Empowering Hindu Renaissance: Unveiling Global Triumphs and Unity

Dive into the intricate tapestry of Hindu Awakening, a phenomenon resonating globally. From the resurgence of spiritual practices to the complex dynamics of Hindu nationalism, this article unveils the diverse facets shaping Hinduism’s influence.

Hindu Awakening:
Hindu Awakening is a term that can refer to different phenomena related to Hinduism, such as:

• The revival of Hindu spirituality and culture in India and abroad, especially since the 19th century. This includes the emergence of various Hindu movements, gurus, organizations, and practices that aim to promote Hindu values, identity, and heritage. Some examples are the Ramakrishna Mission, the Arya Samaj, the Hindu Mahasabha, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the Vishva Hindu Parishad, the Art of Living, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, and the Transcendental Meditation.
• The rise of Hindu nationalism and political influence in India, especially since the late 20th century. This involves the assertion of Hindu majoritarianism, the promotion of Hindutva ideology, the protection of Hindu interests and sentiments, and the opposition to perceived threats from other religions, especially Islam and Christianity. Some examples are the Babri Masjid demolition, the Gujarat riots, the Ayodhya verdict, the Citizenship Amendment Act, and the Delhi violence.
• The awakening of Kundalini, a form of divine feminine energy that is believed to be located at the base of the spine, in the muladhara chakra. In Shaiva Tantra, it is a key concept that represents the divine feminine or the Goddess’s formless aspect. Through tantric practice, this energy in the body can be activated and developed, which is said to result in spiritual freedom. Parvati or Adi Parashakti, the highest deity in Shaktism, and the goddesses Bhairavi and Kubjika are linked to Kundalini.

These are some of the possible meanings of Hindu Awakening.

The Hindu influence in Europe and America:
According to some sources, Hinduism has been spreading in the Western world since the 19th century, through academic studies, cultural exchanges, immigration, and spiritual movements.

Some of the factors that have contributed to the growth and visibility of Hinduism in the West are:

• The teachings and activities of Hindu gurus, such as Swami Vivekananda, Paramahansa Yogananda, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Sathya Sai Baba, and Swami Prabhupada, who attracted many followers from different backgrounds and traditions. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2015/04/02/hindus/
• The popularity of yoga, meditation, and other practices derived from Hindu philosophy and spirituality, which are seen as beneficial for health, well-being, and personal development.
• The diversity and richness of Hindu culture, art, music, literature, and cuisine, which appeal to many people’s tastes and interests.
• The advocacy and activism of Hindu organizations and communities, which seek to promote Hindu values, identity, and heritage, as well as to address issues of discrimination, representation, and human rights.

These are some of the ways that Hinduism has influenced and been influenced by the Western world. However, the extent and impact of this influence may vary depending on the context, perspective, and criteria used to measure it.

Religious Conversions:
The Indian government has suspended or canceled the FCRA licenses of several NGOs, including some Christian groups, for various reasons, such as failing to meet the eligibility conditions, violating the rules and regulations, or not applying for renewal in time.

The FCRA license is required for any NGO to receive foreign funds for their activities. Some of the Christian groups whose FCRA licenses were suspended or canceled are Ecreosoculis North Western Gossner Evangelical, the Evangelical Churches Association, the Northern Evangelical Lutheran Church, the New Life Fellowship Association, and the Missionaries of Charity.

Some of these groups have been accused of being involved in religious conversion activities, especially among the poor and tribal communities, by offering them material or monetary incentives.

The issue of religious conversion is a sensitive and controversial one in India, where different religious groups have coexisted for centuries, but also faced conflicts and violence at times. The Constitution of India guarantees the right to freedom of religion and conscience, but also prohibits the conversion of any person by force, fraud, or inducement.

Love Jihad:
Some states have enacted or proposed laws to ban “Love Jihad”. These laws require interfaith couples to seek prior permission from the authorities before getting married, and impose harsh penalties for any conversion that is deemed to be fraudulent or coerced.

The first state to implement such a law was Uttar Pradesh, where several Muslim men have been arrested and many interfaith couples have been questioned by the police and vigilante groups. Other states that have passed or announced similar laws are Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Karnataka.

