My Views on Hindutva, Hindu Rashtra, Conversion, and Freedom of Religion Laws
Cultural Indianness or Hindutva is often misinterpreted and equated with Hinduism. Hindutva or Indianness doesn't demand allegiance to any deity. There are Atheists, Jains, Buddhists, Sikhs, and even Christ-followers who are part of this movement. They are culturally Indian, but they have their own unique religious beliefs. Hindutva emphasizes non-violence (Ahimsa), truth (Satya), peace (Shanti), vegetarianism (Shakhahar), vernacular languages (Hindi, Sanskrit, and regional languages), Indian products (Swadeshi), and self-governance (Swaraj). None of these stand against faith in God or worshipping a specific deity. Besides, Hindutva has no casteism, and Hinduism requires caste-based differentiation. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee launched the Bengali Hindu Homeland Movement after the Noakholi genocide of Hindus by Muslim League mobs. Mr. Mukherjee wanted Bengal to stay united with Bharat. He also recommended Bengal's partition in 1946 to prevent including Hindu areas in East Pakistan...