Why Many True Hindus Are Against Hindutva

The reasons behind many true Hindus opposing Hindutva lie in a complex interplay of historical, cultural, and ideological factors. While Hindutva champions the idea of 'Bharat' (India) as a country, 'Sanatan' (Sanatan Dharma or eternal religion), and 'Country First' as a core ideology, this interpretation is not widely accepted by all segments of Hindu society. Here, we'll explore why a significant number of true Hindus are against Hindutva and the underlying reasons for their opposition.

Understanding the Core Ideologies

Hindutva, Bharat (India), Sanatan, and Country First each carry distinct meanings and implications:

Hindutva

Defined as the promotion of Indian nationhood and Hindu communal identity, Hindutva seeks to assert a political vision that prioritizes Hindu cultural and religious values. However, this vision, as implemented by certain groups, has often led to the suppression of other religious and cultural identities, leading to widespread opposition among true Hindus.

Bharat

Bharat is a term that encompasses all people with Indian roots, irrespective of their religion or ethnicity. It emphasizes unity and diversity, recognizing that India is a melting pot of various cultures, languages, and religions. This broad definition of Bharat is often at odds with the narrower and more exclusive vision of Hindutva.

Country First (Bharat)

The concept of 'Country First' or 'Bharat' goes beyond religious or cultural boundaries and stands for prioritizing the nation's well-being and progress. This ideology emphasizes the importance of unity and cooperation among all citizens, regardless of their background.

Sanatan

Sanatan Dharma, also known as Hinduism, is a broad and inclusive religion that recognizes the inherent divinity in all life. It emphasizes tolerance, respect, and mutual understanding. However, the interpretation of Sanatan by certain Hindutva groups has deviated from these foundational principles, leading to communal tensions.

Reasons for Opposition Among True Hindus

Many true Hindus oppose Hindutva due to its narrow and exclusionary practices. They argue that Hindutva is not an authentic representation of true Hindu values, which are deeply rooted in compassion, tolerance, and secularism. Here are the key reasons for their opposition:

Historical and Cultural Ignores

True Hindus often feel that Hindutva disregards the rich and diverse history of India. They believe that Hindutva movements are based on ignorance and misinterpretation of historical facts. According to them, Hindutva supporters often misappropriate the freedom given by Sanatan Dharma, which is inherent in principles like 'yatha Raja, thatha praja', which emphasizes the importance of the king's conduct as a barometer for the people's well-being.

Communalism and Exclusion

Hindutva movements, often associated with the ruling Gandhian dynasty, have been criticized for promoting a communal agenda that excludes minorities. This has led to a perceived erosion of secular values and an increase in communal tensions. The phrase 'yatha Raja, thatha praja' is often used to argue that the spiritual and moral conduct of the leaders (Raja) should reflect in the conduct of the people (praja), implying that a regime that upholds communal divisions does not reflect true secular principles.

Misinterpretation of Tolerance

True Hindus maintain that true tolerance is mutual and reciprocal, requiring not only the respect and acceptance of diverse religious communities but also a genuine understanding and empathy from all sides. However, the current interpretation of Hindutva often justifies or even promotes intolerance and abuse, leading to communal violence and hatred. This misinterpretation has alienated many true Hindus who hold onto the finer grains of Hinduism, which are deeply rooted in non-violence and co-existence.

Secular Values Misaligned

Many true Hindus are concerned that the current interpretation of Hindutva undermines secular values. They believe that Hindutva often functions in a manner that prioritizes one religious community over others, thereby violating the principle of secularism. This lack of adherence to secular principles is viewed as a betrayal of the ideals that were so dear to Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders who championed the idea of a secular and inclusive India.

Conversion and Past Ancestry

True Hindus also emphasize that true secularism is not just about religious tolerance but also about recognizing the complex history of conversion and past ancestry. They advocate for a more inclusive approach that considers individuals' past religious affiliations and their current secular values, rather than labeling them based on their perceived religious background.

Conclusion

In summary, the opposition of many true Hindus to Hindutva is rooted in a deep-seated belief in the core values of Sanatan Dharma, which include mutual respect, tolerance, and unity. They argue that the current implementation of Hindutva often contradicts these principles, leading to communal tensions and the erosion of secular values. True Hindus aim to foster a more inclusive and harmonious society, one that respects and celebrates the diversity of India's religious and cultural landscape.

Keywords: Hinduism, Hindutva, Tolerance, Religious Freedom, Secularism