India's Modi Presaged The Global Surge In Nationalism

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Additionally, anti-conversion laws in BJP-ruled states prohibit“religious conversions achieved through coercion, allurement, and fraud,” which critics argue disproportionately target religious minorities.

Modi has also played a visible role in religious matters. In 2020, he laid the foundation stone for the Ram Mandir, the temple in Ayodhya built on the site of the Babri Masjid, a mosque demolished by a Hindu mob in 1992. The mosque's destruction led to violent protests, resulting in over 2,000 deaths.

Hot secular debate

The BJP's success was largely a reaction against the Congress Party, which governed India for most of the post-independence era. Decades of Congress rule led to a bureaucratic and socialist system that restricted private industry, leading to inefficiency and slow growth.

However, some intellectuals argue that Congress, like the BJP, was also dismissive of minorities, especially of the Muslim population. Postcolonial historian Pratinav Anil contends that both parties have historically reinforced Hindu cultural dominance. He writes:

“In provinces controlled by Congress, idol worship was imposed on Muslim students, discriminatory licensing policies destroyed Muslim businesses, and cow slaughter bans bankrupted Muslim butchers. History textbooks were rewritten to heroize Hindus and malign Muslims, paving the way for Partition.”

Others have pointed out that a change in political parties does not change India's predominantly religious worldview. Even Mahatma Gandhi framed the struggle for independence as a moral and spiritual battle, using Hindu concepts such as Satyagraha (non-violence) to unify diverse communities.

American macrohistorian Lawrence Taub argued that liberal democracy was also a fit for India. Taub placed India in what he called the“religious belt,” the region from Bangladesh to North Africa.

He argued that Western political ideology largely failed in these regions because the dominant worldview is religious. Religion and daily life are intertwined, leaving little room for secular ideologies.

Religion and spirituality

Indian spiritual teacher Sadhguru, one of the world's most influential gurus, occupies a unique position in India's religious revival. Sadhguru appeals to both traditional religious groups and those focused on personal spiritual growth.

Sadhguru's global appeal is evident from his millions of followers on social media. An interview with American podcaster Joe Rogan generated 10 million views. Last month, Sadhguru launched a meditation app that was downloaded two million times in two weeks, outpacing OpenAI's ChatGPT.

Children meditating at the Isha Foundation's Home School program.

While Sadhguru avoids direct political affiliations, his statements often align with Hindu nationalist themes. He emphasizes India's spiritual heritage and advocates for the integration of Hindu philosophy into governance, resonating with the BJP's broader ideological goals.

However, Sadhguru is also actively involved in environmental and educational initiatives. His Isha Foundation has mobilized millions of people to plant trees, rejuvenate rivers and promote sustainable farming.

Sadhguru's educational initiative, the Isha Home Schools, incorporates yoga and meditation from a young age, aiming to cultivate inner stability before academic achievement. The schools also emphasize community service and farm stays.