Book Review: “Hindus in Hindu Rashtra” by Anand Ranganathan

Ruthlessly blunt, fearless, sharp, and incisive—these adjectives precisely describe Anand Ranganathan. Known for his 30-second verbal blitzkriegs, Ranganathan, as revealed in his numerous public events, transcends his self-professed Darwinian atheism to become a formidable advocate for Bharat’s soul—the Hindu civilization and its historical legacy. His ability to rise above the constraints of his challenging institutional environment and resist the temptations of self-beliefs distinguishes him as an inspiring intellectual giant.

This commitment to unvarnished truth resonates strongly in his latest bestseller, “Hindus in Hindu Rashtra.” For those who have followed Anand in recent years, the book represents the culmination of several themes articulated across various public and media platforms. However, it is a must-read nonetheless. The consolidation of themes addressing institutionalised anti-Hindu discrimination in a brisk, logically organised, and passionately presented format impacts the reader profoundly, lingering for days (and possibly sleepless nights). Anand’s rich language, a testament to his remarkable writing skills, vividly portrays the nightmare in raw and unfiltered light. The unending stream of facts and well-researched references compels readers to keep their eyes and ears open, even if the urge to retreat to the smug comfort of “All is well” arises—an often-used recourse for many practising Hindus. Anand’s relentless blunt dissection of what he terms “state-sanctioned apartheid” against Hindus forces readers to confront the harsh reality, making the book simultaneously engaging and thought-provoking.

Ranganathan contends that the stage was set for discrimination against Hindus long before independence, tracing it back to Gandhi’s influence in the 1910s. Minority appeasement began on an unprecedented scale, with many of Gandhi’s appeals lacking a sense of reality and bordering on the absurd. While advocating that Hindus should not harbor anger against Muslims, even if the latter sought their destruction, Gandhi’s approach seemed detached from practicality. Every instance of appeasement emboldened minority leaders and political fronts for further extortion and blackmail. Consequently, discrimination became ingrained in the nation’s DNA when independent India emerged in 1947. The discrimination or apartheid evident in our constitution, policies, legal framework, society, and psyche relegates Hindus not only to second-class but eighth-class citizens. The subsequent chapters provide the evidence supporting this assertion.

In this thought-provoking and unapologetic book, “Hindus in Hindu Rashtra,” Dr. Anand Ranganathan dismantles the prevailing narrative that Hindus in India live in a utopian Hindu Rashtra, arguing instead that they have been systematically reduced to eighth-class citizens, victims of state-sanctioned apartheid. Through eight meticulously crafted chapters, Ranganathan addresses key issues that have plagued the Hindu community, backed by references and a compelling narrative that leaves the reader with a mix of emotions—sadness, fury, shock, and fear.

The book opens with a sharp challenge to those who claim that India is a fascist Hindu Rashtra, questioning the paradox of a Hindu-majority nation where Hindus are treated as second-class citizens. Ranganathan deftly navigates through topics such as state control of Hindu temples, injustice towards Kashmiri Hindus, the impact of the Waqf Act of 1995, the discriminatory effects of the Right to Education Act, and legislative enactments that appease non-Hindus while targeting Hindus.

The book criticizes individuals who profess to advocate for Hindu causes but end up perpetuating the religious discrimination embedded in our supposedly ‘liberal’ Constitution, various laws, judicial rulings, and everyday ‘secular’ discussions.

Ranganathan clarifies the use of the term ‘apartheid,’ emphasizing that it extends beyond the appeasement of ‘minorities.’ In the prologue, he asserts, “No, the issue… is not appeasement. The issue is apartheid. The problem involves state-sponsored, state-sanctioned discrimination against a specific community. And that community is the majority community — the Hindus.”

The eight chapters outline five laws that unfairly discriminate against Hindus, along with three additional supporting elements contributing to this discrimination.

The five laws constituting ‘apartheid,’ as identified by Ranganathan, include those enabling state control over temples (exclusively temples), the Waqf Act granting extraordinary powers to Waqf boards to claim and seize properties associated with the Waqf (with limited legal remedies), the Right to Education Act (imposing obligations solely on majority institutions), and the Places of Worship Act hindering Hindus from reclaiming temples forcibly demolished and built over by Islamist rulers, often using the same building materials.

One of the most compelling arguments presented is the issue of state control over Hindu temples. Ranganathan meticulously illustrates how successive governments, irrespective of their political ideologies, have systematically controlled thousands of Hindu temples and their properties. He highlights the encroachment on temple lands, misappropriation of funds, and the appointment of non-Hindus to temple boards, all contributing to the exploitation of Hindus and their religious beliefs.

The plight of Kashmiri Hindus is poignantly discussed, bringing to light the brutal genocide they faced and the subsequent neglect and lack of justice. The book challenges the collective amnesia surrounding this tragic chapter in Indian history and emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and rectifying the injustices suffered by Kashmiri Hindus.

The Waqf Act of 1995 is scrutinized for the unparalleled power it gives to the Waqf board, allowing them to lay claim to any property, including government properties. Ranganathan presents compelling examples, such as the Waqf board claiming Mukesh Ambani’s property, to underscore the far-reaching consequences of this act on ordinary citizens.

The Right to Education Act portrayed as a tool for social justice, is exposed for its discriminatory impact on Hindu-owned institutions. Ranganathan argues that the act, by imposing onerous restrictions on Hindu schools, has led to the closure of thousands of institutions, while minority institutions enjoy exemptions, enabling them to propagate their religious beliefs freely.

The book further delves into legislative enactments that selectively target Hindu religious practices, emphasizing the judiciary’s bias in reforming only Hindu traditions while maintaining a conspicuous silence on practices of other religions. The Places of Worship Act of 1991, which denies Hindus the right to reclaim historical temples, and the Waqf Act, which gives overarching powers to Muslims over Hindu temples, are dissected to highlight the erosion of Hindu heritage.

The book explores the glorification of historical figures responsible for large-scale Hindu genocides, questioning the fabrication of history taught in schools. The fact that these monsters (Aurangzeb, Bakhtiyar, Babur, Francis Xavier, Sikandar Shah Miri, Tipu Sultan, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, etc) are still being glorified in our land says a lot about what’s wrong with our system and some ppl.

The narrative skillfully weaves through historical examples, legal intricacies, and contemporary issues, creating a compelling case for the need to reevaluate the treatment of Hindus in their own land. This book dives into how Hindus, who’ve been around forever, are now dealing with a tough time on their own turf. It’s crazy how a place where major religions were cool for centuries is now throwing shade at its own roots. The book breaks down the struggles over the past 100 years, showing how things went from chill to a real cultural mess. It’s a wake-up call about keeping the diversity we once celebrated intact.

Anand Ranganathan’s “Hindus in Hindu Rashtra” is a tour de force, a compelling exposé that confronts readers with uncomfortable truths about the systemic discrimination faced by Hindus in contemporary India. The author’s bold and unapologetic style, coupled with meticulous research, makes this book an indispensable read for anyone seeking a nuanced understanding of the challenges Hindus encounter in their own nation. As a call to action, Ranganathan urges Hindus to unite in solidarity, emphasizing the need to awaken from a complacent slumber and demand justice. It challenges prevailing narratives, demands introspection, and advocates for a reawakening among Hindus to protect their cultural and religious heritage. A must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of religious dynamics in contemporary India.

As J Sai Deepak aptly indicates in the foreword, this book will act as a portal to the vast terrain of deeper understanding leading to potential remedial actions from every part of society. To get started, it is time to get “awakened, re-awakened”. Anand has done his part as an author. Now, it is our turn as a reader.