The Political Philosophy of Hindutva

The Political Philosophy of Hindutva B Shantanu Satyameva-Jayate.org

Preface
While Centre-Right ideology* is well-understood and articulated, a parallel effort is needed to articulate Hindutva ( हिंदुत्व )
Not a defensive attempt to silence the critics but..
..a deliberate effort to help construct a solid basis for national identity and consciousness
… and to find common ground
* Centre-Right in this context includes the ideology of classical liberalism

The next few slides are an attempt at providing context and backdrop for debate & discussion
The expectation is a more refined articulation can emerge through arguments & counter-arguments
Many steps in this thought-process are incomplete and still missing
Please contribute and enrich the discussion
Preface

Hindutva’s First Principles..
Hindutva is a manifestation of Dharma ( धर्मं )
Hindutva is nationalism rooted in the essence of Hindu traditions and culture
..of pluralism and tolerance
Hindutva is Indian-ness or “Bharatiyata” ( भारतीयता )

About freedom
It draws its core from the essential “Hindu” belief in free thought
Hinduism is freedom, especially the freedom in thinking about God – Dr S Radhakrishnan
It is neither a faith nor a belief system
Hindutva is…

Hindutva is…
Not dictatorship of the fanatics
Not a religion
Not anti-faith

A political consciousness/ philosophy that respects faith as a matter of personal choice
..and for the private realm; not something for the state to intervene in – or influence
About reconciliation and harmonious coexistence - even of conflicting ideologies*
..as long as they respect each other’s right to exist
Not specific to religion but culture and civilisation specific
A philosophical, not a religious or theocratic concept
Hindutva is… * Open to discussion

Hindutva is about…
Primacy of National Interest
Individual Liberty
Rule of Law
Minimum Government
Prosperity and Economic Freedoms

Hindutva stands for primacy of national interest ( राष्ट्र सर्व - प्रथम )
The State exists to ensure security and prosperity for its citizens
National Interest lies in maintaining the well-being of citizens and guarding their freedoms
All decisions of the state must be guided by national interest, above everything else ( राज - धर्मं )
Hindutva & National Interest Source: http://satyameva-jayate.org/2009/10/15/raj-dharma/

Hindutva is about freedom of thought
This life is a tremendous assertion of freedom..
Our Vedanta is the assertion of freedom – Swami Vivekananda
… and individual liberty
This liberal ethos owes its character to the traditions within Sanatan Dharma ( सनातन धर्मं ) and it ought to be defended vigorously
Hindutva & Liberty

Hindutva & Rule of Law
Hindutva stands for rule of law; Hindutva is “Kshatra-Dharma” ( क्षत्र धर्मं )
i.e. the duty of the state is to protect the rights of its citizens
Rule of Law is the ultimate “Dharma”
… kings who perform RajDharma selflessly, following the prescribed code of crime and punishment, and who treat their subjects even-handedly…get the highest position that may be available to a true sanyasin - MahaBharat (66/4-5)
* Courtesy, Palahalli; Also http://satyameva-jayate.org/2009/10/15/raj-dharma/

Hindutva & Government
Hindutva stands for minimum government and maximum social autonomy
Including freedom for communities to have their own personal laws*
A Government influenced by Hindutva will primarily focus on
Law and Order
Security
Justice
Infrastructure
* Open to discussion

Hindutva & Artha
Hindutva is about prosperity and celebrating wealth
As long as it is earned or acquired through honest means
Artha ( अर्थ ) is one of the four Purusharthas ( पुरुषार्थ )
Hinduism does not glorify poverty; Wealth is not an impediment to self-realization*
Hindutva is in harmony with economic freedoms that are a pre-requisite for prosperity in society
* Although attachment to wealth is.

Several steps in this thought-process are incomplete and still missing
To arrive at a more robust articulation of Hindutva, I need your help and support
Such an articulation can emerge through debate and discussions in the highest traditions of Shastrartha ( शास्त्रार्थ )
Please contribute and share widely to get insights from scholars and experts
The Next Step…

Acknowledgments
This effort is dedicated to Bharat and Dharma
These thoughts have been inspired & prompted by commentators on my blog, “Internet Hindus” and several bloggers including (but not limited to) Varnam , Acorn , Sandeep , Sanjeev Sabhlok , Musunuri and Offstumped …
I am grateful to all of you for helping me develop my own understanding, knowledge and awareness about Hinduism, Bharat and the world around us
Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!
Additional References: Understanding Raj-Dharma , Understanding Raj-Dharma, Part 2

Questions? Comments? Jai Hind, Jai Bharat! Shantanu @ Satyameva-Jayate.org

Thank You.. Reclaiming India – One Step at a Time

The Political Philosophy of Hindutva

by B Shantanu on Jan 09, 2012

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