A video widely circulated on social media has sparked debate after a Christian preacher openly proselytized inside a Chennai-Tuticorin flight on 27 January 2025. The incident has drawn criticism, with many questioning selective outrage over religious expressions in public spaces, particularly in Tamil Nadu’s socio-political context.
In the video, a man identified as Wilson Maduram from Thoothukudi stood up mid-flight and began addressing passengers in a style reminiscent of missionary preaching. He greeted passengers, invoked Jesus Christ’s blessings, and quoted a Bible verse. He said, “Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ. My name is Wilson Maduram and I am from Thoothukudi. I would like to pray for our journey and also I’d like to share good news with you this afternoon. The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. God loves you and me. That’s why God sent His begotten son Jesus Christ to this world. Also, I’ll pray for our journey. In the name of Jesus Christ, God bless our journey. Be with us oh God. You are so loving and merciful God, be with us we pray for pilot and also all passengers who are travelling, be with them, bless them. God bless you all, wish you a happy journey.”
Surprisingly, neither the passengers nor the airline staff called out the proselytisation. Netizens called out the public harassment inside the flight.
If someone is proselytizing on the street, I can simply walk away.
But there’s nowhere to go when it happens on a flight.
This is nothing but public harassment.
pic.twitter.com/LoRYCviZXk— Siddharth (@DearthOfSid) February 9, 2025
A Christian (passenger ?), subtly proselytizing inside a Chennai- Tuticorin aircraft. Ppl who condemn random Hindu Slogans/ preachings at Public places/ transport shd also condemn such misplaced enthusiasm. Selective religious appeasement is what encourages communalism esp in the… pic.twitter.com/rDgSaKszCN
— Dr Jaison Philip. M.S., MCh (@Jasonphilip8) February 9, 2025
What is this crap.? Unless it is a private flight, he has no business doing this crap. https://t.co/BWzqChfJCO
— Anto Joys (@tn2germany) February 9, 2025
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