What is Hindutva?
The term “Hindutva” has been mentioned and referred to quite often, particularly in recent times, but what is it?
Definition of Hindutva
Hindutva is the combination of two words, “Hindu” and “Tva”. Hindu, is a cultural identity, and Tva is “that which is”. Hindutva in simple terms is, “that which is Hindu” or “Hindu-ness” or “the expression of the Hindu culture”.
What is culture?
Culture is described as how we express ourselves and share commonalities in thought, actions and practices in language, literature, arts, food, behaviour, history, heroes, rites, festivals, philosophies, politics, religions etc.
So now that we have some background to what Hindutva is, what are the principles or examples of Hindutva?
Some principles of Hindutva
Below are just some of the principles of Hindutva;
- Vividhatā Mein Ekatā and Ekam Sat Viprāh, Bahudhā Vadanti: The concept of oneness and unity in diversity. Being open-minded and accepting diverse thoughts, beliefs and philosophies that are earnestly striving to seek what is true. Knowing that the truth is one, though the wise know it by many names. However, this is not the same as all claims to truth are true.
- Samanvaya and Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinaḥ, Sarve Santu Nirāmayāḥ: Living in harmony and aiming to bring harmony among one and all. This harmony is not limited to humans but includes nature and all living things.
- Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: It is the expanding of consciousness from the individual to the family, to the community and to the entire world, reaching a state of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the entire world is one family, my family.
- Saiyam: The practice of self-control. Striving to control or balance materialistic desires, non-exploitation of resources, and moving from selfishness to selflessness, where one is willing to sacrifice their benefit for that which benefits all or more.
Final thoughts
Hindutva is Hindu-ness or that which is Hindu by culture, not merely religion as it has been misunderstood and/or misinformed to be.
Hindutva is pluralistic, it is that which takes everyone along, brings everyone together, unites everyone within itself and makes everyone prosper.
It is that which develops and achieves harmony among all and benefits all. It is the essence of Dharma and the essence of every Hindu.
