Introduction
M.S. Golwalkar, often referred to as Guruji, was a key ideologue of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and a prominent figure in shaping the ideological foundations of Hindutva. His writings and speeches laid out a comprehensive framework for what he considered the essential character of the Indian nation. Central to Golwalkar’s philosophy was the concept of Hindutva, which he divided into two aspects: negative Hindutva (what should be opposed or rejected) and positive Hindutva (what should be affirmed and built upon). This post explores Golwalkar’s nuanced distinction between the two and its broader implications for Indian political thought.
Understanding Hindutva in Golwalkar’s Thought
Golwalkar’s vision of Hindutva was deeply rooted in the idea of cultural nationalism. For him, Hinduism was not merely a religion but the cultural and civilizational foundation of the Indian nation. He believed that India was historically a Hindu Rashtra (nation), and that its unity, identity, and strength depended on reaffirming this Hindu ethos in all aspects of life.
Negative Hindutva: What to Oppose
In Golwalkar’s framework, negative Hindutva refers to the elements and influences that he believed posed a threat to India’s unity and cultural identity. These included:
1. Religious Conversion
Golwalkar strongly opposed proselytizing activities by Christian missionaries and Islamic preachers. He believed that conversion weakened the national unity by creating separate identities within the Indian society. According to him, these conversions were often politically motivated and aligned with foreign interests.
2. Secularism as Western Imitation
While not directly opposing secularism, Golwalkar criticized the Western notion of secularism as being unsuitable for India. He felt that imposing an artificial separation between religion and politics ignored the organic unity of spiritual and social life in Indian culture. For him, secularism should not mean neglecting the Hindu foundation of Indian society.
3. Minority Appeasement
Golwalkar viewed state policies that provided special privileges to religious minorities as divisive. He believed that such measures promoted communalism and created obstacles to national integration. In his view, all citizens should be treated equally without special accommodations based on religious identity.
Positive Hindutva: What to Affirm
On the other hand, positive Hindutva focused on what should be actively nurtured and promoted to strengthen the Indian nation. These included:
1. Cultural Unity
Golwalkar emphasized the idea of a unified Indian culture rooted in Hindu traditions, values, and history. He believed that regardless of religious beliefs, all Indians should identify with this cultural heritage to build a cohesive society.
2. National Discipline and Character
He advocated for the development of a strong, disciplined, and morally upright citizenry. For this reason, the RSS focused heavily on character-building activities, volunteerism, and community service. Golwalkar believed that a strong nation could only be built through the cultivation of virtuous individuals.
3. Integral Humanism
Although the term was more formally developed by Deendayal Upadhyaya, Golwalkar shared the vision of integral humanism, which saw the individual, society, and nature as interconnected. He supported a model of development and governance rooted in Indian philosophical traditions rather than Western materialism.
Criticism of Golwalkar’s Views
Golwalkar’s formulation of Hindutva has been criticized by many scholars and political thinkers for being exclusionary and majoritarian. Critics argue that his vision tends to equate national identity with Hindu identity, thereby marginalizing religious minorities. Others see his rejection of secularism as a threat to India’s pluralistic and constitutional ethos.
Influence and Legacy
Despite criticism, Golwalkar’s ideas have had a profound impact on the ideology of the Sangh Parivar and right-wing politics in India. His writings, especially “Bunch of Thoughts”, continue to be a key source of inspiration for the RSS and its affiliated organizations. The distinction he made between negative and positive Hindutva provides insight into how cultural nationalism is both reactive and constructive in its approach.
Conclusion
M.S. Golwalkar’s views on Hindutva represent an attempt to define Indian nationalism through a cultural lens rooted in Hindu identity. By distinguishing between negative and positive aspects, he sought to both guard against perceived threats to national unity and promote values he believed were essential to India’s strength. While his ideas remain controversial, they are undeniably influential in shaping the ideological discourse around nationalism, identity, and secularism in modern India.