M.S. Golwalkar (1906–1973) was a key figure in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organization in India. Golwalkar wrote several books and delivered many speeches on what he believed to be the essence of Hindu identity, society, and culture. He spoke about Hindutva, which is often translated as “Hindu-ness” or the cultural essence of Hindu identity. Golwalkar introduced the ideas of negative Hindutva and positive Hindutva to highlight different ways people could understand and apply Hindu values in public life. Below is a detailed exploration of his views, presented in straightforward language.
Introduction
Golwalkar’s writings focused on strengthening what he saw as a unified Hindu society. He believed that the Hindu cultural framework could serve as a foundation for India’s political, social, and moral life. However, he worried that many people misunderstood Hindutva and turned it into a narrow or even harmful concept. To explain this, he talked about two angles: negative Hindutva and positive Hindutva.
Defining Hindutva
Before diving into Golwalkar’s specific views, it’s important to understand what Hindutva generally means. Many thinkers describe Hindutva as the cultural identity of people who follow a set of ideas and traditions commonly found in India—Hindu philosophy, festivals, mythology, and social practices. For them, Hindutva is more cultural than strictly religious, meaning it shapes lifestyles and ethics rather than just rituals.
Golwalkar followed in the footsteps of earlier writers like Vinayak Damodar Savarkar but also added his own insights. He saw Hindutva not only as a religious identity but as a unifying force that could guide the entire nation. However, he recognized that people often interpreted this in ways that did not always help create unity.
Negative Hindutva
According to Golwalkar, “negative Hindutva” happens when people focus on opposition rather than building. This can take forms such as:
- Narrow Identity Politics
Some might use Hindutva merely to rally Hindus against non-Hindu groups. This leads to suspicion and division, which Golwalkar felt could weaken the broader Hindu society and create hostility towards other communities. - Forced Uniformity
Negative Hindutva also arises when people insist that everyone must follow the same customs or beliefs. India has always been home to multiple paths within Hinduism—such as Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and more—and Golwalkar warned against trying to erase this variety in the name of unity. - Anger and Hostility
Golwalkar criticized those who used Hindutva as an excuse for violence or hatred. He believed such actions went against the core principles of dharma (righteousness) and ahimsa (non-violence), which are deeply rooted in many Hindu traditions.
In short, negative Hindutva is marked by aggression, exclusion, and a constant feeling of conflict with people who hold different views or belong to different religions.
Positive Hindutva
On the other hand, Golwalkar proposed a “positive” approach to Hindutva that stressed spiritual and cultural growth. He believed this could unify Indians by reminding them of shared cultural symbols, festivals, and values.
- Inclusivity and Cooperation
Positive Hindutva aims to bring people together under broad cultural beliefs. Instead of focusing on who is “outside” the community, Golwalkar encouraged Hindus to strengthen their own bonds and work on self-improvement, thus becoming a moral force in society. - Moral and Ethical Standards
Golwalkar pointed to ancient Hindu teachings about truth, duty, and compassion. By living these values, Hindus could create a society marked by harmony and progress, rather than conflict and negativity. - Cultural Pride without Hatred
Positive Hindutva meant taking pride in one’s heritage—like festivals, languages, and spiritual insights—without developing animosity towards others. Golwalkar believed that Indian culture, shaped largely by Hindu traditions, could embrace many different communities if approached with an open mind. - Social Service and Nation-Building
A significant part of Golwalkar’s vision involved volunteering and serving society, which the RSS emphasized in activities like disaster relief, education, and community development. By doing good works, Hindus could express their cultural values in constructive ways, benefiting all citizens.
Criticisms of Golwalkar
Despite Golwalkar’s emphasis on positive Hindutva, many critics argue that some of his writings still contained views that seemed less inclusive. They point to certain passages where he appeared to advocate a cultural hierarchy, placing Hindus at the center and marginalizing other religious communities. Critics also note that the line between negative and positive Hindutva can blur if supporters use cultural pride to justify discrimination.
Moreover, skeptics say that the idea of “one cultural nation” risks ignoring the vast diversity in India’s languages, customs, and religions. They worry that the push for cultural unity might turn into cultural dominance.
Conclusion
M.S. Golwalkar’s ideas on negative and positive Hindutva tried to create a clear path for Hindus to feel proud of their traditions while avoiding hatred towards others. Negative Hindutva, in his eyes, relied on aggression and fear of outsiders. Positive Hindutva prioritized moral upliftment, unity within the Hindu community, and constructive contributions to the nation’s welfare. Golwalkar hoped that by focusing on the positive side, Hindus would foster peace, development, and a sense of shared identity without undermining India’s diverse fabric.
His legacy remains complex and debated. Some people see him as a unifying figure who encouraged spiritual and moral regeneration, while others see his ideas as too focused on a single cultural identity. Nonetheless, Golwalkar’s distinction between negative and positive Hindutva remains an important reference point for discussions about identity politics, national integration, and cultural pride in modern India.
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