“Hindus Are in Danger" – The Greatest Slogan That Never Was

 

“Hindus Are in Danger" – The Greatest Slogan That Never Was

Nautanki …

 

When did we first hear the dramatic cry of "हिंदू खतरे में है" (Hindus are in danger)? I don’t recall any historical moment where this slogan became a rallying cry for any political party or movement. Why? Because, let’s face it, Hindus have never actually been in danger. From the pages of ancient history to the modern boardrooms of Fortune 500 companies, Hindus have excelled in almost every field for the last 3,000 years. So why is this sudden hysteria that Hindus are somehow under threat?

If we rewind a bit, we’ll see that, yes, the power struggles between kings and rulers have always been part of the story, whether those rulers were Hindu or not. Sure, a few non-Hindu rulers and foreign powers came and went, but were Hindus ever really in danger? Many Hindus, in fact, felt they were treated quite well during the British Empire. Shocking, right? During this period, while some were converting to other religions, Hindus continued to thrive in various fields.

Now, let's address this supposed wave of Hindu conversions to Islam. The narrative that these conversions happened because of force or some grand invasion ignores one very uncomfortable truth: many lower-caste Hindus converted out of sheer frustration. These people were shunned by the upper castes, who wouldn’t even allow them entry into their homes. Why? Well, it seems some higher-caste men were often too "busy" with other important activities inside those homes—like sexual conquests, for instance. When you’re treated as an untouchable by your own society, the allure of a different religion where you might actually be treated like a human being becomes a bit more understandable, doesn’t it?

After India gained independence, Hindus quickly resumed their place of power. They started dominating in nearly every industry, from academia to corporate leadership, even taking over positions at major global universities and Fortune 500 companies. So if Hindus are doing just fine, why all this sudden concern about their survival?

Here’s the thing: Hindus aren't in danger—Hinduism might be. That’s right, the real concern isn't that Hindus will disappear, but that the rituals and dogmas pushed by certain religious figures might. You see, education is a funny thing. Once Hindus started getting educated in the sciences and thinking critically, some began to question these age-old traditions and rituals. And, surprise surprise, some even stopped affiliating with religion altogether. That’s the real fear: educated Hindus, not threatened Hindus.

So who are the people behind this "Hindus are in danger" narrative? It's not the everyday Hindu who's excelling in every field. No, it's the folks who feel their grip on power slipping—the ones who rely on fear and ritual to maintain control. If Hindus stop needing them to perform these sacred rituals, what’s left for them? A world where they no longer matter.

Let’s take a moment to reflect on the true tragedy in all this. The Prime Minister of the country, the leader of over a billion people, has been more interested in inaugurating temples than addressing real crises where lives are at stake. He couldn't muster a shred of attention for the lives lost in the Morbi bridge collapse nor for the 40 Indian soldiers killed in a terrorist attack. But when it comes to feeding the nation a steady diet of fear and hate to stay in power? He’s all in. What a true patriot, right?

Let’s not forget the grand parallel with Christianity here. Remember how powerful churches once controlled immense wealth and even raised armies to protect it? Temples in India, especially ones like Somnath, were no different. They stored wealth, making them prime targets for invaders. And sure, the story goes that Somnath was plundered by a group of 100 thugs, but does anyone really believe that happened without help from locals who were fed up with the temple's practices? The narrative of Hindus being in constant danger from external threats has always been a bit of a stretch, hasn't it?

This whole "Hindus are in danger" propaganda didn’t pop up overnight. It’s a carefully crafted message, most likely originating in Gujarat, where one man figured out the most effective weapon in his arsenal: fear. Fear, combined with hate, has proven to be an incredibly efficient tool for control. Once you get people afraid, you can justify almost anything.

In conclusion, let’s be crystal clear: Hindus are not, and never have been, in danger. So, let’s stop this ridiculous narrative once and for all. The only thing truly in danger is the fear-driven agenda that’s been carefully cultivated to keep certain people in power. Fear of the "other," fear of change, fear of losing control—these are the real threats, not the imagined peril of an ancient and thriving civilization.