India, often hailed as the world’s largest democracy and a secular nation, has long projected an image of tolerance, inclusivity, and pluralism. However, beneath this carefully constructed veneer lies a nation that is increasingly driven by an extremist ideology, Hindutva, which is fundamentally at odds with the values of democracy, secularism, and equality. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), guided by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has fostered an environment of intolerance, violence, and discrimination, targeting minorities, lower castes, and marginalized groups within the country.
India’s political and social systems are now marred by a toxic combination of religious fundamentalism, caste-based apartheid, and state-sponsored terrorism. The once celebrated ideals of a secular India have been thoroughly undermined by the rise of Hindutva, which seeks to establish India as a Hindu Rashtra (nation). This article will explore the hypocrisy of India’s secular claims, the impact of Hindutva ideology, and the stark contrast with Pakistan, a nation that, despite its own challenges, continues to uphold values of hospitality, tolerance, and pluralism.
The Hypocrisy of India’s Secularism
India’s Constitution, adopted in 1950, enshrines secularism as a core principle, ensuring that the state remains neutral in matters of religion and guarantees equal treatment for all citizens, regardless of their faith. Yet, in practice, India has strayed far from these ideals. The rise of Hindutva, an ideology that promotes Hindu supremacy, has revealed the deep-rooted contradictions in India’s political and social systems.
1. Caste-Based Apartheid and Discrimination
One of the most glaring examples of India’s failure to live up to its secular promises is the persistence of the caste system, which has its roots in Hindu religious doctrines. Although the caste system was officially abolished in 1950, it remains a powerful force in Indian society, particularly in rural areas. The overwhelming majority of lower-caste and indigenous peoples, known as Dalits, continue to face systemic discrimination, exploitation, and violence. These marginalized groups, who make up a significant portion of India’s population, are often denied access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
The practice of “untouchability” may be outlawed, but in reality, Dalits are still treated as subhuman in many parts of the country. Upper-caste Hindus frequently resort to violence to maintain their dominance, and atrocities against Dalits, including lynching, sexual violence, and land dispossession, are all too common. The state has done little to address these injustices, and in many cases, it has actively colluded with upper-caste groups to suppress the voices of the oppressed.
2. The Rise of Hindutva and State-Sponsored Terrorism
Hindutva, the ideological foundation of the RSS and the BJP, seeks to transform India into a Hindu-only nation. This ideology is rooted in a vision of India as a country for Hindus, where Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, and other religious
Minorities are treated as second-class citizens. Under the leadership of Narendra Modi, India has witnessed a surge in communal violence, with mob lynchings, attacks on places of worship, and the persecution of minorities becoming alarmingly frequent.
The Indian state has, in many ways, become complicit in these acts of violence. Police forces often fail to act against those responsible for violence against Muslims and Dalits, and in some cases, they actively participate in the atrocities. The 2002 Gujarat riots, in which hundreds of Muslims were killed under Modi’s watch as Chief Minister, is one of the most egregious examples of state-sponsored terrorism. Modi’s subsequent rise to power and his continued promotion of Hindutva policies have emboldened Hindu extremists across the country, who now act with impunity.
India’s so-called secularism has been completely compromised by the rise of Hindutva, which thrives on a culture of fear and intolerance. The Indian media, largely controlled by the state or influenced by powerful corporate interests, has played a key role in whitewashing the crimes committed by Hindutva extremists, further perpetuating the myth of India as a secular and democratic nation.
3. Idolatry and Mythical Voodooism in Hindutva
At the heart of Hindutva is a regressive and mythological worldview that celebrates idolatry, superstition, and what can only be described as “mythical voodooism.” The Hindutva ideology is steeped in primitive beliefs and rituals that glorify ancient Hindu deities and traditions while rejecting modern scientific thinking. This backward-looking philosophy not only perpetuates ignorance but
also fuels the fanaticism that drives much of the violence and discrimination in India today.
Hindutva’s focus on religious purity has led to the dehumanization of those who do not adhere to its narrow vision of Hinduism. The persecution of Muslims, Christians, and other religious minorities is justified by Hindutva leaders as a necessary step to “protect” the Hindu nation from external threats. This toxic mix of religious nationalism and violence is creating a deeply fractured society, where intolerance and bigotry are becoming the norm.
