The rise of Hindu nationalism, known as Hindutva, in India has fueled a disturbing wave of communal violence and intolerance, emboldened by state support.

Hindutva, rooted in a desire for Hindu supremacy, has cultivated a toxic environment where religious minorities, particularly Muslims, Christians and Dalits, have become frequent targets of violence. The majority Hindu community increasingly believes that such violence is morally justified under this ideology.

This evolution of thought can be likened to the Nazi mindset that developed in Germany. Today, the erosion of empathy towards religious minorities in India mirrors that historical tragedy, with violent acts against Muslims normalized by Hindutva rhetoric. Hindutva's portrayal of Hindus as eternal victims of historical injustices has created an environment where retribution against minorities is perceived as both acceptable and moral imperative.

Hindutva’s political strategy taps into a narrative that condemns past Muslim invasions and the atrocities they inflicted on Hindus, reigniting centuries-old tensions. The scars of the 1947 partition only intensify these anti-Muslim sentiments, making it a fertile ground for political manipulation. The RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh), a militant Hindu organization, has played an important role in creating the aggressive form of........

© The News International