Where Do You Stand on Hindutva Ideology?
Of late, Hindu groups aligned with RSS/BJP/VHP are tying themselves in knots trying to redefine and rehabilitate the word ‘Hindutva.’
There is a new twist in their narrative every passing day. Some are falling back on the “Hindutva is a way of life” comment by former Chief Justice Verma in 1995, which he had later deeply regretted. Others are now fully equating Hindutva with Hinduism.
Some others are making outrageous claims that an academic conference on Hindutva ideology would lead to genocides of Hindus!! (See dismantlinghindutva.com)
If you are a Hindu-American confused by all the rhetoric and heated exchanges on social media, please do not get carried away by the attempts to distract us from what Hindutva ideology means to the future of Indian democracy. There is no need for a book definition of Hindutva, as the ideology defines itself quite well by the words and actions of its leaders and foot soldiers on the ground.
Here’s a self-administered Rapid Test to determine where you stand with the Hindutva virus.
ARE YOU AGAINST TAKING ANOTHER PERSON’S LIFE BECAUSE OF WHAT HE/SHE CHOOSES TO EAT? (YES / NO / NOT SURE)
DO YOU OBJECT TO THE IDEA OF A STATE BUREAUCRAT APPROVING WHOM YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER MAY MARRY? (YES / NO / NOT SURE)
ARE YOU ALARMED BY CALLS FOR DESTRUCTION OF PLACES OF WORSHIP TO AVENGE HISTORY? (YES / NO / NOT SURE)
DO YOU HOLD CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS TO FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND DISSENT SACROSANCT IN A DEMOCRACY? (YES / NO / NOT SURE)
DO YOU OPPOSE ARRESTING PEACEFUL PROTESTERS AND ACTIVISTS UNDER ‘ANTI-TERRORISM’ LAWS? (YES / NO / NOT SURE)
DO YOU FEEL THAT A DEMOCRATIC AND SECULAR STATE STATE MUST NOT FAVOR ANY ONE RELIGION OVER OTHERS? (YES / NO / NOT SURE)
If your answer is ‘Yes’ to all the above, you are likely not infected by the Hindutva virus. Congratulations!
If your answer is ‘No’ or ‘Not Sure’ to any of the above, additional diagnostic tests are indicated.
Please read ‘Hindutva Ideology IS NOT Hinduism’ below, before any further tests.
This article originally appeared in www.hindusforhumanrights.org
