Faith, Power and Modi: Inside the Politics Reshaping Hinduism in Australia | Compass

Modi's Influence and Hindu Nationalism [00:00:00]

• Some in the Indian diaspora view Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a reincarnation of God and a symbol of Hindu pride.
• Modi's nationalistic brand of Hinduism, Hindutva, is described as highly politicized and increasingly muscular.
• His influence is felt in Australia, where Hinduism is described as the fastest-growing religion.

  "My family today that I was seeing Modi in the stadium they instantly said to me if you ever get to meet him you must touch his feet because he's believed in my family and that he is like a reincarnation of God."

Traditional Hindu Practices in Australia [00:03:15]

• Hinduism shapes life and identity for many families in Australian suburbs, with centuries-old traditions being practiced.
• Bhavika and Trishol Darji, who live on the central coast, follow Hindu practices and incorporate elements like yoga and Tantra into their personal development.
• Bhavika was raised in a deeply religious household in London, with childhood memories of Sunday mornings filled with the sounds of bells, incense, and her mother singing.

  "And my mum kind of singing the holy song or the arti."

Support for Modi's Governance [00:05:00]

• Bhavika and Trishol's family, originally from Gujarat, believe Modi has elevated India's standing on the world stage.
• They credit him with implementing infrastructure projects and cleaning up India.
• Religion is seen as incorporated into his governance, with efforts to be inclusive of various religious speakers in events.

  "He has implemented some amazing infrastructure. He has, you know, cleaned up, he's really cleaned up India."

Criticism of Hindutva [00:06:30]

• Not all Indian Australians support Modi's version of Hinduism, Hindutva.
• Nandini Sen Mehra, an advocate with Hindus for Human Rights, views Hindutva as a political ideology that places certain people above others.
• Those with different practices, political leanings, or ways of life are labeled as anti-national or anti-Hindu.

  "Hindutva, I feel, is closer to a political sort of ideology. And there's a roadmap and there's a sort of particular way of looking at the world, which places certain people on top of a hierarchy and places certain people outside of that."

Modi as a God-like Figure [00:08:30]

• Journalist Arti Betigheti notes that Prime Minister Modi styles himself after Lord Rama, an avatar of Vishnu.
• Many Indians revere Modi, with some seeing him as a god-like figure and keeping his images in family shrines.
• Modi aligns himself with Lord Rama, as seen in festivals promoted by his government, such as the one at the Ayodhya Temple site.

  "But also, I think, um, one of the characters that, I guess, Prime Minister Modi also sees himself in, right?"

The Ayodhya Temple Dispute [00:10:30]

• The Ayodhya Temple dispute, where a mosque was demolished to build a Hindu shrine, is highlighted as a source of religious conflict.
• This event led to deadly riots, primarily affecting Muslims.
• The completion of the temple in 2024, publicized by Modi's office, is seen by some as a symbol of a new Hindu nation but was met with fear by Muslims.

  "To the Hindus, this is the birthplace of their god, Ram. To build their shrine, they must first destroy a 400-year-old mosque, which stands on the site."

Rising Islamophobia and Diaspora Tensions [00:13:00]

• Modi's rise is linked to a wave of Islamophobia in India, where prejudice against Muslims has become more accepted.
• The video touches on the Khalistan movement, with Sikhs advocating for secession from India.
• Tensions within the diaspora are reignited by Modi's visits, with some questioning Australian politicians' silence on human rights issues.

  "I think Modi is synonymous with a rising wave of Islamophobia that has been buried under the surface, if you will, in India."

Hindutva's Impact on Australian Society [00:18:00]

• Critics like Devlina Ghosh and Nandini Sen Mehra believe Modi's Hindutva ideology has made India more conservative and less equitable towards religions.
• They worry these prejudices are influencing Australian society, particularly within the diaspora.
• The traditional Hindu practice of Holi is discussed, contrasting its message of love and unity with the more insular model promoted by Hindutva.

  "The Hindus for Human Rights holy event brings together people from different religions. Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists."

Future of Hinduism in Australia [00:23:00]

• The growing Hindu community in Australia is evident with the increase in temples.
• Some hope that younger generations of the diaspora will be more progressive than their parents.
• While acknowledging Modi's achievements in bringing people together and his commitment to Hinduism, the focus for many Hindus remains on personal faith and finding inner divinity.

  "For me personally, it's to sort of approach life with an inquiring mind, because that's one of the things that attracts me to the faith itself, that there are so many interpretations and there isn't one way to actually be a Hindu."