Hindutva and Its Global Impact

Hindutva and Its Global Impact

Introduction

Hindutva, or "Hindu-ness," is a term that refers to an ideology rooted in the belief that India should be a nation defined by Hindu cultural values, practices, and religion. First articulated by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in his 1923 pamphlet Hindutva: Who is a Hindu?, the ideology of Hindutva has shaped contemporary Indian politics, social movements, and, more recently, garnered international attention due to its influence on the global stage. This article seeks to examine the roots of Hindutva, its evolution, the key players behind its development, and the impact it has had both in India and globally.

Historical Roots of Hindutva

Hindutva was introduced in the early 20th century as a response to British colonialism and the growing influence of Muslims and Christians in India. Savarkar's formulation of Hindutva argued that India was a nation whose identity was defined by its Hindu heritage, culture, and civilization. His approach to nationalism was distinct from that of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, who embraced more inclusive, secular, and pluralistic visions for India.

Savarkar’s interpretation of Hindutva was based on the idea that the people of India shared common historical, cultural, and religious traditions rooted in Hinduism. In this context, he viewed Muslims and Christians in India as “foreigners,” despite their centuries-old presence in the subcontinent. This exclusionary vision of India, emphasizing Hindu dominance, led to tensions with India's minorities and contributed to the challenges of post-independence nation-building.

While Savarkar's Hindutva was initially a marginal ideology, it found more prominence with the formation of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1925. The RSS became the central organization promoting Hindutva and eventually served as the ideological backbone for right-wing Hindu politics.

The Rise of Hindutva Politics

Hindutva gradually gained political prominence with the establishment of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1980, which adopted the RSS's ideology as its guiding principle. The 1990s saw the dramatic rise of Hindutva through the campaign for the construction of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya. The demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992, led by Hindu nationalist groups, sparked widespread violence between Hindus and Muslims across India, deepening the rift between religious communities.

The BJP’s rise to power in the 1990s, led by leaders such as Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and more recently Narendra Modi, marked the mainstreaming of Hindutva in Indian politics. Modi, in particular, has become a key figure associated with the global dissemination of Hindutva ideas, having positioned himself as a proponent of Hindu cultural pride and as an advocate for a strong Hindu-majority India. His government’s policies, such as the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, are often seen as reflections of Hindutva ideology.

The Global Reach of Hindutva

In the 21st century, the influence of Hindutva extends far beyond India. Several factors have contributed to the global impact of Hindutva, especially among the Indian diaspora. The Indian diaspora, particularly in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the Middle East, has played a critical role in spreading Hindutva ideology. These diaspora communities often maintain strong cultural ties to India, while also grappling with their status as minorities in their respective countries. Hindutva has provided a framework for the Indian diaspora to assert their identity, at times against the backdrop of rising Islamophobia and other forms of religious discrimination.

1. Influence on Diaspora Communities

The Indian diaspora, particularly those of Hindu background, has increasingly turned to Hindutva as a political and cultural identity. Through organizations like the RSS and its affiliates, as well as the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), members of the diaspora have been instrumental in organizing events that celebrate Hindu culture and religion while promoting the political objectives of Hindutva. This has included rallies, cultural festivals, and the establishment of Hindu temples that not only serve as religious centers but also as hubs for the promotion of Hindutva ideology.

In the United States, for instance, organizations like the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) have been critical in shaping the discourse around Hindutva. Though HAF maintains a moderate stance on Hindutva, it has faced criticism for aligning too closely with the BJP and Modi's policies. Similarly, other diaspora organizations, such as the Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP), actively support Modi’s government and its policies, often influencing local political landscapes by engaging with Western policymakers.

2. Political Influence and Advocacy

The rise of Hindutva has not only been a cultural phenomenon but also a political one. In countries with significant Indian diaspora populations, there has been a noticeable shift in the way Hindu voters engage with politics. This has been particularly evident in the United States, where Hindu Americans have increasingly aligned themselves with the Republican Party, due to shared values on issues such as nationalism, immigration, and religious freedom.

This political alignment has allowed the BJP and its affiliates to exert influence on American politics, particularly through lobbying and building relationships with influential political figures. One of the most significant examples of this political influence is the growing relationship between Narendra Modi and the political establishment in the United States. Modi's visits to the US, particularly his address to a joint session of Congress in 2016, showcased his ability to forge strategic partnerships with American political leaders, while also promoting the agenda of Hindutva on the world stage.

Similarly, in the United Kingdom, the Indian-origin community has seen the rise of Hindutva-influenced political movements, especially within local elections in areas with large Indian populations. Politicians sympathetic to the BJP have gained prominence, with some openly advocating for policies that align with the broader vision of Hindutva.

3. Social Media and the Spread of Hindutva Ideology

The proliferation of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and WhatsApp has played a crucial role in spreading Hindutva ideology globally. These platforms have allowed the BJP and its affiliates to amplify their messages, mobilize supporters, and even influence elections. In India, social media has been used to propagate divisive narratives about Muslim and Christian communities, often framed through the lens of Hindutva.

The use of online platforms by Hindutva supporters has been particularly effective among the younger Indian diaspora. The digital age has enabled Hindutva to transcend geographical boundaries, reaching audiences in the West and influencing global perceptions of India and its political landscape. From promoting pro-Hindu hashtags to organizing online campaigns, social media has become an essential tool in the global dissemination of Hindutva ideology.

4. Criticism and Backlash

The global rise of Hindutva has sparked criticism and backlash from various quarters. Many critics argue that the ideology fosters religious intolerance, threatens India's secular fabric, and undermines the rights of minorities. International human rights organizations have raised concerns over the treatment of Muslims, Christians, and other marginalized communities in India under the rule of the BJP, with allegations of rising hate crimes, mob violence, and state-sanctioned discrimination.

Global Muslim and Christian organizations have condemned the growing influence of Hindutva, fearing that it could exacerbate religious tensions and lead to further marginalization of non-Hindu communities. In the West, concerns have been raised about the promotion of Hindutva through diaspora politics and the impact it may have on interfaith relations, particularly in multicultural societies.

5. Diplomatic Implications

The rise of Hindutva has had diplomatic consequences, especially in India's relations with its neighbors. The treatment of Muslims in India, particularly in the context of the CAA and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), has led to tensions with neighboring Muslim-majority countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh. These issues have also strained India's relations with Western democracies, where there are growing concerns about the erosion of secularism and religious freedoms in India.

Moreover, the global embrace of Hindutva has prompted calls for greater scrutiny of India’s domestic policies by international bodies such as the United Nations. Human rights organizations have been vocal in urging the Indian government to reconsider policies that disproportionately affect minorities, arguing that they contravene international human rights standards.

Conclusion

Hindutva, as an ideological force, has evolved from a marginal nationalist movement in the early 20th century to a powerful political and cultural force in contemporary India and beyond. Its impact is now being felt globally, particularly within diaspora communities, through political advocacy, social media mobilization, and international lobbying efforts. While Hindutva has undoubtedly provided many with a sense of identity and pride, its global influence has also sparked controversy and criticism, particularly for its potential to foster religious intolerance and undermine secular values.

As the influence of Hindutva continues to grow, its impact on global geopolitics, interfaith relations, and multiculturalism will only become more significant. In the coming years, the world will need to closely watch how this ideology continues to shape the political and cultural discourse in both India and the wider global community. The future of Hindutva will depend on how it navigates the challenges of inclusivity, religious coexistence, and the evolving demands of a rapidly changing world.