"These two ideologies have grown increasingly dependent on each otherA member of the Salam organisation explained the similarities between Zionism and the Hindutva project during a protest against the visit of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat to New York City.The Hindutva project, and its role in escalating the Indian colonial occupation of Kashmir, cannot be separated from the Zionist colonial occupation of Palestine.When we stand against the RSS, we stand for the liberation of all people oppressed by genocidal ideologies, from Kashmir to Palestine, the organisation said in a statement.Founded in 1925, the RSS is a Hindu-supremacist, right-wing organisation with 56 million members worldwide and more than 250 affiliated chapters in the US. It is the ideological parent of Indias ruling right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).Last week, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) urged the US government to sanction the RSS over its attacks on religious minorities, including Muslims and Christians."
The relationship between Hindutva and Zionism has sparked significant debate, particularly as both ideologies increasingly influence global politics. This connection was highlighted recently during a protest against Mohan Bhagwat's visit to New York City, where members of the Salam organisation articulated parallels between the Hindutva project and Zionism. They asserted that the escalation of Indias colonial policies in Kashmir is akin to Israel's actions in Palestine.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), founded in 1925, stands at the forefront of Hindutva ideology, promoting a vision of Hindu nationalism that has deep roots in the Indian political landscape. Today, it boasts a membership of approximately 56 million and is the ideological backbone of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The groups ideologies have garnered criticism for promoting exclusionary practices against religious minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians.
Recent discussions emphasize that both Hindutva and Zionism share elements of nationalist exclusion, driving their respective colonial projects. Members of the Salam organisation have posited that resisting the RSS is a crucial step toward the liberation of all oppressed peoples, not just in Kashmir but also in Palestine. Meanwhile, the recently reported recommendations from the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) to sanction the RSS highlight international concerns regarding the treatment of religious minorities in India, drawing further parallels with global responses to the Israeli occupation.
The international community's reaction to these ideologies has been polarized. While some nations have increasingly criticized the actions of the RSS, others remain supportive of India's stance on Kashmir. The USCIRF's stance represents growing concern among policymakers in the United States, urging them to take a firm stand against groups perceived to threaten religious freedom. This level of scrutiny reflects a broader global awareness and debate about human rights, nationalism, and colonialism.
As we move forward, it is vital to foster dialogue that transcends divisions. Constructive engagement among various communities can build bridges and promote cooperation against oppressive ideologies. Initiatives aimed at understanding and peaceful coexistence are necessary to challenge narratives that exacerbate conflict. A global perspective that promotes human rights and equity can inspire movements not only in Kashmir and Palestine but in similar struggles around the world.
