Religious zealotry has become the basic attribute and characteristic of Politics. Religion as a tool for Politics is also not new in history. It has been the practice since ancient age. Deeply entrenched in this country has also been the tradition and rule of using “Hindutva” as a means of “political advantage” by some groups and “strict criticism” by some other groups. In today’s political context the two words – “Hinduism” and “Hindutva” are being reviewed favourably or critically by these groups more frequently. That these two words represent distinctively different assessment by the users is also well known. The word, “Hindutva” as representing hate doctrine is strongly held by some groups, though. It is important for everyone of us to understand the true meaning and significance of this word properly.
Social progress always depends upon the true understanding of history and language of citizens of every country. A void in this proper understanding by the people can lead to a serious misunderstanding of the idea and concept of the word held by the two groups.
” Ism” is a word of Western origin. It refers to the collections of philosophical wisdom or the principles and tenets. Following the established sequence of words of Buddhism, Jainism, Romanism, rationalism, and radicalism by the westerners, the philosophical wisdom of Hindustan was coined the term “Hinduism”. However, the word’s representation in terms of whether it is religion based ; ideology based; or life events based has been a matter of discussion by many scholars, analysts, and even common people.
The word “Hindutva” has its origin from Sanskrit. It is a combination of the two words, ‘hindu’ and ‘thuvam’. We are all familiar with the most commonly used word in vernacular Tamil language : “Thaththuvam” formed by the two words – “Thath” meaning “that” in English, and “thuvam” meaning “character” or “true nature of oneself” in English. So “Thaththuvam” in essence reflects the character of a person or a thing. “Thaniththuvam” refers to “unique characteristic”. In the same vain the character of any Hindu is Hindutva.
In our heritage there exists beyond one’s religion, caste, or land a distinctive character called “dharma” that connotes the principles/tenets.
It is from this we draw our symbol of identification. Hence, the word ‘Hindu’ represents EVERY CITIZEN who observes the “dharma” commonly prescribed to be followed .
That India is home to people with similarities in life events despite differences in their spoken languages, consumed food, worn clothes, observed prayers, and adopted practices is known . One can easily observe these commonalities amongst people in every area/region of India.
Even when we had hundreds of princely states, the rule and dharma of governance have remained common. From Justice to Warfare “dharma” remained the same at all times. Literature preaching Justice can all be grouped as being together in their tenets.
If it is “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” in Sanskrit (the world is only friendly in English), it is “Yaadhum Oore Yavarum Kelir” in vernacular Tamil ( the feeling of kinship for all places and for all people are our own in English).
If Rigveda teaches us ” Let all ideas come from all directions”, as Thiruvalluvar, the great Tamil Poet, reflected in his 423rd couplet, ” to discern the truth in everything by whomsoever spoken is wisdom”, and as Subramania Bharati, another great Tamil Poet, reflected it in, “proceed in all eight directions, bring all the wealth of art here”, adding that the doctrines propagated by the foreigners could be translated in Tamil.
If it is, “Sarve Jana Sukhino Bhavanthi” in Sanskrit ( Let the people of the world be happy in English), in vernacular Tamil by Thayumanavar, it is reflected as, ” Oh, Supreme! I do not know anything other than thinking that everyone should be blissful”.
From the Rig Veda through Thiruvalluvar, Avvaiyar, Thayumanavar, and Sanskrit poems advocate the same morality and charity. It is not just in Sanskrit or Tamil but in every creation of thinkers from any region of the country we can experience the same basic thoughts as above.
As we all stand together on the basis of “dharma”, we all belong to the teachings of “Hindutva”. Also, the similarities among all of us in terms of culture need not be specially listed is well known. The unicity of Indians is a cultural pride that is not easily visible in other parts of the world. We are all the true owners of “Hindutva”, be it on the basis of culture or our daily rules and responsibilities.
Late M C Chagla ( 1900-1981) said, ” I am a Muslim by religion ; but in terms of culture, I am a Hindu”. Religion was not emphasised here. All our life processes, faith, and practicalities have been the features of our culture even when the people who observed these worship different Gods . Even when many accepted new and different Gods the cultural features were strongly entwined in their lives is the concept manifested and expressed in the Justice’s words. This is applicable to every Indian citizen.
Hence, it can be summed up that “Hindutva” represents high level of morality, culture, and practices in life. That it has generated comments and discussions in the POLITICAL MILIEU is incomprehensible. Vinayak Damodhar Savarkar in his treatise in an effort to protect our pride and glory of “dharma”, nationalism, and characteristics had used this word, “Hindutva”. From then on it has come to represent a word for a specific group of individuals.
Attainment of political colours to this word has constrained its usage as a common inclusive word.
As time passed it came to convey and connote a political idea protecting the principles and features of Hindu religion.
Those who consider Hindutva as a symbol of their identity hold their pride with faith in their strong belief that Hindutva can be the torch bearer of the world, capable of uniting the world through an uncompromising, socialist society with equal justice. Opposition brands this as an idea constituting the “Politics of the Hatred”.
Whatever be the ultimate fact(s), India is an ancient country ; its culture sets an example to the world ; its characteristics embrace everybody and its principles, philosophy, and spiritual experiments are for the benefit of entire humanity ; knowledge of its prime lineage. Science and search for nuclear intelligence to the universe of Cosmos has been its core content. Medicine and Astronomy are the locations of expanding knowledge. The broad outlook of holding citizens as an extension of our family is its vision.
All these are special to all of us.
Indians have the lineage of outstanding wisdom-seeking endowed with quintessential meaning in a knowledge society.
Let those who propagate hatred – be they politicians or other leaders – continue this journey in their path. Let people seeking true meaning in society continue cherishing their symbol of morality and purity.
“Dieu avec nous”
Friday, November 26, 2021 – 9.19 p.m. (IST)
Tidbit : ” After all we don’t trust the words, we believe in act”.
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