Jihad Business:
Jihad business is a term that can refer to different phenomena related to the use of violence, terrorism, or extremism in the name of Islam, for political, ideological, or economic purposes.

According to some sources, the unity of Hindus, or the rise of Hindu nationalism and majoritarianism in India, has led to the downfall of Jihad business in some places, such as Kashmir, where the insurgency and militancy have been reduced in recent years.

Some of the factors that have contributed to this downfall are:

• The abrogation of Article 370 and 35A of the Indian constitution, which granted special status and autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, by the BJP-led government in 2019. This move was seen as a way to assert India’s sovereignty and control over the disputed region, and to curb the separatist and Islamist movements that had been active there for decades.
• The increased security and counter-terrorism measures taken by the Indian government and security forces, such as the use of drones, surveillance, intelligence, and targeted operations, to eliminate the leaders and operatives of various militant groups, such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen, that had been involved in Jihad business in Kashmir and other parts of India.
• The loss of support and legitimacy of the Jihad business among the local population, especially the youth, who have become disillusioned and alienated by the violence, corruption, and exploitation of the militant groups, and have sought more peaceful and constructive ways to express their grievances and aspirations, such as education, employment, and entrepreneurship.
• The isolation and pressure of the international community, especially the US and its allies, on Pakistan, which has been accused of sponsoring and sheltering the Jihad business in India and Afghanistan, and of using it as a strategic tool to counter India’s influence and interests in the region. Pakistan has faced sanctions, scrutiny, and criticism for its alleged role in supporting terrorism and extremism, and has been urged to take decisive action against the Jihad business on its soil.

Sanatan Dharma:
Sanatan Dharma is a Sanskrit term that means “eternal law” or “eternal order” . It is an alternative name for Hinduism, the oldest and third largest religion in the world, with over one billion followers. Sanatan Dharma is based on the Vedas, the ancient scriptures that contain the spiritual and ethical teachings of Hinduism. Sanatan Dharma encompasses a variety of traditions, philosophies, practices, and sects, but it also has some common principles, such as the belief in reincarnation, karma, dharma, and the supreme reality of Brahman.

Sanatan Dharma has faced many challenges and criticisms throughout history, from foreign invasions, colonialism, conversions, and social reforms. Some people have spoken against Sanatan Dharma, accusing it of being oppressive, discriminatory, superstitious, or outdated. Some of these critics include political leaders, social activists, religious groups, and intellectuals. For example, some of the recent controversies around Sanatan Dharma involve the remarks made by Udhayanidhi Stalin, the son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, who compared Sanatan Dharma to diseases like dengue, malaria, and corona, and called for its eradication. He also said that Sanatan Dharma was based on the caste system and inequality, and that it enslaved women. His comments sparked a lot of outrage and opposition from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Hindu right-wing groups, who accused him of insulting the country’s culture and faith.

On the other hand, Sanatan Dharma has also attracted and influenced many people from different backgrounds, cultures, and countries, who have embraced or appreciated its teachings, values, and practices. Some of these people include celebrities, scientists, artists, and spiritual seekers. For example, some of the famous international figures who have turned Hindu or have been touched by Sanatan Dharma are:

• Mark Zuckerberg: The Facebook founder has confessed that he was frustrated with his life, and that he went on a personal tour of Uttarakhand in India, where he met Karoli Baba, a Hindu saint who is believed to be an avatar of Lord Hanuman. After meeting him, his life changed for the better, and he founded Facebook upon his return.
• Steve Jobs: The Apple founder was also deeply influenced by Indian mysticism and Sanatan Dharma. He was a follower of Karoli Baba, and practiced Hindu rituals and meditation. He also advised Mark Zuckerberg to visit Karoli Baba.
• Julia Roberts: The Hollywood actress converted to Hinduism after she came to India to shoot Eat, Pray, Love. She was impressed by the Hindu philosophy and spirituality, and decided to follow Sanatan Dharma. She said that it made her more compassionate and loving.
• Sylvester Stallone: The Rambo star performed a Hindu ritual called pind daan for his son, who died in 2012. Pind daan is a ritual for the dead person to attain moksha, or liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Stallone said that he felt his son’s spirit around him, and that the ritual gave him peace.
• Russell Brand: The comedian and actor got initiated to Hinduism through transcendental meditation, a technique derived from Hindu philosophy. He also married Katy Perry in a Hindu ceremony in India, and has a tattoo of the Hindu mantra “Om” on his body.
• Erwin Schrödinger: The Nobel Prize-winning physicist was inspired by Sanatan Dharma and its concept of the unity of all existence. He quoted the Upanishads, the ancient Hindu scriptures, in his works, and said that the multiplicity is only apparent, and that the mystical experience of the union with God leads to this view.

