The recent exchange between Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and an American citizen, who claimed that Hinduism is a wicked, pagan religion, highlights the contrasting reactions to religious intolerance across cultures, especially when compared to India.
While Ramaswamy's measured response to the inflammatory remark was a testament to Hinduism's inherent tolerance and resilience, the incident raises important questions about how such comments would have played out had they been directed at other religions, particularly in the given context.
In the United States, there has been a long-standing trend among some evangelical circles to discredit non-Abrahamic faiths, particularly Hinduism, branding them as pagan or incompatible with American values. Yet, Hinduism, both in India and abroad, has rarely reacted with the same level of offense as would be seen if for example, Christianity or Islam had been targeted in a similar way.
This situation highlights the profound tolerance that is integral to Hindu philosophy. Instead of escalating the conversation or seeking legal redress, Ramaswamy calmly defended his faith, using the incident as a teaching moment.
Critics have pointed out that if such a public insult had been levied against Christianity in India, the reaction would likely have been far more intense. The narrative might have spun into claims that Hindutva is fueling religious intolerance, and there would have been widespread condemnation not just from Indian media, but also international outlets eager to paint India as becoming intolerant. Legal actions, such as PILs for hate speech, would possibly be initiated, demonstrating how quickly Christian groups could have mobilised to counter the offense.
Kanwal Sibal TweetWhat this scenario reveals is a significant disparity in the way religious tolerance is perceived and practiced in different societies. Hinduism, with its pluralistic ethos and deep-rooted belief in Sarva Dharma Sambhava, generally absorbs criticism and allows for a wide spectrum of spiritual beliefs. This is in stark contrast to how, particularly in the West, criticism or mockery of Christianity often results in defensive actions or public outcry.
The real question becomes: Who is truly tolerant in today's world? The incident with Ramaswamy serves as a reminder that Hinduism, despite facing targeted attacks, remains an example of religious tolerance in a world increasingly polarised by identity politics.