UNDERSTANDING HINDUTVA

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 The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is a Hindu nationalist organization founded in 1925 in India. It is a volunteer group that promotes the idea of making India a nation for Hindus. It trains members in physical fitness, self-discipline, and cultural practices, with a focus on Hindu values and identity. 

 The RSS's primary goal is to promote Hindutva, the idea that India should prioritize Hindu culture and religion over all others. They believe that India’s national identity is tied to Hinduism, and this belief often marginalizes non-Hindu communities like Muslims, Christians, and Sikhs. 

 The RSS is one of the most powerful organizations in India and plays a key role in shaping the country’s political and cultural landscape. Though it claims to be a cultural group, it has strong political influence, particularly through its connection with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). 

 The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is a right-wing political party in India and is currently the country’s ruling party, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It was formed in 1980 and is the political arm of the RSS, promoting policies that align with Hindutva ideology. 

 The BJP's primary focus is on promoting Hindutva, implementing policies that reflect Hindu nationalist values, and pushing for India to be a nation centered on Hindu culture. Their policies have often sparked concerns about religious intolerance and discrimination against minorities, such as Muslims and Christians. 

 The BJP is one of the most influential political parties in India today. With the backing of the RSS and its wide support base, the BJP has shaped many key policies in India, including those related to citizenship, religious freedom, and cultural identity.