TY - JOUR AU - Ahmar, Dr. Moonis PY - 2022/12/31 Y2 - 2024/03/29 TI - HOW HINDU NATIONALISM DIMINISHED INDIAN DEMOCRACY AND SECULARISM? JF - Strategic Thought JA - Strategic Thought VL - 4 IS - 1 SE - DO - UR - https://strategicthought.ndu.edu.pk/site/article/view/76 SP - 35-51 AB - <p><em>Understanding the erosion of Indian democracy and secularism would require the study of transformation of that country’s state and society in the last several years. How a multi-cultural, multilingual and multi-religious state failed to ensure harmony, tolerance and coexistence thus jeopardizing the survival of millions of people targeted by the Hindu fanatics of Bharatiya Janata Party (BPJ) Shiv Sena, Bajrang Dal, Sang Parhiwar and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Singh (RSS)? Political parties and civil society groups pursuing a moderate and tolerant approach should have prevented the surge of Hindu nationalism and persecution of religious minorities, but like taming Indian bureaucracy, judiciary and military, voices of sanity got diminished with each passing day. Fascist behavior motivated by the Modi regime not only tried to suppress voices of dissent but also let loose the goons of Hindu nationalist parties and groups on those who resisted the surge of fanaticism and fascism. This paper will examine in detail with critical thinking the transformation of Indian state and society and the diminishing status of tolerance, moderation, democracy and secularism since the Modi regime took over in 2014. Is there a light at the end of tunnel as far as promising future of Indian democracy and secularism is concerned or the country will further drift into the web of Hindu nationalism and fascism? &nbsp;</em></p> ER -