The call for unity among Hindus, symbolized by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s slogan “Batenge tho Katenge” (If we are divided, we will be devoured), is gaining momentum across the country and beyond. This growing sentiment for unity among the Hindu community is seen as a reaction to historical divisions, largely attributed to colonial legacies and post-independence political strategies.
The emphasis on Hindu unity isn’t new. It was initially championed by RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi echoed this call for solidarity. The need for unity among the Hindu majority is seen as crucial at this juncture, especially given rising concerns over targeted attacks on minority Hindus in countries like Bangladesh and Canada, among others, including the US. In all these cases, temples were desecrated, highlighting the need for a collective identity to protect the interests of Hindus globally.
One of the significant factors driving this call for unity is the power of social media. In the past, Hindu communities were often divided along caste lines, a legacy of British colonial rule that exploited these differences to maintain control. The divisions were later perpetuated by successive Indian governments, particularly the Congress, to retain political power. Today, however, the ability to share information rapidly through social media platforms has brought the Hindu community together, overcoming long-standing divisions.
The Congress party’s recent demand for a caste census has sparked controversy. Critics argue that if the intent is genuinely to uplift weaker sections, why limit the focus to Hindus alone? Why not conduct a similar census for Muslims and Christians, where caste-based divisions also exist? (Best example may be Pasmandas among Muslims) Despite the perception that caste is unique to Hinduism, there are, in fact, multiple sects within Islam and Christianity with their own hierarchies, often based on traditional professions. For example, Islam has several sects, such as Sunni, Shia, Salafi, and Barelvi, which also have internal divisions resembling caste.
The question arises: if Hindu citizens are required to specify their caste in official forms, why isn’t the same information collected from Muslims or Christians? This inconsistency has led to calls for reforms, with many Hindus advocating for the removal of the caste column in forms related to jobs, education, and other official purposes. The proposal is for all Indians to identify simply as “Sanatani” or by their broader faith while indicating their specific sect if needed.
The demand for unity among Hindus is not about exclusivity but rather about ensuring that all communities, regardless of faith, are treated equally. The idea is to move beyond superficial labels and embrace a secular ethos where everyone’s unique identities are recognized, but not used to divide them. For instance, Muslims could indicate their sect (Sunni, Shia, etc.) in forms along with their subsect like Pasmandas, while Christians, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs could also specify their sub-groups. This approach could help foster a more inclusive understanding of India’s diversity.
The argument extends to reclaiming the country’s ancient identity by renaming India as “Bharat” or “Hindustan,” terms rooted in the subcontinent’s history and civilization, rather than the colonial nomenclature imposed by the British.
The call for Hindu unity is often misunderstood as a form of majoritarianism. However, proponents argue that if other religious communities like Muslims and Christians have successfully unified to protect their interests, why should Hindus be denied the same opportunity? In fact, India remains the only homeland for Hindus, unlike Islam and Christianity, which have multiple countries where they are the dominant faith. Critics point to Nepal, which was once the only officially Hindu nation, but has since transitioned into a secular state, partly due to pressure from Left-liberal factions.
Hence, in my view, the push for Hindu unity, as championed by leaders like Yogi Adityanath, is not aimed at excluding others but rather at ensuring that Hindus do not remain divided and vulnerable. The goal is to foster a sense of collective identity that can stand against external threats while promoting internal harmony. The broader demand is for true secularism where all faiths, including Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and others, are treated equitably.
In a nation as diverse as India, the challenge lies in ensuring that unity does not come at the cost of inclusivity. The focus should be on recognizing shared values while respecting the distinct traditions that make up the fabric of Indian society.
