Author: Dr. Robin Dhakal
January 22, 2024, marked the official inauguration of one of the most expensive religious projects in the world- the Ram temple in Ayodhya, India. This temple sits on a 70-acre land and the temple itself covers 2.7 acres of space. The project took 3.5 years and a whopping $217 million to complete. The inauguration ceremony was attending by some of the most prominent celebrities, cricketers, and politicians including the Prime Minister of India- Narendra Modi and it was broadcasted live by most major Indian TV networks. The temple's construction and inauguration have been a source of celebration for many Hindus, as well as a symbol of Modi's Hindu nationalist agenda. However, the temple's history and location have also been marred by controversy, violence, and legal disputes, as the site was previously occupied by a 16th century mosque that was demolished by a Hindu mob in 1992.
Here's a brief history.
On December 6, 1992, a large crowd of Hindu hardliners, led
by the leaders of one of the largest political parties, Bharatiya Janata party
(BJP), stormed the Babri Masjid (the mosque) and razed it to the ground. The
demolition sparked widespread communal riots across India, killing more than
2,000 people, mostly Muslims. The incident also triggered a series of bomb
blasts in Mumbai in 1993, killing over 250 people, and a terrorist attack on
the Indian Parliament in 2001, killing 14 people. The demolition also led to a
long and complex legal battle over the ownership and status of the disputed
land, involving various parties. In 2010, the Allahabad High Court divided the
disputed land into three parts, giving it to different Hindu and Muslim groups.
However, in 2019, the Supreme Court delivered a unanimous verdict, giving the
entire disputed land to the Hindus for the construction of the Ram temple, and
allotting a separate five-acre land to the Muslims for the construction of a
mosque elsewhere in Ayodhya. This verdict was a big victory for devout Hindus
because lord Ram is believed to have been born at the site in the disputed
land.
How did Hindu nationalism gain traction in India?
The origins of this ideology can be traced back to the 19th
century, when India was under British colonial rule. During this time, a number
of Hindu reform movements emerged, seeking to revive and modernize Hinduism in
response to the perceived threat of Westernization and Christian missionary
activities. Over the course of the 20th century, Hindu nationalism continued to
grow in India, fueled in part by the partition of India in 1947 and the
subsequent creation of Pakistan as a separate Muslim nation. Today, Hindu
nationalism remains a significant force in Indian politics, with the ruling BJP
espousing many of its key principles.
The political landscape of India has been undergoing
significant changes in recent years, with the rise of Hindu nationalist leader
Narendra Modi. Modi, who was first elected as Prime Minister in 2014, has been
credited with ushering in a new era of economic growth and development in
India. Modi's rise to power has coincided with a surge in Hindu nationalism, which
has led to a number of controversial policies, including the revocation of
Kashmir's autonomous status and the introduction of a controversial citizenship
law that many argue discriminates against Muslims. Despite these controversies,
Modi and the BJP continue to enjoy widespread support in India. Many see him as
a strong and decisive leader who has brought much-needed economic and social
reforms to the country. Others, however, worry about the erosion of India's
secular fabric and the growing divide between Hindus and Muslims.
“Separation of Church and State”
The implication of this rising Hindu nationalism in India is
huge and it goes against some of the basic fabrics of a true liberal democracy.
Pluralism (and tolerance,) and respect for human rights- which includes civil
liberties such as freedom of speech, assembly, and religion, are important
components of a democratic society. This basic principle is what led the
Founding Fathers in the US to profess the idea of separation of church and
state. While the exact phrase "separation of church and state" is not
explicitly found in the US Constitution, its principles are derived from
various documents and speeches. That phrase is often attributed to Thomas
Jefferson because of the letter he wrote in which he said: “Believing with you
that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he
owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate
powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions, I contemplate with
sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that
their legislature should 'make no law respecting an establishment of religion,
or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,' thus building a wall of separation
between Church & State.”
Here's what it means and why it is important for India’s
democracy.
