permission is granted only after verification and reports from the concerned sub-divisional authorities and police, officials said.