"Bania" or "Baniya" is a Sanskrit word that means "trader." The Startup Journal, a secular Indian paper, reports they are experts in bookkeeping and trading. They have the business knowledge and a willingness to take financial risks. They are meticulous bookkeepers, and seldom miss opportunities to make money. They can splurge when necessary and can adapt to India's fast-changing circumstances. The Nema are a Bania subcaste. The origin of their name is obscure. Most of the Nema live in central India.
The Nema wear the sacred Hindu thread and apparently prohibit the remarriage of widows. The Nema are considered to be keen businessmen, and a saying about them is, "Where a sheep grazes or a Nema trades, what is there left for anybody else?" They have 14 clans, each named after an ancient prince.
They are mainly Hindus, with a small minority of Jains. Like other Bania communities, the Nema are concerned about their economic welfare, and they chose the gods to worship accordingly. For example, Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of prosperity, is among the favorite goddesses for Bania peoples like the Nema.
The Nema Banias need to put their trust in Jesus Christ rather than worldly wealth. The Nema need to see that only Jesus Christ can forgive their sins and give them a meaningful life.
Ask God to lead many Nema to investigate the claims of Christ. Pray for a disciple making movement among the Nema Banias this decade. Pray for the Lord to send out workers to the Nema Banias to tell them the good news.
Scripture Prayers for the Bania Nima in India.
| Profile Source: Keith Carey |
