Why I Am a Hindu Summary

"Hinduism is not just a faith; it is the union of reason and intuition that cannot be defined but is only to be experienced." – Shashi Tharoor

1. Hinduism’s Individualized Nature

Hinduism offers believers freedom to define their spiritual path, a unique feature that sets it apart from many religions. Unlike monotheistic faiths that strictly prescribe beliefs, Hinduism encourages personal choices regarding gods, rituals, and sacred texts. This allows each devotee to experience the religion differently, emphasizing individual spiritual growth.

The tradition’s flexibility is rooted in its core ideas. Hindus strive for self-realization and oneness with Brahman, the ultimate truth that transcends gender and human attributes. Achieving this goal depends on personal practices, chosen paths, and interpretations, making Hinduism an introspective and diverse faith.

Swami Vivekananda, a renowned monk, championed this freedom within Hinduism. He insisted that every individual could achieve divinity by their chosen means, rejecting strict rituals or dogmas. This adaptable nature remains one of Hinduism’s most enduring qualities.

Examples

• Hindus can choose to follow texts like the Bhagavad Gita or avoid them entirely and focus on meditation.
• Worshiping Shiva, Ganesh, or even nature reflects the personal choices embedded in the faith.
• Vivekananda argued that the path to divine truth can’t be predefined—it’s a journey unique to each soul.

2. Hinduism Respects All Faiths

Traditionally, Hinduism has embraced inclusivity and respect for other religions. Rather than seeing itself as the sole path to spirituality, it views all sacred texts and beliefs as valuable. This openness fosters an environment of coexistence and shared wisdom.

Tharoor recounts how growing up, he was taught to regard sacred writings like the Bible, Torah, and Quran as equal sources of wisdom. Such a mindset underscores how Hinduism values diverse approaches to self-discovery and enlightenment.

This tolerance also influenced Hindu interactions with Buddhism and Sikhism. Instead of competing, Hindus often combined elements from these religions, enriching their own spiritual practices while contributing to a broader cultural harmony.

Examples

• Sikhism draws from Hindu Bhakti traditions while emphasizing monotheism.
• As a child, Tharoor prayed for forgiveness when accidentally disrespecting sacred books, irrespective of the religion.
• Ancient Hindu texts like the Matsya Purana suggest figures like Buddha were avatars of Hindu deities, blurring faith boundaries.

3. Hindutva: A Distortion of Hinduism

Hindutva, meaning “Hinduness,” is a political ideology that co-opts Hinduism to exclude non-Hindus from Indian identity. Emerging in the early 20th century, it veered away from the religion’s principles of inclusivity. Figures like Vinayak Damodar Savarkar argued that India belongs exclusively to Hindus.

Savarkar’s ideas morphed into a cornerstone for the BJP, India’s current ruling party. Leaders like MS Golwalkar took Hindutva further, admiring Nazi Germany’s racial policies. Tharoor argues that Hindutva perverts Hindu teachings, replacing tolerance with exclusion and oppression.

This divisive ideology starkly contrasts Hinduism's history as a faith that coexisted peacefully with diverse religions for millennia. Hindutva introduces dogmas foreign to its true essence.

Examples

• The foundational text "Essentials of Hindutva" claimed India is for Hindus alone.
• MS Golwalkar called the Nazi Holocaust an admirable display of "race pride."
• Hindutva ideologues reject Hinduism’s acceptance of religions like Buddhism or Islam.

4. Hindutva’s Assault on Culture and History

The BJP’s Hindutva agenda actively erases India’s multicultural history, targeting icons like the Taj Mahal that stem from India’s Islamic past. This rewrite ignores Hinduism's tradition of honoring other religions and instead breeds division.

In Uttar Pradesh, the Taj Mahal is severely neglected under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s leadership. State tourism materials omit the monument, despite its global renown. Tharoor views this neglect as deliberate antagonism against India’s Islamic contributions.

Beyond monuments, Hindutva stirs paranoia and violence, leading many Indians to abandon cultural practices that Hindutva deems “un-Indian.” Tharoor argues that instead of rewriting the past, India should celebrate its layered history.

Examples

• Official tourism brochures exclude the Taj Mahal despite its global fame.
• Prominent leaders dismiss Mughal achievements as foreign, even though they shaped India’s identity.
• The neglect of historically significant sites stifles India’s tourist economy.

