Leadership Dilemma: Humanism vs Hindutava

Leadership Dilemma: Humanism vs Hindutava​

By: Amit Bhushan Date: 10th Oct. 2019

One of the challenges that the opposition faces is its ability to counter the current political narrative set by the ruling party and its cronies with yesteryear’s firepower and fixations. Politics in India has long looked at societal issues as anchors, rather than any human values. Thus one can explain the politics veering around caste and religion. Off late, the ‘caste politics’ wave seems to have subsided and well-wishers of the current ruling dispensation would like to claim that has been achieved by Religion based polity rather than ‘Economics or Game’ play. In fact some of the Netas would go ahead to institutionalize the religion based polity as some other look piqued to join the chorus with their own brand of so called soft Hindutava. The idea is to reiterate the fact that cherished human ideals can almost never win in any politics, it seems. That is the unvoiced delimma in today’s politics wherein Hindutava is allowed a rather free space claiming it to be equivalent of Gandhi’s Humanism with GOP in bind, unable to differentiate between (say Ghandhi’s) Humanism from (political) Hindutava. The Chutt-bhaiya Netas would happily join the ruling party saying that it is the Champion for the Humanism rather than in preparation of a ‘saleable’ cocktail. They would then go ahead to shift party allegiance and happily join in power sharing/struggle and get to political nirvaana. Had the politics not been so, there would have tough action on lynch-mobs atleast and possibly the ‘intellectuals’ would have been able roam free. There may also be need to look at political violence in states where the so called secular party may also be in power as violecracy is not the option people opted for but for democracy. While the ordinary publics in such circumstances can be fooled into believing that ‘the cocktail’ is the best possible option, however political leadership is about shaping up better options rather buying into nonsense being promoted & bought for political reasons without an iota of evidence. The wheat and chaff is being separated for now, but the ‘real leaders’ needs to ‘found’ as of now. There are very few states talking talking about ‘progress and report card’ and even with all the criticism, the party in Capital seems to be making some attempt. While this is laudable, but comparatives with other states/leaders are lacking and thus messaging is lost.

While the debate is on about the ‘past’ and what is ‘our culture’, it must be brought to light that politics around Hindutava has always celebrated the Monarchs who would handover the kingdom to Vamans and then even sell off Wife and Child at their instistence (and that’s celebrated as Harishchandra). This is not a single example as we have examples of Raja Bali, Karna, Eklavya and several others who are celebrated in ‘prescribed scriptures’ by ‘the culture’ and the ‘praja/ordinary people or even the family/community’ who has been let down are completely neglected in the scriptures. The fact that Psychos amongst the so presumed to be learned ones (but violent) viz. Durvasa, Vishwamitr, Parshuram etc. have been glorified and the faithfuls are told to be tolerant towards their extravaganges and gone forth to glorify their lives. Thus rather than being asked to question such ‘cultural scriptures’ from different perspectives, the citizes are told to ‘surrender’ to the ‘scriptures/vaman-driven culture’. This is even as those very texts are repleat with some of the finest understanding of ‘politics’, which is always contextualized for ‘surrender’ of common folks for the benefit of the Raja. The subjects are taught is to ‘bow’ at the ‘right places’ as part of rigmorale rather than applying their own mind to raise questions. It is important to bring a counter-narrative as even the so call ‘liberal (commercial) news media’ is suceptible to the narrative being set like Human Tormentors are being talked about as Gau-Rakshaks and such violence is being given a colour of some presumed ‘faith’ out to protect some thing rather than destroy Humanism, what it actually is.

The reason probably instead of tolerance of ‘faith/s and faithfuls’, GOP always in some way promoted appeasement of ‘faith/faithfuls’ with varying degree while maintaining a chimera of being ‘secular’. The charge here is different from what ‘opposition or current ruling party’ would paint it with viz. appeasement of minority. The fact is there was some degree of appeasement for all ‘faith leaders’ or one would be unable to explain the ‘sangharsh’ of women most recently in Kerala or in other places, laws on cow protection etc. There may be some rethink required as lynch mobs seem to be going un-challenged with weak investigation, whether by design or by error. There are issues being deliberately created for liberal intellectuals who would want to protray a contrary view for public consumption other than one that the cultural/religion chauvininst may want. However the point of view are valid point of view and in past the authors and intellect have brought these contrary views to public without making that to be an attack on faith, prominent examples being that of Suyodhan (Duryodhan) or even for Ravvan etc. Culture cannot be what a few faithfuls would want to define it to be and it can’t be only what is presumed to have happen few thousand years ago. It is what the society ‘makes happen’ on everyday basis be it worship of idols or songs/music, daily lives and a wide variety of things that happen without force or coercion. In fact it is free flow and ever altering rather than static what some may want us to presume. So actually the attacks on creative freedoms for authors, film-makers, journos etc. need to be taken up with vigor, although Yours Truly would reserve his right for usage of (word-commercial). This also needs to be noted that nearly every faith leaders does the bidding for the faith, however the leadership in government mush maintain its distance and allow people to dissent from leaders of faith and maintain equanimity rather than join a side or seem to be taking sides. What’s also being forgotten is that most of the rural areas remain ‘change’ political mode, although Neta level realignment continue in hope for percieved ‘victory’. The Netas especially the top ones aren’t sufficiently concentrating on the ‘problem’ in the heft and huddle for victory and there is a need to first define this before some solution begins. The betenoir of yesteryears (Your’s Truly) may be one of the party’s last hopes. Let the ‘Game’ evolve…..