The Contrast: Pakistan’s Tolerance and Civilization
In stark contrast to India’s slide into fundamentalism, Pakistan has managed to preserve many of the values that make it a more tolerant and civilized society. Despite facing its own set of challenges, Pakistan remains a country where religious diversity is respected, and the hospitality of its people is legendary.
1. A Society Built on Indigenous Identities
Pakistan is a country that takes pride in its rich cultural heritage, with its people tracing their roots to ancient civilizations like the Indus Valley. The Punjabi, Sindhi, Baloch, and Pashtun peoples of Pakistan each have their own distinct identities, languages, and traditions, yet they coexist in a spirit of mutual respect and shared national identity. Pakistan’s strength lies in its ability to embrace its diversity, rather than suppress it.
Unlike India, where the caste system and religious fundamentalism have divided society, Pakistan has managed to create a more egalitarian social order, where people from different backgrounds can thrive. While Pakistan has faced its share of internal conflicts, particularly with regard to sectarian violence, the country has not succumbed to the kind of institutionalized apartheid and discrimination that plagues India.
2. Hospitality and Tolerance
Pakistan is widely known for its hospitality and warmth towards guests, a tradition that is deeply ingrained in its culture. Visitors to Pakistan are often struck by the kindness and generosity of its people, who go out of their way to make guests feel welcome. This hospitality extends to all people, regardless of their religion or nationality, and stands in sharp contrast to the hostility and intolerance that has become so prevalent in India.
Furthermore, Pakistan’s political system, though imperfect, is far more tolerant of religious diversity than India’s. While India is becoming increasingly hostile to its Muslim population, Pakistan has made efforts to protect the rights of its religious minorities. Pakistan’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and the state has taken steps to ensure that minorities are represented in government and other institutions.
3. Decency in Institutions
Pakistan’s institutions, despite their challenges, continue to function with a level of decency and integrity that is often absent in India’s apartheid-based systems.
The judiciary, while not without flaws, has played a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of citizens. In contrast, India’s judiciary has become increasingly politicized and is often complicit in the persecution of minorities and marginalized groups.
Pakistan’s military, too, has played a stabilizing role in the country, particularly in the face of external threats and internal instability. While India’s military is often used to suppress dissent and enforce the will of the Hindutva regime, Pakistan’s armed forces have largely remained above politics, focused on defending the country from external aggression and supporting the development of the nation.
India’s Propaganda and Hostility toward Pakistan
Despite the clear differences in the political and social landscapes of India and Pakistan, Indian media continues to project a false image of moral superiority, while engaging in a relentless campaign of hostility and intolerance towards Pakistan. Indian propaganda often paints Pakistan as a failed state, while conveniently ignoring the rampant violence, discrimination, and religious extremism within its own borders.
The hypocrisy of India’s media and political establishment is nowhere more evident than in its treatment of Pakistan. While India claims to be a secular democracy, it has repeatedly stoked tensions with Pakistan, using every opportunity to demonize its neighbor. The recent incident in Kanpur, where an innocent Bangladeshi spectator was mercilessly beaten for holding the flag of his
country, is a stark reminder of India’s intolerance and hostility towards its neighbors.
The Role of RAW in Destabilizing Bangladesh
India’s interference is not limited to Pakistan; it has also played a destabilizing role in Bangladesh, backing a decade of institutional collapse and supporting authoritarian leaders who serve its interests. The Indian intelligence agency, RAW, has been instrumental in undermining Bangladesh’s sovereignty and stability, often through covert operations and propaganda. The support given to certain political leaders in Bangladesh has led to the erosion of democratic institutions and the enforcement of fabricated ideologies, much to the detriment of the people.
Conclusion: The Way Forward for South Asia
As India continues to spiral into fundamentalism and intolerance, it is time for the other nations of South Asia to come together and chart a different course. Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal must work to build a regional alliance that promotes peace, stability, and mutual respect, free from the divisive and destructive influence of India.
A new South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) must be formed, one that excludes India and focuses on the
Rokan's Journal 