HINDUTVA – POLITICALLY TABOOED

Pre-Independence, Hindutva inspired Indians to liberate themselves from subjugation. Today, it serves to instil a sense of belonging to the rich civilization that Indians have inherited.

PREFACE

Hindutva as a concept in recent times was articulated and championed by V.D. Savarkar to provide Indians with a cultural identity that would instil pride in their ancient Vedic civilization. Recognizing that Hinduism had evolved from the Vedas as a comprehensive cultural philosophy, Savarkar proposed "Hindu-ness" or "Hindutva" as a means for Indians to reconnect with their heritage. This movement was crucial during British rule, aiming to liberate people from psychological subjugation and inspire them to advocate confidently for a Hindu India. Importantly, the philosophy transcended divisions of caste, creed, or religion, encompassing all Indians within its vision.

In the post-independence era, however, Hindutva faced systematic marginalization under the banner of secularism. This period saw a disproportionate emphasis on medieval times, which primarily reflected the culture of Mughal invaders, followed by the influence of Anglo-Saxon traditions—both essentially foreign to India's indigenous cultural foundations. The misrepresentation of history and the underemphasis on Hindu scientific, intellectual, and diplomatic achievements dating back to the Vedic period created a profound cultural disconnect among the broader Indian population.

Prime Minister Modi initiated a revival of Hindutva, much to the discomfort of those who fear its potential as a unifying force. This resurgence represents a reclamation of cultural identity that had been suppressed for generations, challenging established narratives and power structures that had long dominated India's cultural discourse.

ORIGINS IN VEDIC WISDOM

The foundations of Hindutva lie in the Vedas, ancient texts dating back thousands of years that contain profound insights into human existence, cosmic order, and social harmony. These texts established principles that transcend mere religious practice, offering philosophical frameworks for understanding one's place in the universe and relationship with society. The Upanishads, which followed the Vedas, further developed these concepts through deep philosophical inquiries into consciousness, reality, and human potential.

This Vedic knowledge was not static but evolved through oral traditions passed from teacher to student across generations. This living transmission allowed these principles to adapt to changing times while maintaining their essential insights.

HINDUTVA OFTEN MISUNDERSTOOD FOR SANATAN DHARAM

Hindutva and Santan Dharam in fact are complementary domains:

Sanatan Dharma (eternal dharma/order) primarily addresses the religious, spiritual, and philosophical dimensions of Hindu traditions. It encompasses the ancient religious practices, scriptures, philosophical schools, and spiritual pathways that constitute what is commonly known as Hinduism. Its focus is largely on individual spiritual development, metaphysical understanding, and religious practice.

Hindutva, as a way of life, focuses more on the cultural, social, and civilizational expressions that have emerged from living within the broader Hindu cultural framework. It emphasizes shared cultural identity, values, and practices that extend beyond formal religious observance into everyday living, social structures, and cultural expression.

Perhaps most distinctively, viewing Hindutva as a way of life highlights how it integrates domains that modern Western thinking often separates. In this perspective, Hindutva does not compartmentalize the spiritual from the material, the individual from the collective, or culture from ecology, but provides a framework where these dimensions are seen as interconnected aspects of an integrated whole.

This interpretation of Hindutva emphasizes cultural continuity, lived values, and civilizational identity rather than focusing primarily on theological doctrines or religious institutions. It represents the practical expression of philosophical principles in the rhythms of daily life and social organization that have evolved over millennia on the Indian subcontinent.

HINDUTVA – DESPISED BY THE LEFT OF CENTER

Hindutva faces criticism from various quarters largely due to perceptions about its political manifestations rather than its cultural essence. Critics view contemporary political expressions of Hindutva as potentially undermining India's secular fabric and pluralistic tradition by seemingly privileging one cultural framework over others.

Some point to instances where organizations invoking Hindutva have been associated with communal tensions or perceived as insufficiently inclusive of minority perspectives. Academic debates further complicate the picture, with some scholars arguing that modern political Hindutva represents a departure from traditional Hindu pluralism.

International media often amplifies these concerns through simplified narratives that emphasize controversial aspects while overlooking cultural dimensions. This creates a situation where Hindutva becomes entangled in larger contestations about Indian identity, secularism, and the relationship between religion and politics in a diverse democracy—with opponents fearing it may reduce India's celebrated diversity to a more homogeneous cultural expression.

