By Madhu Hebbar This is a 3-part series: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 (this article) Hindutva, like all nationalisms, is context-dependent, shaped by India’s pluralistic yet fragmented society and its history of external domination. Far from being supremacist, it reflects a pragmatic response to historical challenges, with a global outlook that critics overlook. The principle swadesho bhuvana trayam* exemplifies…
By Madhu Hebbar This is a 3-part series: Part 1, Part 2 (this article), Part 3 Left-leaning academics, particularly in Western and Indian secular institutions, frequently criticize Hindutva as a monolithic, aggressive ideology that marginalizes non-Hindus, especially Muslims and Christians. This critique, often rooted in postcolonial, Marxist, or secular universalist frameworks, reveals a native bias within academia—a predisposition to view…
By Madhu Hebbar This is a 3-part series: Part 1 (this article), Part 2, Part 3 Nationalism, a force that binds people through shared identity, culture, or values, takes diverse forms across the globe, each shaped by its historical and cultural context. From the civic nationalism of the United States to the ethnic nationalism of 19th-century Europe, from Swami Vivekananda’s…
By Madhu Hebbar Teachers are the cornerstone of society, shaping minds, igniting curiosity, and guiding individuals toward their highest potential. In Hindu culture, reverence for teachers, or gurus, is a sacred tradition rooted in ancient scriptures and stories that celebrate the transformative power of the teacher-student relationship. The Hindu American community in the United States, through programs like Guru Vandana…
By Avatans Kumar The Discovery When Rudra Vikram Srivastava stumbled onto this 11th-century inscription while exploring Garhwa Fort in Prayagraj, (UP, India), he instinctively knew he had found something significant. His discovery on December 18, 2024 carried immense historical weight, marking a noteworthy moment in our understanding of Indian history. Srivastava is an independent researcher with a special interest in…
By Priyal and Akshay Jajoo We were planning our trip to India during the winter vacation. Just as we were about to book the tickets, a friend reminded us of the Mahakumbh mela starting just around our planned return and he emphasized the rare, once-in-144-year planetary configuration that is going to happen this time. We thought for a moment and…
Hindutva and Hinduism are two facets of the same eternal idea, embodying the philosophical and practical dimensions of a singular ethos. Hinduism, as a profound and ancient philosophy, extends beyond mere belief systems, offering a holistic worldview. Hindutva, as its practical expression, translates this worldview into a way of life. These are not distinct constructs but interconnected aspects of the…
