‘Hindutva’ will no longer be translated as ‘Hinduism’

• Proposal approved in World Hindu Congress

• Hindutva will now be translated as ‘Hinduness’

Bangkok (Thailand) – Using the word ‘Hindutva’ in English as ‘Hinduism’ is tantamount to attacking the goodness of Hindutva. The proposal that ‘Hindutva’ can also be translated as ‘Hinduness’ was adopted in the World Hindu Congress held in Bangkok, Thailand.

The proposal further states,

1. The word Hindu refers to the eternal Sanatan. Dharma means, ‘The one that exists forever’. The one that manifests everything, including an individual, family, society and nature, is the symbol of the Hindu Dharma. Hinduism is completely different as it has ‘ism’ attached with it. It is a symbol of oppression and discrimination.

2. In mid-19th century America, the word ‘ism’ was used pejoratively to denote a movement for spiritual, religious and social reform. The term was first used by the Christian Society in its book in 1877. This is intellectually wrong. In the last 150 years, the term has become a reason for anti-Hindu things.

3. Our previous generation preferred the use of the word ‘Hindutva’ instead of Hinduism, because the former is more subtle and includes the meaning of the word ‘Hindu’ as well. Hindutva means ‘Hinduness’ in English.

4. In public discourse, some academics and intellectuals portray Hindutva as an opposed to Hinduism and in a negative light. Some of them say that it was done out of ignorance, while most people are anti-Hindutva because of their hatred and prejudice towards the Hindu Dharma.

5. Political leaders motivated by policies and personal prejudices have joined the ranks of those who consistently oppose the Sanatan Dharma.