The Curious Case of Bal Sant Abhinav Arora: Rise of Child Preachers in India

Child Preacher (Image Generated using AI)

A child steps forward to recite scripture, their voice filled with sincerity and devotion. Whether in a temple in India, a church in the United States, or a television broadcast in Australia, the sight of a child preacher has a universal effect: it evokes wonder, admiration, and awe. Their innocence and purity make their message feel closer to divinity itself, as though their words, untouched by the complexities of adulthood, carry a more direct line to the divine. This phenomenon is not unique to any one country; it transcends borders and cultures. Yet, while the rise of child preachers captures the public imagination, it also raises deeper questions about faith, innocence, and the forces that guide these young figures.

In India, this trend is epitomized by figures like Abhinav Arora, a nine-year-old spiritual orator from Delhi, whose fame on social media has attracted millions of followers. Adored as "Bal Sant," or child saint, Abhinav is a symbol of devotion, regularly performing rituals and delivering spiritual messages. But beyond his apparent devotion lies a complex reality—many have pointed that his rise is largely orchestrated by his father, an entrepreneur and motivational speaker.¹ And this raises the question: Is this the child's calling, or are they being propelled forward by others with larger ambitions?

Cultural Foundations: The Mythology of Child Prodigies
In India, the rise of child preachers taps into a rich tradition of stories about children who became spiritual icons. Dhruva, the boy who sought divine recognition and ultimately became the Dhruva Tara (Pole Star), and Rishi Markandeya, the child sage who received Lord Shiva’s boon for creating the Mahamrityunjaya mantra, are legendary figures in Indian mythology. These stories create a cultural backdrop that makes the idea of child preachers seem almost natural. The devotion and wisdom of these children are seen as proof that age is no barrier to spiritual enlightenment.

It’s no wonder, then, that modern audiences in India are drawn to figures like Abhinav Arora. When a child recites scripture with conviction, they are seen as embodying the same divine qualities as Dhruva and Markandeya—innocent, pure, and blessed by God. The public’s reverence for these figures, however, can often blind them to the unseen forces guiding these children’s lives. Parents, religious institutions, or even media managers may shape the narrative behind these young spiritual leaders, making it difficult to discern whether their rise is organic or manufactured.

A Global Phenomenon: Child Preachers Around the World
The rise of child preachers is not limited to India. Across the world, children have been thrust into the spotlight as spiritual, political, or social figures, often under the guidance of adults with their own ambitions.

Marjoe Gortner (USA)
Marjoe Gortner became a child preaching sensation in the 1940s. Trained by his parents from the age of four, Marjoe delivered fiery sermons in Pentecostal churches across America, drawing huge crowds. His father saw in him a way to gain social and financial leverage, using Marjoe’s charm and charisma to rake in donations. By the time he reached adulthood, Marjoe admitted that he never believed in what he was preaching—he had been performing under his parents' manipulation. His life was later documented in the Academy Award-winning film Marjoe, revealing the behind-the-scenes pressures and exploitation that had marked his childhood.

Nkosi Johnson (South Africa)
Nkosi Johnson, a child with HIV, became an advocate for people living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa in the 1990s. Although his advocacy was genuine and he had a profound impact on public awareness, many political figures and activists rallied around him, sometimes using his image to push their own causes. Nkosi became a symbol of the fight against HIV/AIDS, but there were moments where it seemed his public persona was shaped by those seeking to further their agendas, raising ethical concerns about using a child as a public figure for such a serious issue.

Jessica Tate (Australia)
Jessica Tate, a child preacher from Australia, became famous for her appearances on Christian television, where she delivered sermons focused on repentance and salvation. Her rise was largely managed by her family and church leaders, and she became a central figure in international Christian broadcasts. Like many child preachers, Jessica was portrayed as a symbol of divine inspiration, but critics questioned whether her family was pushing her into the role to gain fame and attention for their ministry.

