Hindu Renaissance

During the last few years, and especially since the Modi government has taken over in India, one can notice that Hinduism has found a new footing in India and in the rest of the world.

The Hindu today is sure of himself negotiating with the world. Moreover, he/she is now unapologetic about his/her origins or roots.

The Indian diaspora has been growing for the last several years around the globe. Now we can see second and third generation Indians in different countries. There is hardly any country where Indians are not living.

Traditionally, Indians have identified themselves with the host population. They adopt the local customs and blend in with the people. Most of the Indian diaspora is well educated too. This is especially so in the advanced economies. Indians living in the US, Europe and other affluent countries contribute to the development of the economy and society.

Affluence bring influence. Indians have now begun to be seen in local politics. In the UK an Indian is holding the highest office of the land. This shows that wherever Indian go, they contribute to the development of the local communities and ultimately the country. This has made them an accepted community in all the lands they have settled.

Since the second-generation Indians are now confident, they have begun to assert themselves in a constructive way. Here, religion is playing an important part in their social and political makeup. Rishi Sunak wears his religion on this sleeve and is bold enough to admit it. Many politicians of Indian origin in the US have been elected to important positions in the state and federal governments. They are administered their oath on the Gita.

The Hindu resurgence is a recent phenomenon. Not that Hindus were not doing it earlier. But since the BJP government came to power Hinduism has definitely got a shot in the arm. The Congress party was never enthusiastic about backing Hinduism in India, leave alone the rest of the world. It is only after PM Modi’s visits abroad, and his meeting the Indian diaspora in different countries, that an impetus was provided to the ‘Hindus’ living abroad. This impetus has manifested itself in Hindus being more visible. The PM has provided more confidence to the diaspora that there is somebody back home who has taken note of their rise and wishes to harness their power and influence in their adopted country to build stronger political and economic ties with their homeland.

The Congress government was always apologetic about Hinduism in India.  All other religions were promoted except Hindu. And this was done under the garb of secularism. The education system was designed in such a way that Hindus could not take pride in their achievements.

Hindu religion was always downplayed. Anybody talking openly about Hindu pride was labelled as an anti-Muslim or anti-Christian and an anti-national.

This changed when the BJP won the elections in 2014. The party manifesto talked about the Ram Temple construction, the abrogation of Article 370, the introduction of Uniform Civil Code among other issues which were completely ignored in the 70+ years of Congress rule.

Today, Hindu nationalism has taken center stage. This is beginning to be noticed the world over. The Indians living in other countries have caught this wind and are more assertive about their origins.

The government has instilled pride and confidence among Indians everywhere. People are now talking and actively promoting Sanatana dharma. Along with Hinduism, nationalism also seems to have taken up the Indian mind space. It is now considered fashionable to talk about achievements of India, be it regarding the economy, the military, space, sports etc.

This change can be called a national renaissance, where religion, politics, scientific progress, business achievements, are being talked about with pride. Even historical biases are being discussed publicly and demands are being made to correct the history. Political parties in India are now open to this revival of Hinduism. It has become an electoral compulsion for them.

BJP’s Hindu centric agenda is mainly responsible for the confidence among the Indians and the Indian diaspora, and this has rubbed off on the people belonging to other religions as well. India’s G20 Presidency has contributed to the concept of 'Vasudaiva Kutumbakam' (One world, one family philosophy). In this strife torn world these concepts which are the basis of Hindu religion have appealed to people across the world.

If the current narratives are taken to their logical conclusion India will be a very different place a few years from now. The time of Hindu renaissance has arrived.