5. Violence Against Religious Minorities

Hindutva promotes hostility toward non-Hindus, especially Muslims. Under BJP rule, there’s been a rise in hate speech, discriminatory policies, and violence. Tharoor highlights how dominant leaders like Yogi Adityanath bolster these prejudices.

Hate crimes have surged dramatically in recent years, fueled by anti-Muslim rhetoric from Hindutva leaders. In one instance, a Muslim boy was murdered simply for riding a truck transporting cattle, highlighting the deadly consequences of these biases.

This climate of fear isolates Muslim communities and undermines the pluralistic ideals central to both Hinduism and India’s founding vision.

Examples

• Yogi Adityanath calls for travel bans on Muslim individuals.
• A 16-year-old Muslim boy was killed over baseless cattle-related allegations.
• Bollywood icons like Shah Rukh Khan face public accusations of terrorism due to their faith.

6. Erosion of Progressive Values

Hinduism, once known for its acceptance of varying identities, now sees increased rigidity toward gender and sexuality. Hindutva adherents reject LGBTQ+ rights and enforce outdated beliefs in alignment with their exclusionary ideals.

The BJP government continues enforcing colonial-era laws, such as banning same-sex marriage, blocking societal progress. Many Hindu mythical stories, once celebrating sexual diversity, are now silenced, distances Hinduism from its historically liberal approach.

Tharoor calls for reclaiming Hinduism’s progressive roots, pointing to vibrant depictions of figures like Ardhanarishwara and homoerotic art that exemplified acceptance.

Examples

• Proposals to legalize gay marriage have been shut down by BJP leaders without debate.
• Ardhanarishwara, a deity embodying gender unity, symbolizes Hinduism's lost inclusivity.
• Colonial-era morality laws remain intact under BJP’s stewardship.

7. Hindutva and Science Misrepresentation

Hindutva seeks political gains by rewriting history, linking ancient Hindu achievements to its nationalist agenda. This damages India’s scientific reputation and distorts historical realities.

For example, Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed Ganesh’s elephant head proves ancient India invented plastic surgery. While India’s past includes scientific advances, such arguments demean actual achievements by conflating faith with propaganda.

As Tharoor stresses, India should celebrate both its spiritual and intellectual contributions without inventing revisionist narratives.

Examples

• Ancient Hindu texts reference significant surgical innovations.
• Modi incorrectly credited Hindu myths for technological advances.
• India’s history of scientific progress is overshadowed by agenda-driven claims.

8. Hinduism vs. Hindutva on National Identity

Hindutva envisions a homogeneous Indian identity tied to Hindu culture, excluding millions of non-Hindu Indians. This contrasts sharply with Hinduism's universality and non-conversion ethos.

Hinduism’s global influence lies in its appeal to reason and respect for all. Hindutva ignores this by promoting narrow, hostile nationalism. Tharoor contends that clinging to Hindutva diminishes Hinduism’s global stature.

Indians must distinguish pride in Hindu culture from Hindutva's ideology to preserve the nation’s secular identity.

Examples

• Ancient scholars like Aryabhata contributed to universal knowledge, unrestrained by narrow cultural frameworks.
• Unlike monotheistic religions, Hinduism traditionally avoids proselytizing.
• India’s founding father, Gandhi, championed coexistence rather than religion-based nationalism.

9. Reclaiming Hinduism’s Spirit

Tharoor proposes that Hindus fight bigotry by reaffirming their religion's true traits—tolerance, inclusion, and curiosity. Silence in the face of injustices done in Hinduism’s name allows Hindutva to thrive.

He highlights atrocities like mobs burning Muslims alive as stark deviations from non-violent Hindu values. Embracing education and awareness can counter extremist narratives and reinstate harmony.

To protect the religion’s reputation and India’s democracy, Hindus must lead efforts against fundamentalism.

Examples

• Protests against anti-Muslim violence underline shared Indian values.
• Educating citizens about Hinduism’s past fosters unity over division.
• Young Hindus advocating for LGBTQ+ rights embody the religion’s lost openness.

Takeaways

1. Speak up against ideologies and actions that misrepresent Hinduism and harm its inclusive spirit.
2. Learn and share accurate narratives about Hinduism’s progressive and tolerant history to counter divisive agendas.
3. Celebrate and protect the multicultural heritage of India by advocating for religious equality and coexistence.