Elian Gonzalez (Cuba/USA)
Elian Gonzalez, while not a religious figure, became a symbol of the political battle between Cuba and the United States. After being rescued from the sea in 1999, Elian was thrust into a highly publicized custody battle between his family in the US and the Cuban government. Both sides used his image to further their political agendas, making Elian an unwitting pawn in an international conflict. His story underscores how children can be used to advance adult interests in a variety of contexts, not just religious ones.

Why Do People Fall for It?
Across cultures, the fascination with child preachers or child figures in public roles taps into universal themes of innocence, purity, and the belief that children, untouched by the cynicism of adulthood, can serve as direct conduits to the divine or to truth. Whether it’s in a church in the United States, a temple in India, or a political stage in Cuba, the image of a child speaking with conviction evokes a kind of reverence that few adults can match.

For many, the idea that a child could possess wisdom beyond their years is deeply comforting. In India, stories like those of Dhruva and Rishi Markandeya reinforce the belief that children can connect with the divine in ways adults cannot. In the West, child preachers like Marjoe Gortner and Jessica Tate tapped into Christian ideals of innocence and purity, drawing followers who believed that these children were closer to God.

The Invisible Hands Behind the Curtain
However, behind every child preacher is often an adult pulling the strings. Whether it’s a parent, religious leader, or media manager, the child’s life is carefully curated to fit a narrative that serves adult ambitions. In Abhinav Arora’s case, his father’s role in managing his public image is clear. Similarly, Marjoe Gortner was coached by his parents to deliver sermons he did not understand, and Akiane Kramarik’s visions were amplified by her parents’ desire for her to gain fame.

This raises ethical concerns about the exploitation of children in public roles. The line between genuine devotion and opportunism is often blurred, and the child’s well-being can be overshadowed by the ambitions of the adults around them. As these children grow, the pressures placed on them can take a toll, and the consequences—emotional, psychological, or spiritual—may only become evident years later.

A Global Reflection on Faith, Childhood, and Ambition
The rise of child preachers, whether in India or around the world, forces us to reflect on how we view faith, childhood, and ambition. While these children may sincerely believe in their spiritual or public roles, the forces guiding their rise must be scrutinized. Are they truly expressing their own beliefs, or are they fulfilling the ambitions of adults seeking fame, power, or financial gain?

The public’s fascination with child preachers is deeply tied to cultural ideals of innocence and purity. But as we celebrate their rise, we must also ask difficult questions: Are these children being exploited? Are we complicit in their exploitation when we elevate them to such high public platforms without considering the pressures placed upon them? In the end, the rise of child preachers, whether in India, the United States, or elsewhere, reflects more about the adults who shape them than the children themselves.

This is a global phenomenon, not limited to one culture or religion, and it calls for a global conversation about how we treat children in the public eye. Only by looking beyond the surface can we truly understand the social and cultural implications of this trend—and perhaps protect the next generation from being reduced to mere symbols in the name of spirituality or politics.

References

1. Only Desi. The Visit. Performance by Abhinav Arora, YouTube, 2 Oct. 2024, www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXWj9nk4GPo.
2. MacArthur, John. “The Strange Story of Marjoe: The Prodigy Who Lost His Faith.” The Guardian, October 10, 2012. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/oct/10/strange-story-of-marjoe-child-preacher.
3. Smith, David. “Nkosi Johnson: The Boy Who Died A Hero for South Africa’s AIDS Struggle.” The Guardian, May 31, 2011. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/may/31/nkosi-johnson-aids-south-africa.
4. Poppy, Dan. “Meet Australia’s 12-Year-Old Preacher Spreading the Gospel of Jesus.” ABC News, December 1, 2020. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-01/12-year-old-preacher-jessica-tate-spreading-the-gospel/12922868.
5. Brown, Sarah. “Elian Gonzalez: A Boy at the Center of a Political Tug-of-War.” CNN, June 28, 2015. https://edition.cnn.com/2015/06/28/us/elian-gonzalez-then-now/index.html.