Shashi Tharoor's book "Why I Am a Hindu" offers a deep dive into the rich tapestry of Hinduism, exploring its history, philosophy, and contemporary challenges. As both a proud Hindu and a concerned citizen of India, Tharoor provides a unique perspective on the religion's core tenets and its place in modern Indian society.
Introduction: Hinduism's Diverse Nature
Hinduism stands apart from other major world religions in its remarkable diversity and flexibility. Unlike the Abrahamic faiths of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, which are built on specific doctrines and beliefs, Hinduism embraces a wide array of practices, philosophies, and interpretations.
At its core, Hinduism is a deeply personal faith that allows believers to choose their own path to spiritual enlightenment. There is no single set of rules or dogmas that all Hindus must follow. Instead, the religion offers a variety of gods, sacred texts, and spiritual practices from which individuals can select based on their own preferences and needs.
This flexibility is rooted in the Hindu concept of Brahman, the ultimate reality that permeates all existence. Hindus believe that there are many ways to connect with this divine essence, and no single approach is considered superior to others. This openness to different spiritual paths has been a defining characteristic of Hinduism for thousands of years.
The Richness of Hindu Tradition
Tharoor explores the vast pantheon of Hindu deities, each representing different aspects of the divine and human experience. From Ganesh, the elephant-headed god who removes obstacles, to Shiva, the destroyer and transformer, these gods offer believers a range of spiritual focal points.
The author also delves into the importance of sacred texts in Hinduism. Works like the Bhagavad Gita and the Rigveda provide philosophical insights and moral guidance, but Hindus are free to interpret these texts in their own way. There is no central authority dictating how these scriptures should be understood or applied.
This diversity extends to worship practices as well. Hindus can choose when, where, and how they pray or meditate. Some may visit temples regularly, while others prefer private devotion at home. Some may chant mantras, while others engage in silent contemplation. All of these approaches are considered valid paths to spiritual growth.
Hinduism's Embrace of Other Faiths
One of the most striking aspects of traditional Hinduism, as Tharoor points out, is its respectful attitude toward other religions. For centuries, Hindus have coexisted peacefully with followers of other faiths, often incorporating elements of these traditions into their own practices.
This openness is exemplified by the Hindu view that sacred texts from other religions can be valuable sources of wisdom. Tharoor shares his personal experience of being taught as a child to revere books like the Quran and the Torah alongside Hindu scriptures. This attitude reflects the belief that all paths to spiritual truth are worthy of respect.
The author explores how this inclusive mindset shaped Hinduism's interactions with other Indian-born faiths like Buddhism and Sikhism. Rather than viewing these religions as threats, many Hindus saw them as offshoots of their own tradition, leading to a rich exchange of ideas and practices.
Sikhism, for example, emerged from the Bhakti movement within Hinduism, incorporating elements of both Hindu and Islamic thought. Buddhism, while diverging from Hinduism in significant ways, was seen by some Hindu thinkers as complementary to their own faith. The idea that the Buddha was an avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu further illustrates this syncretic approach.
The Rise of Hindutva: A Break from Tradition
Tharoor contrasts this historically tolerant and inclusive form of Hinduism with the rise of Hindutva, or "Hinduness," in modern India. This ideology, which forms the basis of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s platform, represents a significant departure from traditional Hindu values.
Hindutva emerged in the early 20th century as a response to India's struggle for independence and the complex religious dynamics of the subcontinent. Key figures like Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and MS Golwalkar developed an ideology that defined Indian identity primarily through Hindu culture, effectively excluding non-Hindus from their vision of citizenship.
This narrow, exclusionary view of Hinduism and Indian identity stands in stark contrast to the religion's long history of pluralism and tolerance. Tharoor argues that Hindutva borrows more from European fascist ideologies than from Hindu tradition, pointing out the troubling connections between early Hindutva thinkers and Nazi ideology.
The BJP and the Promotion of Intolerance
Since coming to power in 2014, the BJP government has pursued policies and rhetoric that Tharoor sees as fundamentally at odds with India's secular traditions and the inclusive spirit of Hinduism. The author provides numerous examples of how this shift has affected Indian society, particularly its religious minorities.
