The resurgence of Hindu nationalism is a phenomenon that has crossed borders and cultures, finding its vicious way into various parts of the globe. This expansion of ideology, which once rooted itself solely in the Indian subcontinent, is now spreading with vigor wherever Hindu communities exist.
Hindu nationalism is far more than a political movement; it is a deep-seated social and cultural force that draws on millennia of religious traditions, blending spiritual, cultural, and national identity into a singular worldview. This sense of identity, which has historical roots dating back to India’s struggle against British colonialism, is now reshaping global conversations about nationalistic politics, especially in places where Hindu populations have established significant communities.
Ironically, this phenomenon extends space to opposing views. At the core of Hindu nationalism is the ideology of Hindutva, a concept developed by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in 1923. Hindutva conceives of India as not just a nation but rather a civilizational entity that is shaped by its Hindu heritage. This worldview, propagated by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has given rise to modern political movements such as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which continues to shape Indian politics and beyond.
The BJP, having gained significant political power, has not only fostered a strong nationalistic fervor within India but has also influenced the Hindu diaspora globally. The appeal of Hindu nationalism is undeniable among many, but the darker side of this movement, marked by religious intolerance and growing communal violence, raises troubling questions about the future of social harmony in both India and countries with significant Hindu populations, such as South Africa.
The rise of Hindu nationalism has not been without consequences in the global context. South Africa, for instance, has seen increasing tensions within its Hindu community, particularly due to the activism of organizations such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangn (HSS).
These groups, which emphasize the preservation and promotion of Hindu culture, have also been linked to religious polarization. The demonstration of Hindu nationalism’s ability to exacerbate religious tensions can be seen in incidents like Durban, where interfaith events have been marred by protests. The protests in Phoenix and Durban are not just local disturbances, they are reflections of a broader trend where global Hindu communities are becoming more insular, connecting local grievances to global Hindu issues and using divisive rhetoric, often amplified by social media.
The global spread of Hindu nationalism also brings with it serious human rights concerns. India, the ideological epicenter of this movement, has been under scrutiny for its handling of human rights, both domestically and internationally. The United States has repeatedly called out India for not submitting its human rights reports, which have been outstanding since 2001.
The delay is viewed by many as an attempt to avoid addressing uncomfortable truths, including violations of minority rights and religious freedoms India’s human rights record has also been tainted by laws such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), which have been condemned for abuse, particularly in conflict zones like Jammu and Kashmir and other restive parts of the country. The United Nations’ concerns highlight the repressive nature of Hindu nationalism, in which dissent and minority voices are often silenced in the name of national security or cultural preservation.
As Hindu nationalism grows, so too does its influence on India’s international relations and domestic policies. Allegations of coercion, manipulation, and even extrajudicial killings of Indian dissidents abroad have come to light, suggesting that the Indian government may be complicit in using Hindu nationalism to extend its reach far beyond its borders. The global implications of this cannot be understated, as countries with significant Indian populations, such as South Africa, must grapple with the rising influence of this nationalist ideology.
Even with constitutional protections, marginalized communities such as Dalits, Muslims, and Christians in India continue to face discrimination. The ideological rigidity of Hindu nationalism does not allow space for diversity, and this exclusionary stance is becoming more pronounced both within and outside of India. As Hindu nationalism spreads, the world must remain vigilant in addressing the potential threats it poses to democracy, human rights, and social cohesion. The growing presence of Hindu nationalism in places like South Africa should serve as a warning that unchecked nationalistic fervor can quickly evolve into a force that disrupts societal harmony, both locally and globally.
The origin of Hindu nationalism may have been to preserve and defend Hindu identity from colonial and foreign threats, but its modern form has morphed into a more aggressive and exclusionary form The rise of this ideology demonstrates how global Hindu communities are becoming entangled in a nationalist agenda that often conflicts with the principles of equality, human rights, and religious tolerance. The world must address the spread of Hindu nationalism with urgency, recognizing the potential dangers it poses to international stability and the social fabric of multicultural societies. As this movement grows, it is critical to balance respect for cultural identity with the need for inclusivity and human rights, ensuring that nationalism does not devolve into extremism.
