IGNOUMATIC

M.S. Golwalkar (1906–1973), the second Sarsanghchalak (Chief of the RSS), was one of the most influential figures in the ideological development of Hindu nationalism in post-independence India. His ideas, articulated primarily in his books We, or Our Nationhood Defined (1939) and Bunch of Thoughts (1966), continue to shape the ideological framework of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and other Hindu nationalist organizations. Golwalkar’s vision of Hindu nationalism, often termed “Hindutva,” focused on the concept of a Hindu-centric India, defined by its cultural and religious homogeneity. His views became a cornerstone for the Hindu nationalist movement, significantly influencing the political discourse of India, especially within organizations like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The Concept of Hindutva:

Golwalkar’s concept of Hindutva is central to his understanding of Hindu nationalism. Hindutva, a term coined by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in the 1920s, was transformed into a more defined ideological construct by Golwalkar. For Golwalkar, Hindutva was not just about religious identity; it was a vision for a unified, culturally homogenous India. In his view, the term “Hindu” was not limited to those who followed the Hindu religion but referred to anyone who considered India their holy land and the land of their ancestors. Hindutva, therefore, was a vision of national identity that transcended religious boundaries and sought to unify people based on their shared cultural heritage, particularly their connection to India as the land of the Hindus.

1. India as a Hindu Nation:
   Golwalkar believed that India’s national identity was rooted in Hindu culture, traditions, and values. According to him, India had always been a Hindu nation and should remain so. He argued that India’s history, civilization, and culture were inseparable from Hinduism. Golwalkar was deeply opposed to the idea of India being a secular state or a nation where different religions could coexist equally. For him, the idea of a secular India, as enshrined in the Indian Constitution, was incompatible with the reality of India’s religious and cultural identity. In his writings, he often emphasized the idea of India as a “Hindu Rashtra” (Hindu nation), where Hindu culture and civilization would be the guiding principles of national life.
2. Exclusion of Non-Hindus:
   A central tenet of Golwalkar’s Hindu nationalism was the exclusion of non-Hindus, particularly Muslims and Christians, from the concept of the nation. He viewed these groups as foreign elements in India, since Islam and Christianity, in his view, originated outside of India. He argued that non-Hindus, by virtue of their religious and cultural differences, could not fully integrate into the national fabric of India. Golwalkar’s view on Muslims and Christians was that they should either assimilate into Hindu culture or leave India, as he considered their presence to be a threat to the unity and identity of the nation. This stance is best captured in his infamous quote from We, or Our Nationhood Defined where he stated, “To keep the purity of the Nation and its Culture, Germany shocked the world by her purging the country of Jews. The same thing has to be done in India and for that we need not adopt any violent methods.”

Golwalkar’s vision of a Hindu Rashtra did not accommodate religious pluralism or equal treatment for all citizens, a view that stands in sharp contrast to the inclusive secularism promoted by the Indian Constitution.

Golwalkar’s Views on the State:

Golwalkar’s vision of the state was heavily influenced by his understanding of Hindu culture and nationalism. He believed that the Indian state should be an instrument of promoting and preserving Hindu culture. Unlike the secular state model that emerged post-independence under Jawaharlal Nehru, Golwalkar’s vision was one where the state would actively promote Hindu values, traditions, and customs. This included a focus on Hindu religious practices, the use of Sanskrit and other Indic languages, and the fostering of a national identity grounded in Hinduism.

1. Opposition to Western Ideals:
   Golwalkar was a vocal critic of Western political ideas, particularly the liberal democratic framework adopted by India after independence. He considered the Western model of democracy, with its emphasis on individual rights and secularism, as alien to India’s culture. Golwalkar viewed the imposition of Western ideals on India as a form of cultural imperialism that threatened to undermine India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. In his view, democracy as practiced in the West was unsuitable for India because it was rooted in individualism, whereas Hinduism was a religion that emphasized collective well-being and unity.
2. Cultural Unity over Political Unity:
   Golwalkar’s vision of a Hindu Rashtra focused more on cultural unity than political unity. He did not view the political institutions of the modern state as essential to national identity, but rather saw the cultural and spiritual values of Hinduism as the true binding force of the nation. He considered the Indian state’s responsibility as one of preserving and protecting the cultural unity of the nation, which, in his view, could only be achieved through the dominance of Hindu culture and the marginalization of other religious identities.

The Role of the RSS and Volunteerism:

Golwalkar viewed the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh), the organization he led, as the central institution for the promotion of Hindu nationalism. The RSS, founded by K.B. Hedgewar in 1925, was envisioned by Golwalkar as a paramilitary organization that would promote discipline, self-reliance, and cultural nationalism among Hindus. Golwalkar believed that in order to establish a strong and united Hindu nation, Hindus needed to overcome their divisions and develop a sense of collective identity.

1. The Concept of ‘Swayamsevak’ (Volunteer):
   Central to Golwalkar’s ideology was the idea of the “Swayamsevak” (volunteer), a dedicated individual who worked for the promotion of Hinduism, discipline, and national unity. The RSS, under his leadership, emphasized the development of physical strength, mental resilience, and moral uprightness among its members. Golwalkar believed that the RSS would play a crucial role in the establishment of a Hindu Rashtra by creating a network of volunteers committed to the cause of Hindu unity and nation-building.
2. The RSS and the Wider Hindu Nationalist Movement:
   Under Golwalkar’s leadership, the RSS grew rapidly and became a key player in the wider Hindu nationalist movement. Golwalkar’s emphasis on discipline, respect for tradition, and the unity of Hindus as a national force provided a strong ideological foundation for other Hindu organizations, including the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bajrang Dal. These organizations, which have played a significant role in promoting the idea of Hindutva in modern India, were influenced by Golwalkar’s vision of a unified, Hindu-centric nation.

Golwalkar’s Legacy:

M.S. Golwalkar’s legacy is both controversial and significant. His vision of Hindu nationalism laid the groundwork for the ideological development of the BJP and its associated organizations. While his ideas have been embraced by some as a call for cultural revival, they have also been criticized for promoting religious intolerance, exclusion, and divisiveness. His advocacy for a Hindu-centric state and his exclusionary views on Muslims and Christians continue to fuel debates on the nature of Indian nationalism, secularism, and religious pluralism.

In conclusion, M.S. Golwalkar’s Hindu nationalism was marked by a vision of a Hindu-dominated India where the state, society, and culture were inextricably linked to Hinduism. His ideas have left an indelible mark on the discourse surrounding Hindu identity and nationalism in India, even as they remain deeply contentious in the context of India’s pluralistic society.