Introduction / History
The Subarna Banik Banias are an integral part of Indian society; they are found everywhere from small villages to large cities. Their transactions keep business flowing for the lowliest farmer who needs a loan to buy seed for next year's crop. They are also prominent in the import-export business and participate in international trade deals. To summarize, they like to make money and are a caste of money-lenders and merchants.

Like other Bania subgroups, Subarna Banik young men are trained to keep accounts and taught to view profit as the only credible outcome of any transaction. They are skilled in mental arithmetic and can calculate interest rates and other complex calculations. Even at the beginning of their trading careers, Banias learn to sell their inventories to make a profit.

What are their beliefs?
Some Subarna Banik follow the Hindu religion, while others are Jains.

What are their needs?
Culturally sensitive Christians need to reach this caste group with the good news of the freedom they can have in Jesus—freedom from the perpetual reincarnations they believe necessary to bring them rest and peace. TV and radio can be incredibly powerful mediums for communicating the gospel because they can penetrate homes where Christian workers may not be able to go.

Prayer Points
Pray that the Lord will appoint and anoint workers to create relevant culturally sensitive Christ-centered radio and TV materials for the Subarna Baniks.
Pray that these media presentations will beam the light of His truth to these spiritually needy people.

References
Some information from "The Scheduled Castes" K. S. Singh, ed. Oxford University Press, USA (1994)