Hindus in Hindu Rashtra

by Anand Ranganathan

Read Date: March 2024

Reading Time: 6.5 hours

★★★★☆

4/5

PoliticsIndian Society

Summary

In Hindus in Hindu Rashtra, Anand Ranganathan presents a bold critique of India's socio-political landscape, examining the perceived marginalization of Hindus despite India being labeled a Hindu-majority country. The book confronts popular narratives and challenges deeply embedded institutional practices.

Key Themes

1. State-Sanctioned Discrimination: The author argues that legal and administrative systems have institutionalized unequal treatment.

2. Media Narratives vs. Ground Reality: A comparison of prevailing media portrayals with real socio-political issues faced by Hindus.

3. Historical Context: How India's post-independence policy framework shaped current perceptions and policies.

4. Political Hypocrisy: Discrepancies in how minority and majority rights are debated and implemented.

5. The Call for Equal Rights: A plea for a truly secular and just society free from vote-bank politics.

Notable Quotes

"India is perhaps the only country where the majority is treated as a second-class citizen."

"When secularism becomes selective, it stops being secular."

Personal Reflection

This book was intellectually stimulating and emotionally stirring. While provocative, it compels one to re-evaluate assumptions about equality and secularism in modern India. It is a vital read for anyone interested in Indian politics, regardless of ideological stance.

Recommended For

Readers interested in Indian politics and social justice
Policy makers and academics exploring secularism and minority rights
Anyone open to critical perspectives on popular narratives