Dr Juie Shetye

Chapter 1 

Changing Ideologies! 

“Navigating the Tides of Intolerance: A Journey from Hindutva Strongholds to Gandhi’s Ideals”

Growing up in the heart of Mumbai, at Dadar, I found myself surrounded by a sea of fervent political ideology. Dadar, often referred to as a bastion of right-wing Hindutva politics, was my home. The words of Balasaheb Thackeray, a towering figure in Maharashtra politics, echoed through the streets and resonated within the walls of many households. His ideology of “Mi Marathi” (I am Marathi) and the emphasis on Hindutva were the rallying cries that shaped the political landscape of the region.

However, it wasn’t just the bustling streets and crowded markets that shaped my childhood; it was the pervasive political atmosphere that constantly whispered its beliefs into the ears of every resident.

In my family, these right-wing views were not just opinions but a way of life. From the breakfast table discussions to family gatherings, the air was thick with political debates and passionate arguments in favor of Hindutva ideology (Varshney, 2019). It was challenging to grow up in such an environment, constantly questioning the beliefs I was being taught, and grappling with my understanding of what it meant to be Hindu.

For me, the meaning of Hinduism was vastly different from the narrow and exclusionary interpretation that was prevalent around me. I turned to the ancient Hindu Vedas, seeking wisdom and guidance. I discovered a philosophy rooted in inclusivity, compassion, and respect for all living beings. This was the Hinduism that resonated with me, a religion that celebrated diversity and promoted unity among all people.

As I delved deeper into my studies and exploration of various ideologies, I found myself drawn towards liberal-left-socialist principles. The teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, with his emphasis on non-violence, social justice, and equality, deeply influenced my evolving worldview (Roy, 2015). Gandhi’s vision of a harmonious society where every individual is valued resonated with me, and I began to question the divisive and polarizing politics that I had grown up with.

Today, as I reflect on the current political landscape in India, I see a nation at a crossroads. The rise of right-wing politics, fueled by religious nationalism, has led to increasing polarization and division within society (Jaffrelot, 2019). Instead of embracing our rich cultural diversity and pluralistic heritage, we are witnessing attempts to homogenize and marginalize those who do not conform to a particular worldview (Menon, 2020).

The Indian Constitution, with its foundational principles of secularism and fraternity, stands as a testament to our nation’s commitment to equality, social justice, and unity. Article 15 of the Constitution explicitly prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth (Thorat & Newman, 2010), underscoring our collective aspiration for a society that values diversity and inclusivity.

Growing up reciting the pledge in school every morning, “All Indians are my brothers and sisters,” instilled in me a profound sense of unity and brotherhood. This simple yet powerful message serves as a reminder of our shared identity as Indians, transcending the boundaries of language, religion, and region.

In today’s polarized political landscape, where divisive rhetoric and identity politics often overshadow the principles of secularism and fraternity (Varshney, 2019), it is more crucial than ever to uphold these constitutional values. The rising tide of right-wing nationalism and religious polarization threatens to undermine the fabric of our pluralistic society, perpetuating divisions and fostering animosity among communities (Menon, 2020).

As we navigate these challenging times, it is imperative to reaffirm our commitment to the ideals enshrined in our Constitution and the values that define us as a nation. We must resist the politics of hate and division, and strive to build bridges of understanding and empathy across diverse communities.

Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings of non-violence, social justice, and equality offer a timeless blueprint for building a harmonious society (Roy, 2015). His vision of India as a land of peace, tolerance, and coexistence remains as relevant today as it was during the struggle for independence.

In conclusion, my journey from growing up in a right-wing Hindutva stronghold to embracing the inclusive and compassionate principles of Gandhi’s ideology has been transformative. It has taught me the importance of challenging divisive narratives, promoting dialogue and understanding, and working towards a future where every individual is valued and respected.

As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” It is up to each one of us to be the agents of change, advocating for a more equitable, compassionate, and united India, grounded in the principles of our Constitution and the spirit of our national pledge.

Articles that helped me build the above article.

1. Rise of Right-Wing Politics and Religious Nationalism: ”The rise of right-wing politics in India has been marked by a surge in religious nationalism, leading to increased polarization and divisions within society.” (Source: Jaffrelot, Christophe. “The Modi Years: What has changed and what hasn’t.” The Indian Express, 2019.)
2. Threat to Secularism and Pluralism: ”The secular fabric of India is under threat, with increasing efforts to undermine its pluralistic heritage and promote a homogenized cultural identity.” (Source: Menon, Nivedita. “Secularism under Siege: Challenges and Controversies.” Economic and Political Weekly, 2020.)
3. Growing Divisiveness and Identity Politics: ”Identity politics has become a dominant force in Indian politics, often overshadowing issues of governance and development and perpetuating divisions based on religion, caste, and ethnicity.” (Source: Varshney, Ashutosh. “Identity Politics and Indian Democracy.” Oxford University Press, 2019.)
4. Threats to Freedom of Expression and Dissent: ”There has been a growing intolerance towards dissent and a crackdown on freedom of expression in India, with increasing incidents of censorship and attacks on journalists and activists.” (Source: Roy, Arundhati. “The End of Imagination.” Harper’s Magazine, 2015.)
5. Challenges to Social Justice and Equality: ”Despite constitutional guarantees, social justice remains elusive in India, with persistent inequalities based on caste, gender, and economic status.” (Source: Thorat, Sukhadeo, and Newman, Katherine. “Caste and Economic Discrimination: Causes, Consequences, and Remedies.” Yale University Press, 2010.)