Sounti in India
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
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| People Name: | Sounti |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 128,000 |
| World Population: | 128,000 |
| Primary Language: | Odia |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.10 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Tribal - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The word "Sounti" comes from the word Sounta and means "gathered." From 16 main tribes, they, alone, have received recognition. As the Sounti people “gathered” and merged with other outcast groups, they gained in numbers. They are known for living peacefully with other tribes.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Sounti share wells with their neighbors. They have their own healthcare, but they also use modern medicine. Sounti people work primarily in agriculture. Women do housework and are laborers. They only marry within their social group. They are not vegetarians and rice is their main cereal. They have one spouse, and divorce is allowed. Inheritance is intended for males, and the oldest son becomes the leader of the family.
What Are Their Beliefs?
They are mostly Hindus and follow local traditions.
What Are Their Needs?
They have a low literacy level requiring audio and visual resources which are available, including the printed New Testament in the Oria language. Someone needs to take these resources to the Sounti people in this predominantly Hindu culture.
Prayer Points
Pray that long-term workers will be sent to Odisha to earn confidence of Sounti people.
Pray that doors will open for Scripture resources to be used to reach Sounti people with the truth of the gospel.
Pray for a spiritual hunger that will lead the Sounti people from darkness to the light of Christ.