 

[Swaswati Borpuzari]

Okay, here's an article exploring the complexities of the "Leadership Dilemma: Humanism vs. Hindutva," aiming for a balanced and nuanced perspective.

Leadership Dilemma: Navigating the Tightrope Between Humanism and Hindutva

In the modern landscape of India, a significant tension is playing out, not only within society but also within the very idea of leadership. This tension centers around the contrasting pulls of humanism and Hindutva, two seemingly divergent philosophies that demand careful consideration. How can leaders navigate this complex terrain, and which path best serves the diverse and multifaceted needs of the nation?

Understanding the Terms:

• Humanism: At its core, humanism emphasizes the inherent value and worth of every human being, regardless of their background, belief system, or social standing. It prioritizes reason, ethics, and empathy in decision-making, aiming for a society built on equality, justice, and compassion. Humanism champions individual rights, freedom of thought, and the betterment of humanity as a whole.
• Hindutva: Hindutva, a term coined in the early 20th century, is a form of Hindu nationalism. It emphasizes a distinct Hindu cultural and national identity, often drawing from historical narratives and religious traditions. While not synonymous with Hinduism as a religion, it seeks to promote Hindu interests and influence, viewing India as a primarily Hindu nation. The interpretations and manifestations of Hindutva vary, ranging from cultural pride to more exclusionary political ideologies.

The Conflict and the Dilemma:

The inherent tension arises from the potential for Hindutva, in its more rigid forms, to prioritize the interests of one community over others, potentially undermining the humanist principles of equality and inclusivity. This can manifest in discriminatory policies, social exclusion, and limitations on individual freedoms for minority groups.

For leaders, this poses a significant dilemma:

• The Political Pressure: Prioritizing Hindutva can garner significant political support, particularly within a segment of the population that identifies with its ideals. This can translate into electoral success and solidify a leader's power base. However, it risks alienating other communities and creating social discord.
• The Moral Imperative: Conversely, a purely humanist approach might be perceived as a rejection of cultural identity and national pride by some. Leaders may face accusations of being "too secular" or "anti-Hindu," potentially eroding their support and political legitimacy. This approach, however, champions the fundamental rights and inherent dignity of all individuals, promoting a more inclusive and just society.
• Balancing Act: The true challenge lies in finding a balance. A responsible leader must recognize and respect the cultural heritage and religious sentiments of the majority without sacrificing the rights and freedoms of minority groups. This necessitates a nuanced approach that:
  
  • Promotes Inclusivity: Ensures that policies and practices are equitable and benefit all citizens, regardless of their religious or cultural background.
  • Upholds Constitutional Values: Champions the principles of secularism, justice, and equality as enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
  • Fosters Interfaith Harmony: Encourages dialogue and understanding between different communities, actively addressing prejudices and misconceptions.
  • Prioritizes Human Rights: Safeguards the fundamental rights and freedoms of every individual, protecting them from discrimination and violence.

The Path Forward: Leadership Beyond Ideology

The true test of leadership lies not in rigid adherence to any ideology, but in serving the best interests of the entire nation. This requires:

• Vision and Courage: Leaders must possess the vision to see beyond narrow ideological divides and the courage to prioritize the wellbeing of all citizens over political expediency.
• Dialogue and Collaboration: Building a cohesive society requires active engagement with all stakeholders, fostering dialogue and understanding across different communities.
• Education and Awareness: Promoting education about different cultures and religions is crucial to combating prejudice and fostering empathy.
• Principled Action: Leaders must be guided by principles of justice, fairness, and compassion, ensuring that their actions reflect the values of a pluralistic and democratic society.

Conclusion:

The tension between humanism and Hindutva represents a complex challenge for Indian leaders. The path forward requires a commitment to inclusive governance, upholding constitutional values, and prioritizing the well-being of all citizens. True leadership lies not in choosing one extreme over the other, but in navigating the delicate balance between cultural identity and universal humanism, ultimately forging a future where all individuals can thrive. This is a difficult path, requiring courage, wisdom, and above all, a deep commitment to the principles of justice and equality for all.