One of the most visible targets of this new intolerance has been India's Muslim population. Tharoor cites inflammatory statements by BJP politicians that demonize Muslims and promote Islamophobia. He points to figures like Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, who has a history of anti-Muslim rhetoric and actions.
The impact of this hostility extends beyond words to concrete policies and actions. Tharoor discusses the neglect of important Muslim heritage sites like the Taj Mahal, which he sees as part of a broader attempt to downplay or erase India's multicultural history. The economic consequences of this neglect, particularly for cities that rely on tourism, are also explored.
The Erosion of Liberal Values
Tharoor argues that the rise of Hindutva has led to a paradoxical situation where an inherently liberal culture is being turned against liberal ideals. He points to several areas where this shift is evident:
LGBTQ+ Rights: Despite Hinduism's historical acceptance of diverse gender and sexual identities, as evidenced by figures like Ardhanarishwara (a half-male, half-female deity), the current political climate has been hostile to LGBTQ+ rights. Tharoor recounts his own failed attempt to amend laws against homosexuality in parliament.
Dietary Freedom: The BJP's efforts to enforce Hindu dietary practices, particularly regarding beef consumption, have led to violence and social unrest. Tharoor describes incidents where individuals, often from minority communities, have been attacked or even killed over suspicions related to cow slaughter or beef transport.
Scientific Progress: The author expresses concern over the way Hindu nationalist rhetoric has sometimes distorted or misrepresented India's scientific achievements. While acknowledging India's genuine historical contributions to fields like medicine and mathematics, Tharoor criticizes attempts to link modern scientific concepts to ancient Hindu myths, seeing this as undermining the country's credibility on the world stage.
The Impact on India's International Standing
Tharoor, drawing on his extensive experience in international diplomacy, expresses concern about how the rise of Hindu nationalism is affecting India's global reputation. He argues that the country's image as a bastion of diversity and innovation is being tarnished by divisive rhetoric and policies.
The author points to embarrassing incidents where BJP politicians have made scientifically unsound claims, often attempting to link modern discoveries to ancient Hindu texts or myths. While Tharoor acknowledges India's genuine historical achievements in fields like mathematics and medicine, he worries that these contributions are being overshadowed by pseudoscientific claims that damage the country's credibility.
Moreover, Tharoor suggests that the increasing reports of religious intolerance and violence are harming India's soft power and its ability to project itself as a modern, progressive nation. This shift, he argues, not only affects India's international relationships but also its economic prospects, particularly in areas like tourism and foreign investment.
The Call for a Return to Hindu Values
Despite his criticisms of current trends, Tharoor remains optimistic about Hinduism's potential as a force for good in India and the world. He calls on his fellow Hindus to reject the divisive ideology of Hindutva and return to the religion's core values of tolerance, inclusivity, and spiritual freedom.
The author emphasizes that being proud of one's Hindu heritage doesn't require imposing those beliefs on others or denigrating different faiths. Instead, he encourages Hindus to celebrate the best aspects of their tradition:
Intellectual Freedom: Hinduism's openness to questioning and debate has fostered a rich intellectual tradition. Tharoor points to ancient Hindu thinkers who made remarkable scientific and philosophical discoveries, often centuries ahead of their Western counterparts.
Cultural Achievements: From literature and art to music and dance, Hindu culture has produced a wealth of artistic expressions that continue to inspire people around the world.
Spiritual Wisdom: The depth and diversity of Hindu spiritual teachings offer valuable insights for people of all backgrounds, addressing fundamental questions about the nature of existence and the path to inner peace.
Environmental Stewardship: Many Hindu teachings emphasize respect for nature and all living beings, providing a philosophical foundation for addressing modern environmental challenges.
By embracing these positive aspects of their heritage, Tharoor argues, Hindus can contribute to a more harmonious and progressive society, both in India and globally.
The Importance of Speaking Out
Tharoor stresses the urgent need for Hindus who disagree with the direction of Hindutva to make their voices heard. He argues that silence in the face of intolerance and violence amounts to tacit approval, and that it is the responsibility of every Hindu who values the religion's traditional openness to speak out against extremism.
The author acknowledges that this can be challenging, especially in a political climate where dissent is often met with hostility. However, he insists that the stakes are too high to remain silent. The very essence of Hinduism, with its emphasis on individual spiritual exploration and respect for diverse paths, is at risk if the ideology of Hindutva continues unchallenged.
