Krishna Mohan Banerjee - Conversion To Christianity

Conversion To Christianity

On completion of his studies in 1829, Krishna Mohan joined Pataldanga School as an assistant teacher. In 1832, he converted to Christianity, most probably under the influence of Alexander Duff. As a result of his conversion, he lost his job in David Hare’s school and his wife, Bindhyobashini Banerjee, was forced to return to her own father's house, only to join him in later life. Nevertheless, he later became the headmaster of Church Missionary Society School.

Krishna Mohan's conversion to Christianity raised a storm in the then-Hindu society. The Kolkata journals of the day became full of angry tirades against the activities of Christian missionaries. He himself was too independent a man to remain silent. He declared his determination to pursue with steadfastness his course of action and endure with patience all opposition. The campaign against Hindu College led to the dismissal of Derozio.

When the missionary society had begun its philanthropic activities in Kolkata, Krishna Mohan became the first Bengali priest. In 1833, he was convicted of forcibly converting a young boy to Christianity. That did not daunt him. He converted his wife, his brother Kali Mohan, and Ganendra Mohan Tagore, the son of Prasanna Coomar Tagore to Christian faith. Subsequently, Ganendra Mohan married his daughter Kamalmani and became the first Indian to qualify as a barrister. He was also instrumental in the conversion of Michael Madhusudan Dutt.

He became a deacon of the Anglican Church in 1836, and was superintendent of the Mirzapur School of Christ Church. He used to preach and deliver sermons in Bengali.