8 in 10 urban Indians believe in existence of God, says Ipsos survey

NEW DELHI, MAY 16: At least 8 in 10 urban Indians said they believe in the existence of God and claim to be comfortable around people of different faith, according to a survey conducted by Ipsos.

Titled ‘Global Religion 2023; Religious Beliefs Around the World’, the survey revealed at least 86 per cent of urban Indians polled believe religious practices are an important factor in the moral life of citizens. It also stated that around 83 per cent urban Indians believe that being religious help them in overcoming crises.

While at least 8 in 10 urban residents in India said people with religious faith are happier, 86 per cent Indians claimed to be defined by their religion, the survey said.

And 7 in 10 respondents of different faiths in India (70 per cent) said they believe in God as described in their holy scriptures, it said.

The survey, conducted in 26 countries, also suggested at least 80 per cent residents in urban India claim to be comfortable around people of different faith, as compared to 76 per cent globally. While 54 per cent urban Indian respondents believe in the existence of heaven, 45 per cent are convinced of the existence of supernatural spirits.

Interestingly, atheists are mostly frowned upon, with at least 73 per cent urban Indians claiming to lose respect for those without a religious faith, the survey pointed out.

The survey also provided insights into the religious practices followed in urban India, where 74 per cent claimed to have prayed outside a place of worship (at home) at least once or more than once a month, as compared to 44 per cent of their global counterparts. 71 per cent claimed to have visited a place of worship at least once or more than once a month, with only 28 per cent global citizens claiming to do so.

 “India has exemplified how people of different faiths can co-exist amicably and being defined by the good teachings in their holy scriptures. Believing in the existence of God or a higher power makes people navigate and trudge through their lives with ease and making them happier humans. India definitely is a land of different faiths and can be defined as a religious country of pluralism, ” said Amit Adarkar (CEO, Ipsos India).

-Indian Express