Opinion - Letters to the Editor

What is `Hindutva'?

Sir, — It has become a fashion with some political parties to ridicule Hindus and Hinduism. Let us have a look at what this Hindutva is all about. The first thing it does is give courage to Hindus to own up that they are Hindus. Unfortunately, as a result of the `pseudo secularism' imposed by Jawaharlal Nehru, Hindus have been forced to develop during the last several years an inferiority complex. It is only because of the concept of Hindutva, during the last decade or so, that Hindus have been able to rid themselves of this complex and own up their proud parentage.

Among all the religions, only Hinduism (which is now projected as Hindutva) lays down clearly that all religions are good and welcome.

In short, Hindutva is religious tolerance.

Freeing oneself from dogmatism is therefore Hindutva.

No country, either in the West or West Asia or Far East, practises secularism. All of them openly announce their official religion.

Here, in India, because a majority of Indians are Hindus and believe in religious tolerance, it has become possible to practise secularism.

Even in the United States, the United Kingdom and several other European countries, the Heads of States are sworn in only with a religious fervour, giving up any façade of secularism.

H.V. Hande,

Chennai

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