 

[Dhruv Bindhani]

Leadership Dilemma: Humanism vs Hindutava​

By: Amit Bhushan Date: 10th Oct. 2019

One of the challenges that the opposition faces is its ability to counter the current political narrative set by the ruling party and its cronies with yesteryear’s firepower and fixations. Politics in India has long looked at societal issues as anchors, rather than any human values. Thus one can explain the politics veering around caste and religion. Off late, the ‘caste politics’ wave seems to have subsided and well-wishers of the current ruling dispensation would like to claim that has been achieved by Religion based polity rather than ‘Economics or Game’ play. In fact some of the Netas would go ahead to institutionalize the religion based polity as some other look piqued to join the chorus with their own brand of so called soft Hindutava. The idea is to reiterate the fact that cherished human ideals can almost never win in any politics, it seems. That is the unvoiced delimma in today’s politics wherein Hindutava is allowed a rather free space claiming it to be equivalent of Gandhi’s Humanism with GOP in bind, unable to differentiate between (say Ghandhi’s) Humanism from (political) Hindutava. The Chutt-bhaiya Netas would happily join the ruling party saying that it is the Champion for the Humanism rather than in preparation of a ‘saleable’ cocktail. They would then go ahead to shift party allegiance and happily join in power sharing/struggle and get to political nirvaana. Had the politics not been so, there would have tough action on lynch-mobs atleast and possibly the ‘intellectuals’ would have been able roam free. There may also be need to look at political violence in states where the so called secular party may also be in power as violecracy is not the option people opted for but for democracy. While the ordinary publics in such circumstances can be fooled into believing that ‘the cocktail’ is the best possible option, however political leadership is about shaping up better options rather buying into nonsense being promoted & bought for political reasons without an iota of evidence. The wheat and chaff is being separated for now, but the ‘real leaders’ needs to ‘found’ as of now. There are very few states talking talking about ‘progress and report card’ and even with all the criticism, the party in Capital seems to be making some attempt. While this is laudable, but comparatives with other states/leaders are lacking and thus messaging is lost.

While the debate is on about the ‘past’ and what is ‘our culture’, it must be brought to light that politics around Hindutava has always celebrated the Monarchs who would handover the kingdom to Vamans and then even sell off Wife and Child at their instistence (and that’s celebrated as Harishchandra). This is not a single example as we have examples of Raja Bali, Karna, Eklavya and several others who are celebrated in ‘prescribed scriptures’ by ‘the culture’ and the ‘praja/ordinary people or even the family/community’ who has been let down are completely neglected in the scriptures. The fact that Psychos amongst the so presumed to be learned ones (but violent) viz. Durvasa, Vishwamitr, Parshuram etc. have been glorified and the faithfuls are told to be tolerant towards their extravaganges and gone forth to glorify their lives. Thus rather than being asked to question such ‘cultural scriptures’ from different perspectives, the citizes are told to ‘surrender’ to the ‘scriptures/vaman-driven culture’. This is even as those very texts are repleat with some of the finest understanding of ‘politics’, which is always contextualized for ‘surrender’ of common folks for the benefit of the Raja. The subjects are taught is to ‘bow’ at the ‘right places’ as part of rigmorale rather than applying their own mind to raise questions. It is important to bring a counter-narrative as even the so call ‘liberal (commercial) news media’ is suceptible to the narrative being set like Human Tormentors are being talked about as Gau-Rakshaks and such violence is being given a colour of some presumed ‘faith’ out to protect some thing rather than destroy Humanism, what it actually is.

The reason probably instead of tolerance of ‘faith/s and faithfuls’, GOP always in some way promoted appeasement of ‘faith/faithfuls’ with varying degree while maintaining a chimera of being ‘secular’. The charge here is different from what ‘opposition or current ruling party’ would paint it with viz. appeasement of minority. The fact is there was some degree of appeasement for all ‘faith leaders’ or one would be unable to explain the ‘sangharsh’ of women most recently in Kerala or in other places, laws on cow protection etc. There may be some rethink required as lynch mobs seem to be going un-challenged with weak investigation, whether by design or by error. There are issues being deliberately created for liberal intellectuals who would want to protray a contrary view for public consumption other than one that the cultural/religion chauvininst may want. However the point of view are valid point of view and in past the authors and intellect have brought these contrary views to public without making that to be an attack on faith, prominent examples being that of Suyodhan (Duryodhan) or even for Ravvan etc. Culture cannot be what a few faithfuls would want to define it to be and it can’t be only what is presumed to have happen few thousand years ago. It is what the society ‘makes happen’ on everyday basis be it worship of idols or songs/music, daily lives and a wide variety of things that happen without force or coercion. In fact it is free flow and ever altering rather than static what some may want us to presume. So actually the attacks on creative freedoms for authors, film-makers, journos etc. need to be taken up with vigor, although Yours Truly would reserve his right for usage of (word-commercial). This also needs to be noted that nearly every faith leaders does the bidding for the faith, however the leadership in government mush maintain its distance and allow people to dissent from leaders of faith and maintain equanimity rather than join a side or seem to be taking sides. What’s also being forgotten is that most of the rural areas remain ‘change’ political mode, although Neta level realignment continue in hope for percieved ‘victory’. The Netas especially the top ones aren’t sufficiently concentrating on the ‘problem’ in the heft and huddle for victory and there is a need to first define this before some solution begins. The betenoir of yesteryears (Your’s Truly) may be one of the party’s last hopes. Let the ‘Game’ evolve…..

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