The Paradox of Hindu Rashtra: A Review of Ananda Ranganathan's Hindus in Hindu Rashtra

Hindus in Hindu Rashtra Book Review

Name: Hindus in Hindu Rashtra

Launch: 15 August 2023

Author: Anand Ranganathan

Genre: Religion, Politics

Rating: ★★★★

Buying Link: Amazon

Hindus in Hindu Rashtra is a book by Anand Ranganathan, a scientist and author, who challenges the popular notion that India is a Hindu Rashtra, a nation where Hindus enjoy supremacy and privilege. The book, published in 2023, is a provocative and controversial expose of the discrimination and oppression that Hindus face in their own country, despite being a billion-strong majority. Ranganathan, who is known for his outspoken and fearless views, argues that Hindus are not just second-class, but eighth-class citizens, victims of state-sanctioned apartheid. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in the politics and society of India.

The book begins with a question: What kind of a Hindu Rashtra is this? Ranganathan then proceeds to answer this question by presenting a series of facts and arguments that show how Hindus have been systematically deprived of their rights and resources, through the constitution, the laws, the policies, the education system, the media, and the society. He exposes the hypocrisy and double standards that pervade the Indian state and society, which claim to be secular and democratic, but in reality are biased and oppressive towards Hindus. He also exposes the lies and myths that have been propagated by the anti-Hindu forces, such as the secularists, the leftists, the Islamists, and the missionaries, who have demonized and vilified Hindus and their culture.

The main part of the book consists of eight chapters, each dealing with a different aspect of the Hindu plight. Ranganathan lists eight reasons why Hindus are eighth-class citizens in their own country, a so-called Hindu Rashtra. These are:

• Hindus are denied the right to practice and celebrate their religion freely and peacefully, while other religions are given special privileges and protection.
• Hindus are denied the right to their ancestral land and property, while other religions are given free land and subsidies.
• Hindus are denied the right to their historical and cultural heritage, while other religions are glorified and whitewashed.
• Hindus are denied the right to their educational and professional opportunities, while other religions are given reservations and exemptions.
• Hindus are denied the right to their temples and religious institutions, while other religions are given autonomy and funding.
• Hindus are denied the right to their justice and security, while other religions are given appeasement and impunity.
• Hindus are denied the right to their identity and dignity, while other religions are given respect and recognition.
• Hindus are denied the right to their voice and representation, while other religions are given influence and power.

Ranganathan supports his claims with ample evidence and citations from various sources, such as the constitution, the laws, the court judgments, the government reports, the media articles, the academic studies, and the personal testimonies. He also provides relevant examples and anecdotes from his own experience and observation, as well as from the history and current affairs of India. He does not mince his words or sugarcoat his opinions, but speaks the truth as he sees it, without fear or favour.

The book ends with a call for action and a vision for the future. Ranganathan urges the Hindus to wake up and fight for their rights and dignity, before it is too late. He also appeals to the non-Hindus to join hands with the Hindus in creating a truly secular and democratic India, where all citizens are equal and free. He proposes a set of reforms and solutions that can address the problems and challenges that plague the Hindu Rashtra. He also expresses his hope and optimism that India can become a great and prosperous nation, if it embraces its Hindu ethos and values.

The book is a well-argued and well-documented account of a serious and sensitive issue that affects the lives and futures of millions of Indians. Ranganathan's style is clear, crisp, and compelling, and he makes his case with logic and reason, as well as with passion and emotion. He also adds a touch of humour and sarcasm, which makes the book more engaging and entertaining.

The book's main strength is its bold and honest perspective, which challenges the conventional wisdom and exposes the inconvenient truth. Ranganathan does not shy away from criticizing the Indian state and society, as well as the anti-Hindu forces, for their injustice and oppression towards Hindus. He also does not hesitate to praise and appreciate the positive and progressive aspects of Hinduism and Hindu culture, which have contributed to the greatness and diversity of India. He does not portray Hindus as victims or villains, but as human beings, who have their rights and responsibilities, their strengths and weaknesses, their hopes and fears.

The book's main weakness is its one-sided and biased view of the Hindu Rashtra, which ignores or downplays the other perspectives and complexities. Ranganathan does not give much voice or space to the non-Hindus and their grievances and aspirations, who may have a different version of the events and their motivations. He also does not address the ethical and moral questions of Hindu nationalism and its implications for the secular and pluralistic fabric of India. He also does not explore the diversity and heterogeneity of Hinduism and Hindu society, and the conflicts and contradictions within them.

The book is a valuable and relevant addition to the literature on Hinduism and India, and a must-read for anyone interested in the politics and society of the country. It is also a controversial and provocative book that will spark debate and discussion among the readers and the public. The book is not a definitive or objective account of the Hindu Rashtra, but a personal and subjective one, which reflects the author's views and experiences. The book is not a final word on the subject, but a starting point for further inquiry and dialogue.

The book deserves a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, for its originality, clarity, and courage. The book is recommended for readers who enjoy political and social commentary, and who are interested in the issues and challenges facing India and its people. The book is also suitable for students and scholars of Hindu studies, Indian studies, and political science. The book may not appeal to readers who prefer a more balanced and nuanced approach, or who are sensitive to the issues of nationalism and communalism. The book may also raise some questions for further discussion, such as:

• What is the definition and meaning of Hindu Rashtra, and who decides it?
• What are the benefits and costs of Hindu Rashtra for Hindus and non-Hindus, and for India and the world?
• How can Hindu Rashtra be reconciled with the constitutional and democratic principles of India, and the human rights and dignity of all citizens?
• How can Hindu Rashtra accommodate the diversity and pluralism of Hinduism and Hindu society, and the differences and disagreements among them?
• How can Hindu Rashtra be achieved and sustained, without resorting to violence and coercion, and without compromising the peace and harmony of India and the region?