HINDUTVA – A HOPE FOR A POWERFUL AND STABLE INDIA

India is not merely a country but a continent in its own right with a highly diverse population practicing innumerable religions and faiths. Its liberal democratic structure gives each citizen the right to practice anything lawful under its constitution. However, this diversity also makes India vulnerable to divisive forces, prompting its defenders to seek a unifying cultural foundation that can accommodate differences while maintaining national cohesion.

Contrary to its portrayal by critics, Hindutva represents not a threat to India's pluralism but rather an attempt to reclaim its indigenous cultural foundations that were marginalized during colonial rule and the post-independence era.

Rather than promoting homogeneity, authentic Hindutva emerges from a tradition that has historically embraced diversity of thought and practice. The characterization of Hindutva as exclusionary misunderstands its fundamental aim of revitalizing cultural confidence among all Indians, regardless of religious affiliation, by reconnecting them with the philosophical and civilizational achievements of their shared heritage.

What critics often target are specific political interpretations or isolated incidents rather than the broader cultural renaissance that Hindutva represents. The resistance to Hindutva often stems from established power structures that have benefited from narratives emphasizing India's colonial and medieval influences while downplaying its indigenous intellectual traditions.

As India continues to define its place in the global community, Hindutva offers a framework for cultural self-determination that honours both tradition and modernity without compromising the nation's inherent diversity.

PEOPLE SEEK CULTURAL RENAISSANCE AND NATIONAL IDENTITY

Many in India today see Hindutva as providing inspiration for reclaiming cultural confidence and rebuilding institutions based on indigenous knowledge systems. This perspective views the colonial period and earlier invasions as having disrupted India's cultural continuity and seeks to reestablish connections to ancient wisdom while addressing contemporary needs.

Cultural Continuity Through the Ages

What makes Hindutva remarkable is its unbroken cultural continuity. Despite invasions, colonization, and modernization, core philosophical principles have persisted through:

• The preservation of Sanskrit texts and oral traditions

• The evolution of diverse regional expressions that maintain shared values

• Adaptations in social structures while preserving underlying ethical frameworks

• Cultural practices that integrate philosophy into daily life

  
  

These traditions fostered a civilization that produced remarkable achievements in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, architecture, and the arts, all infused with an integrated worldview that saw the divine as manifested in all aspects of existence.

Guiding Principles for Contemporary India

Today, Hindutva's essential principles continue to offer guidance for individuals and society:

The concept of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family) promotes universal brotherhood and respect for diversity. The philosophy of "Sarva Dharma Sambhava" encourages equal respect for all spiritual paths. The principle of "Ahimsa" (non-violence) inspires peaceful coexistence and conflict resolution.

These values provide a framework for navigating modern challenges while maintaining connection to India's cultural roots. They emphasize harmony with nature, respect for knowledge, and a holistic approach to social development.

Cultural Renaissance and National Identity

Many in India today see Hindutva as providing inspiration for reclaiming cultural confidence and rebuilding institutions based on indigenous knowledge systems. This perspective views the colonial period and earlier invasions as having disrupted India's cultural continuity and seeks to reestablish connections to ancient wisdom while addressing contemporary needs.

This cultural revitalization emphasizes the inclusive nature of Indian civilization, which has historically absorbed diverse influences while maintaining its essential character. It acknowledges the need to preserve traditional knowledge while engaging constructively with modernity.

CONCLUSION

The essence of Hindutva transcends political interpretations and religious boundaries—it represents the unquenchable spirit of a civilization that has weathered countless storms while maintaining its fundamental character. In an age of fragmentation and disconnection, this living philosophy offers a powerful alternative: a vision of life where material progress harmonizes with spiritual growth, where diversity strengthens rather than threatens unity, and where humanity's relationship with nature reflects sacred stewardship rather than exploitation.

As India works to reclaim what was diminished during centuries of external domination, Hindutva provides not a retreat into the past but a reconnection with timeless principles that can illuminate the path forward.

The ancient rishis who first articulated these profound insights would recognize in today's cultural renaissance the eternal cycle of renewal they themselves observed in nature. Through this reawakening, India does not merely recover lost heritage—it offers the world a living example of how ancient wisdom can address modern challenges, how spiritual values can inform technological advancement, and how a civilization can remain true to its deepest roots while embracing its rightful place in humanity's shared future.

Hindutva, as a way of life emerging from ancient Vedic traditions, embodies a living cultural heritage that has provided continuity through centuries of change. Its principles of harmony, universal respect, and holistic development continue to offer guidance for building a society that honours its roots while embracing the future. By drawing on this cultural wisdom, contemporary India finds inspiration for addressing modern challenges while reclaiming its distinctive voice in the global conversation.