Hindutva is a Sanskrit term. It is the combination of two words, “Hindu” and “Tva”. “Hindu” is a cultural and civilisational identity, and “tva” is a suffix used to describe “that which is”. Hindutva literally means “that which is Hindu” or “Hinduness”.
What is Hindutva
Some of the examples of Hindutva practices
At a personal level: wearing of culturally significant symbols like bindi/ tilak, sporting a sacred thread on the wrist, wearing ethnic cloths, etc. Taking an oath on a Hindu sacred text in the court of law or Parliament. Performing or promoting the Hindu Art form. Having Hindu names (Practising and/ or promoting Yoga, Following Hindu food practices, Communicating in Indic Languages)
At the household level: Displaying Hindu symbols on homes and vehicles. Lighting lamps during Diwali like Rishi Sunak did at 10 Downing Street. Welcoming guests at home.
At the community level: Public celebrations of Hindu festivals like Holi, Ganeshotsav, Dussehra, Navratri, Diwali, etc. Celebrating Diwali and other Hindu festivals in schools and the workplace. Appreciating the work of emergency service personnel like Police/ Paramedics/ Fire Brigade/ care workers, and the Armed forces, by tying Rakhi to them during Rakshabandhan.
Education: Felicitating teachers during teachers appreciation day. Supporting school visits to Mandirs. Conveying the message of Hindu Dharma through holding school assemblies. Promoting the teaching of Hinduism in schools.
Sewa initiatives: feeding the carers or needy groups, such as during Covid, or providing relief to the victims of the Ukraine war. Raising funds for Charities and replenishing food banks. Blood donation campaigns in Mandirs. Supporting and fundraising for Charities. Feeding devotees and visitors at Mandirs.
Environmental Protection: Joining local initiatives like street cleaning, Beach cleaning, and tree planting. Reducing plastic use. Animal welfare.
Women: Planning and promoting activities which encourage Women empowerment.
National events: Representing the Hindu community at Remembrance Day or high-profile Charity initiative.
Media: Expressing the Hindu point of view in the print, broadcast or social media.
Advocacy: Seeking easier access to crematoria and immersion of ashes after death. Hindu Chaplaincy services. Speaking up for human rights of oppressed minorities. Raising awareness about anti-Hindu hate.
Politics: Engaging with the grassroots democracy by organising hustings and connecting with Local Councillors and MPs.
Integration and independence: Standing on your own two feet, loyalty to the country you live in and rule of law, which are the great British values resonates entirely with the fundamentals of Hindutva.
India: Regarding the Indian subcontinent as the source of Hindu culture and the sacred land. Undertaking a pilgrimage to India and learn about its culture.
Faith: Follow religious/philosophical value systems which originated from the Indian subcontinent.
In summary
Hindutva is Hindu-ness or that which is Hindu by culture, not merely religion as it has been misunderstood and/or misinformed to be.
Hindutva is pluralistic, it is that which takes everyone along, brings everyone together, unites everyone within itself and makes everyone prosper.
It is that which develops and achieves harmony among all and benefits all. It is the essence of Dharma and the essence of every Hindu.