Tharoor provides examples of how Hindus can take action:
Education: Learning about and sharing the diverse history of Hinduism, including its interactions with other faiths, can help counter narrow, exclusionary narratives.
Interfaith Dialogue: Engaging in respectful conversations with people of different beliefs can help build understanding and reduce tensions between communities.
Political Engagement: Supporting politicians and policies that uphold India's secular constitution and protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of faith.
Cultural Preservation: Celebrating the full spectrum of India's cultural heritage, including contributions from various religious and ethnic groups.
Media Literacy: Critically examining news sources and challenging misinformation that promotes religious hatred or historical distortions.
By taking these steps, Tharoor believes that Hindus can reclaim their tradition's legacy of tolerance and intellectual curiosity, helping to steer India back towards a more inclusive and harmonious future.
The Global Relevance of Hindu Values
While "Why I Am a Hindu" focuses primarily on the Indian context, Tharoor also touches on the potential global relevance of Hindu philosophy and values. In a world grappling with issues like religious extremism, environmental degradation, and social inequality, he suggests that Hindu concepts could offer valuable perspectives:
Religious Pluralism: Hinduism's acceptance of multiple paths to truth could serve as a model for interfaith cooperation and respect.
Holistic Worldview: The Hindu concept of interconnectedness between all living beings and the environment aligns with modern ecological thinking.
Non-Violence: The principle of ahimsa (non-violence) promoted by Hindu thinkers like Mahatma Gandhi continues to inspire peaceful resistance movements worldwide.
Mindfulness and Self-Realization: Hindu meditation practices and philosophies of self-discovery have already influenced global wellness trends and could offer further insights into mental health and personal growth.
Ethical Living: Hindu concepts like dharma (duty or righteous living) provide a framework for considering individual and societal responsibilities.
By sharing these ideas on a global stage, Tharoor suggests that Hinduism can contribute positively to international dialogues on ethics, spirituality, and social progress.
Conclusion: A Call for Reflection and Action
Shashi Tharoor concludes "Why I Am a Hindu" with a powerful call for reflection and action. He reiterates his deep love for Hinduism and his belief in its potential as a force for good in the world. However, he also emphasizes the urgent need for Hindus to actively engage in shaping the future of their faith and their country.
The author calls on his fellow Hindus to:
Embrace Diversity: Recognize and celebrate the inherent diversity within Hinduism and Indian culture as a whole.
Uphold Tolerance: Actively practice and promote the traditional Hindu values of tolerance and respect for different beliefs.
Challenge Extremism: Speak out against intolerance, violence, and distortions of Hindu teachings, even when it's uncomfortable or risky to do so.
Preserve Heritage: Work to protect and promote India's rich cultural heritage, including contributions from all religious and ethnic communities.
Engage in Dialogue: Participate in open, respectful conversations about religion, identity, and the future of Indian society.
Support Secularism: Advocate for policies and leaders who uphold India's constitutional commitment to secularism and equal rights for all citizens.
Promote Education: Support efforts to educate people about the true diversity and depth of Hindu tradition, countering simplistic or distorted narratives.
Tharoor argues that by taking these steps, Hindus can help steer their faith and their nation back towards a path of inclusivity, intellectual growth, and social harmony. He envisions a future where India can once again be a shining example of religious coexistence and cultural richness, drawing on the best aspects of its Hindu heritage while embracing its diversity.
The book ends on a note of cautious optimism. While acknowledging the serious challenges posed by religious nationalism and intolerance, Tharoor expresses faith in the ability of Hindus to reconnect with the core values of their tradition. By doing so, he believes they can not only preserve the essence of Hinduism but also contribute to building a more peaceful and prosperous India for all its citizens.
"Why I Am a Hindu" serves as both a celebration of Hinduism's rich heritage and a warning about the dangers of allowing that heritage to be co-opted by narrow, exclusionary ideologies. Tharoor's deeply personal yet scholarly approach offers readers a nuanced understanding of one of the world's oldest and most complex religious traditions, as well as its place in contemporary Indian society. Ultimately, the book is a passionate plea for a return to the open, inclusive, and intellectually curious spirit that has defined Hinduism at its best throughout history.