by Mahesh Radhakrishnan, Member, Hindus for Human Rights - ANZ

As we come together to celebrate and honour the Goddess over Navaratri and connect with each other, let’s also become more aware and wise to what I believe is the greatest threat to Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the idea that we are all one big human family which is the essence of Hindu Dharma - and that threat is religious nationalism, specifically the idea of Hindutva.

Hinduism, despite its flaws (like every religion it has them), has given me precious gifts of openness, and tolerance to feel connected and equal to everyone, a rich cultural tapestry to delight in and the critical lens and Viveka (discernment) to be wide awake to injustices, hypocrisy and blind superstition. Hindutva, to me, is the diametric opposite of this and is no longer just a problem in India- it’s spilling over into the diaspora.

If I have one prayer this Navaratri it is that this spirit of openness, rich diversity and critical thought can remain and we can shift towards more reforms and ways to embody the best in our faith and resist the overwhelming pull towards single interpretations and dividing ourselves from others. We still have such a long way to go and may Parashakthi guide each one of us in this path.