Hindu Unity And Jokes:
Hindu jokes have been reduced on WhatsApp and Facebook, two of the most popular social media platforms in India, due to the rise of Hindu unity and nationalism in recent years. Some of the factors that have contributed to this reduction are:

• The increased awareness and sensitivity of the Hindus towards their religion and culture, and their rejection of jokes that they perceive as disrespectful, insulting, or blasphemous.
• The increased influence and popularity of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Hindu right-wing groups, such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), who have promoted Hindu unity and identity, and have opposed jokes that they consider as anti-Hindu or anti-national.
• The increased fear and censorship of the people who make or share Hindu jokes, due to the threat of legal action, violence, or harassment by the authorities or vigilante groups, who have accused them of hurting Hindu sentiments or disturbing public order.

Opposition Party Chanting To Look Hindu:

The opposition party is now chanting to look Hindu, or trying to appeal to the Hindu voters, due to the rise of Hindu unity and nationalism in recent years. Some of the factors that have contributed to this change are:

• The popularity and dominance of the BJP and its leader, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who have successfully mobilized the Hindu vote-bank and projected themselves as the champions of Hindu interests and sentiments. The BJP has also implemented policies and laws that favor the Hindu majority, such as the Citizenship Amendment Act, the abrogation of Article 370, and the construction of the Ram temple.
• The failure and weakness of the opposition party to counter the BJP and its agenda, due to the lack of unity, leadership, vision, and strategy. The opposition party has also been accused of being corrupt, dynastic, elitist, and anti-national by the BJP and its supporters. The opposition party has lost several state and national elections to the BJP in the past few years.
• The changing demographics and preferences of the Indian electorate, especially the young and urban voters, who have become more aspirational, nationalistic, and religious. The opposition party has failed to connect with these voters, who have been influenced by the BJP’s narrative of development, security, and pride.

Hindu Unity and Bollywood:
Hindu unity has put pressure on Bollywood in recent years, affecting its creative freedom, artistic expression, and commercial success. Some of the factors that have contributed to this pressure are:

• The rise of Hindu nationalism and majoritarianism in India, especially since the election of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its leader, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in 2014 and 2019. The BJP and its allies have promoted Hindu unity and identity, and have opposed anything that they perceive as anti-Hindu or anti-national.
• The increased censorship and regulation of Bollywood by the government and its agencies, such as the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which have imposed cuts, bans, and delays on films that deal with sensitive or controversial topics, such as religion, caste, sexuality, history, and politics. Some of the films that have faced such issues are Padmaavat, Udta Punjab, Lipstick Under My Burkha, and PK.
• The increased violence and intimidation by Hindu right-wing groups and vigilante mobs, such as the Karni Sena, the Bajrang Dal, and the Hindu Sena, who have attacked and threatened Bollywood filmmakers, actors, and theatres for allegedly hurting Hindu sentiments or distorting Hindu history and culture. Some of the films that have been targeted by such groups are PK, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Raees, and Padmaavat.
• The increased boycott and backlash by Hindu audiences and social media users, who have accused Bollywood of being biased, anti-Hindu, and pro-Muslim, and have called for the rejection of films that they deem as offensive or disrespectful to Hinduism or India. Some of the films that have faced such criticism are PK, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Dangal, etc.

As we navigate through the nuances of Hindu Awakening, it becomes evident that its impact extends beyond borders, sparking debates and reflections. Whether in the realms of spirituality, politics, or cultural expressions, the journey of Hindu Awakening continues to unfold, prompting us to question, understand, and engage with this dynamic force shaping our world.