The term simply represents the idea that there should be a
clear distinction and independence between religious institutions and
government authorities. It means that citizens are free to practice their
religion or hold secular beliefs without interference or coercion from the
government. It means that the state should treat all citizens equally,
irrespective of their religious affiliations, to foster a society that values
diversity and pluralism. It means that policy decisions are made based on
rational and secular considerations rather than being influenced by religious
dogma which helps in crafting laws and policies that are more inclusive and
reflective of the diverse beliefs within a society. It means that laws should
be based on legal principles and the common good rather than religious
doctrine. These ideals are important because when religion is not intertwined
with political power, the potential for religious groups to vie for control or
dominance diminishes, promoting social harmony and cohesion. In addition, when
religious institutions are separate, they are less likely to wield undue
influence over political decisions which helps in holding public officials
accountable for their actions and policies without the cloud of religious bias.
A secular government encourages individuals of different religious beliefs and
non-believers to engage in public discourse, contributing to a more vibrant and
inclusive democratic society.
We have seen several incidents of religious violence in
India that occurred, in part, because religion plays a big role in politics and
government. In 2002, more than 1000 people were killed and thousands more
injured in Gujarat. In 2020, more than 53 people were killed and hundred
injured in Delhi. More recently in 2023, 6 people were killed and 50 injured in
Haryana. And there are countless more. These were all conflicts between Hindus
and Muslims.
India is the largest democracy in the world. It is one of
the only three Hindu majority countries in the world besides Nepal and
Mauritius. It is a country with diverse ethnicity, language, and religion. While
80% of the Indian population are Hindu, close to 286 million people in India
practice other religions. By advancing Hindu nationalism, the government is
alienating its 286 million citizens. It is important to note that I am not
criticizing or singling out Hinduism. I am a Hindu and I have utmost respect
for its history and its teachings. But as Thomas Jefferson said, religion lies
solely between man and his god. Hindu (or any other religion) nationalism goes
directly against the basic tenets of a healthy democracy. India has to make a
decision- will it be a Hindu nationalistic state or will it be a democratic
state. It cannot be both.
This has a potential implication for India’s economy,
too.
I’d argue that India’s push and acceptance of Hindu
nationalism has major implication for its economy. There are several different
ways that this could hurt or stifle India’s economic progress. First, it has
the potential to shape investor perception and confidence. Individuals may be
more likely to invest in companies that align with their religious beliefs and
values. This could mean investing in companies that only support causes that
are important to them from a religious perspective. There is also evidence to
suggest that religious identity can influence how investors approach risk. Some
research has suggested that individuals who identify strongly with a particular
religion may be more risk-averse when it comes to investing, as they may be
more concerned with avoiding financial losses than with maximizing gains.
Investors often look for stability and predictability in the
political and social environment of a country before committing to long-term
investments. The promotion of Hindu nationalism can create an atmosphere of
uncertainty and instability, which can lead to a decrease in foreign direct
investment, hindering India's economic potential and impeding its ability to
compete on the global stage. For instance, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)
and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) have sparked controversy, with
critics arguing that such policies might exacerbate social divisions and create
an unwelcoming environment for investors. Companies may be hesitant to invest
in a country where discrimination is prevalent, as it can lead to negative
publicity and damage their reputation. Additionally, religious nationalism can
lead to policies that favor local businesses over foreign ones, which can further
discourage foreign investment.
It can also have a significant impact on the business
environment, particularly when it comes to minority-owned businesses. In many
cases, religious nationalism can lead to discrimination against certain groups,
making it more difficult for businesses owned by members of these groups to
succeed. This can include everything from difficulty securing loans and funding
to outright harassment or violence. Another way it can impact commerce is
through the rise of protectionist policies. These policies are often put in
place to protect local businesses and industries, but they can also have
unintended consequences. For example, they may lead to increased tariffs on
imported goods or restrictions on foreign investment, which can make it more
difficult for businesses to operate and succeed in a global economy. Additionally,
discriminatory practices within the workplace may discourage a diverse
workforce, ultimately hindering the creativity and dynamism needed for a
thriving economy. When certain groups are marginalized or discriminated
against, it can be challenging to create a work environment that is welcoming
and supportive of all employees. This can lead to high turnover rates,
difficulty recruiting top talent, and a negative reputation in the broader
business community.
