The outstanding feature of the entire series of assemblies during 1968 was the combined attendance of 3,132 at four gatherings, with 122 taking the step of baptism. This is noteworthy, in comparison with the total number of Witnesses then in India​—2,337. It thus revealed a realistic potential for the organization to continue growing in India.

GROWTH IN THE PIONEER RANKS

Pioneer enrollments increased year by year, as Jehovah moved his people to respond to the need for full-time preachers. From 1965 to 1970, there was an increase of 179 pioneers (66 special and 113 regular pioneers), making a total of 375 pioneers by 1970. The pioneers certainly formed the backbone of India’s activity in the field, expanding the Bible study work considerably, to a weekly average of 3,024 in 1970.