Indian Champions
Bio - Kumar Swamy
Kumar Swamy, who followed Christ out of a Hindu background, joined OM India for a three-month project in 1973, and re-joined long term in 1977. Today he is based in Bangalore, Karnataka, and is the South India Field Leader overseeing the ministry of more than nearly 1,000 OM India workers based in the South Region.
Kumar holds a degree in Psychology, and his main job involves leading all the ministries of OM in South India, including the Good Shepherd Community Church pastors and church planters, the Dalit Education Centers, the Good Shepherd Urban slum ministries, as well as work among the Muslims of South India and the women’s work called the Arpana Women’s Prayer Network.
Kumar is the Karnataka State Convener of the All India Christian Council, as well as the State President of the Communal Harmony Committee. He also serves with the Karnataka state Human Rights Commission. Kumar is involved in the Dalit empowerment movement across India working for the betterment of the Dalit Community. He is on the Board of Directors of the Dalit Freedom Network, USA.
Kumar has traveled extensively around the world and has spoken to audiences in universities, government bodies, churches and professional organizations. In addition, he has been featured at summer music festivals and major missions conferences, especially in the United States.
Kumar is married to Jeeva who was born in Malaysia but grew up in India. At present, she is involved with OM India’s emerging work in anti-human trafficking among women and children. Kumar and Jeeva were married in December 1987. They have two children – son Abishek (age 20), and daughter Arpana Ruth (14).
To contact Mr. Swamy, please email him at or call 866.921.1333.
Kancha Ilaiah
Dr. Kancha Ilaiah is a Professor and former Head of the Department of Political Science at Osmania University, Hyderabad, India.
Dr. Ilaiah is the author of Why I am Not a Hindu: A Critique of Sudra Philosophy, Culture and Political Economy, published in 1996. He has also published God As Political Philosopher: Buddha’s Challenge to Brahminism, Democracy In India: A Hollow Shell (co-authored), The State and Repressive Culture, Manatatwam (Our Philosophy), and Buffalo Nationalism: A Critique Of Spiritual Fascism.
In 1985, when starvation deaths occurred in a poverty-ridden district called Mahabubnagar, Andhra Pradesh, India, he established free feeding centers for the starving masses, started a massive campaign against caste atrocities in India, and campaigned against state repression of the Dalits and other lower caste people in India.
For the last 25 years, Dr. Ilaiah has campaigned against the practice of “untouchability” and illiteracy in India. He lives in Hyderabad.
Bio - Moses Parmar
With more than 25 years experience in holistic, transformational work, Moses Parmar is the North India Regional Director for one of DFN’s India-based partners, OM India. He oversees a huge staff of Indian national workers serving among India’s Dalit community, bringing high quality English-medium education to Dalit children. Additionally, Moses and his team focus on empowerment for Dalit women, and indigenous expressions of worship for Dalit believers. Moses also serves as the North India Public Relations officer of the All India Christian Council (AICC). Moses has traveled extensively internationally and spoken to groups ranging in size from of 50 to 50,000. He is an excellent story teller as he relates what is happening in India and around the world in a manner in which all audiences can relate.
To contact Mr. Parmar, please email or call 1-866-921-1333
Moses Parmar