Diplomatic relations and international trade are very
important for any country trying to compete in a global market. But the
influence of Hindu nationalism on India's policies may strain economic ties
with its allies and neighboring countries. For instance, strained relations
with Pakistan have the potential to disrupt trade routes and hinder the
regional economic ecosystem. In addition, India’s diplomatic and economic
relation with the United States might take a toll as the US’s stance on
religious liberty and democratic values do not align with India’s Hindu
nationalism. Furthermore, the prioritization of religious identity in
policymaking may lead to isolationist tendencies, affecting trade agreements
and alliances, which are crucial for India's economic prosperity in an
interconnected global economy. This shift in international dynamics poses a
risk to the stability of India's economy and its standing in the global
economic community.
Policies are important.
India has an awesome opportunity to be the global economic
superpower. It has abundance of labor, capital, natural resources, and
technology- all of the ingredients necessary for a long term sustainable
economic growth. However, this is only possible if its economic and social
policies are inclusive. Hindu nationalism risks it. Supporters of the BJP and
other Hindu nationalist groups argue that their policies are aimed at promoting
the interests of the Indian people and strengthening the country's economy. While
such ideology and policies may cater to a specific voter base, they risk
neglecting the broader economic interests of the nation. For example, a focus
on religious-based welfare programs might divert resources from more inclusive
initiatives that address the economic needs of all citizens, irrespective of
their religious affiliations. Decisions driven by religious considerations
rather than economic feasibility may lead to inefficient resource allocation,
hindering the nation's ability to address pressing economic challenges and
seize growth opportunities.
Furthermore, the prioritization of short-term political
gains over long-term economic planning may result in unsustainable fiscal
practices. This approach poses a risk to India's economic stability,
potentially leading to inflation, budgetary deficits, and a weakened currency,
all of which can undermine the nation's economic resilience.
Final thoughts
Religion is a contentious issue, and the trajectory of the
Indian politics and governance suggests that religious disputes are here to
stay. However, if India wants to establish itself as a democratic role model
and an economic superpower, it has to pivot away from religious politics and
embrace all of the tenets of a liberal democracy. The Spanish Inquisition, the
Puritan Commonwealth in England, and more recently the Iranian Revolution and
the Taliban regime are all examples of failed religious states. Because of the
huge implication on its democracy and its economic well-being, India should
stay a secular nation- like its Constitution states.
References:
Discriminatory policies
trigger religious violence in India. Human Rights Watch. (2023, August 3).
https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/08/03/discriminatory-policies-trigger-religious-violence-india
The Economist Newspaper.
(2024, January 18). Narendra Modi’s illiberalism may imperil India’s
economic progress. The Economist.
https://www.economist.com/leaders/2024/01/18/narendra-modis-illiberalism-may-imperil-indias-economic-progress
Frayer, L. (2019, April
22). Hindu nationalism, the growing trend in India. NPR.
https://www.npr.org/2019/04/22/715875298/hindu-nationalism-the-growing-trend-in-india
Joshi, A. (2021, September
27). India has become more religious in recent years. here’s why that
matters. The Bulwark.
https://www.thebulwark.com/india-has-become-more-religious-in-recent-years-heres-why-that-matters/
Krishnan, M. (2023, August
11). India’s religious violence: What’s behind raging clashes? – DW –
08/10/2023. dw.com.
https://www.dw.com/en/india-religion-violence/a-66492581
Sharma, A. (2021, September
17). India: Religious riots surge in 2020 – DW – 09/17/2021. dw.com.
https://www.dw.com/en/india-religious-riots-surge-in-2020-despite-lockdown-report/a-59208560
*Opinions shared are those of the authors and independent of the publication or institution. .
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