India: Will the Largest Democracy in the World Survive Religious Nationalism?
Summary
This episode of American Non-Exceptionalism delves into the rise of Hindu nationalism in India and its global impact, including its manifestations within the Indian diaspora in the United States. Hosts Matthew Taylor and Susie Hayward discuss the symbolism and controversy surrounding the use of a bulldozer in an India Day parade in New Jersey, highlighting Hindu nationalism's influence on American soil. Scholars Nikhil Mandalaparthy and Anant Rambachan provide a historical perspective on India's transition from British colonial rule to a secular democracy, the role of Hindu nationalist organizations like the RSS, and the political ascent of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP. The episode also explores grassroots resistance strategies, the role of the academic community, and the importance of interfaith and intra-faith dialogue in combating religious nationalism.
Additional Resources:
- Mandalaparthy, Nikhil. “100 Years Later American Hindu Leaders are Making the Same Mistakes.” The Wire, 6 Sept. 2021.
- Mandalaparthy, Nikhil. “A ‘Pilgrimage of Love’ Seeks Indian Hindu Leaders Willing to Condemn Hindu Nationalism.” Religion News Service, 24 Apr. 2023.
- Rambachan, Anantanand. Essays in Hindu Theology. Fortress Press, 2019
- Rambachan, Anantanand. “The Hindu Value for Debate and Dissent: Untangling Hinduism and Hindutva.” Anantanand Rambachan – Blog, 15 Mar. 2020
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