The past decade, which witnessed the tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been one of awakening, uprising, and decolonising, especially with respect to the Hindu Samaj. Since assuming office in 2014, PM Modi’s policies and initiatives have displayed his Hindu nationalistic trait more and more by the day, which caused the leftist ecosystem to shudder and whine every time the Modi government came out with a new decision. From temple restorations to the implementation of citizenship laws, his actions have positively impacted the Hindu samaj in Bharat. 

Be it addressing our country as Bharat or enacting anti-love jihad laws in BJP-ruled states, or the CAA notification or the temple corridor development; we have to take a moment to appreciate the work done that has led to Hindu awakening in one way or another. 

Anti-conversion Laws: Anti ‘Love Jihad’ laws enacted by various BJP govts

In 12 Indian states, anti-conversion laws have been enacted, each with its own nuances. These laws typically include prohibitions on conversions, requirements for government notification, and burden-shifting provisions that assume guilt automatically. In the most rightful to ensure that demographic change does not deteriorate any further, BJP-led governments have ensured these laws are brought in place. These laws have ensured that inter-faith marriages done under the pretence of love and companionship by people who hide their identities from their partners can now be handled legally. Ultimately, these laws serve the idea of preserving Hindu identity by discouraging false inter-faith marriages. The Ordinance against religious conversions prohibits coercion, allurement, or fraud, with the burden of proof on the accused to show lawful conversion. It outlines procedures for voluntary religious conversion and allows complaints against unlawful conversions.

Abrogation of Article 370

The abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir brought relief and joy to marginalised communities, especially the Valmikis, who previously faced discrimination and restrictions due to the controversial article. Valmikis struggled to obtain Permanent Resident Certificates for decades, limiting their access to government jobs and education. However, after Article 370 was scrapped, there was hope and celebration in the Valmiki colony, with residents seeing new opportunities for their children’s future. The repeal signified a significant step towards equality and empowerment for marginalised communities in the region. The Supreme Court’s validation of the Centre’s decision to abrogate Article 370 further reinforced this sense of justice and hope, with Valmiki community members who now anticipate equal opportunities and recognition as Scheduled Castes in the UT, reflecting progress and newfound optimism.

Temple corridors & renovation

The two terms of the Narendra Modi government, spanning 10 years, have spearheaded development across economic, social, and cultural domains. Prime Minister Modi has prioritised the restoration of Bharat’s historic temples, including the monumental Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Beyond personal spiritual inclinations, his vision encompasses the gradual advancement of India’s religious tourism sector. This initiative not only underscores the Prime Minister’s commitment to heritage preservation but also reflects a strategic approach to bolstering the country’s tourism potential.

• Kashi Vishwanath: Inaugurated the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in 2021.
• Somnath Temple: Beautification of Somnath temple complex
• Kedarnath Temple: Launched renovation project post-2013 Uttarakhand floods
• Char Dham Project: The Char Dham project aims to provide all-weather connectivity to four holy towns in Uttarakhand: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. A rail link is also under construction to facilitate travel. This project also includes 900 km of national highways.
• Temple Revamp in Kashmir: Initiated renovation works at several temple complexes post-annulment of Article 370. Some of the temples that underwent renovation include the Maa Sharda temple in Teetwal, Kupwara District, which was inaugurated by the Home Minister in 2023, with the idol donated by Sringeri Math in Karnataka; the Shri Raghunath Temple in Srinagar, the Sheetal Nath Temple was reopened to the public after decades, the Shri Raghunath Temple in Fateh Kadal and Safa Kadal, Shri Indernag Temple in Anantnag, and Shopian is under renovation. Additionally, the 700-year-old Mangleshwar Bhairav Temple in Srinagar, severely damaged by floods in 2014, is also undergoing restoration; the Ganpatyar Temple underwent repair work in the downtown area of Srinagar.
• Ram Mandir in Ayodhya: Laid foundation stone in August 2020 and conducted the Pran Prathishta in January 2024
• Temples Abroad: Inaugurated the first traditional Hindu temple, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, in Abu Dhabi in February 2024, commenced revamping project for Shreenathji temple in Bahrain’s Manama in 2019.

Citizenship Amendment Act

The Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 (CAA) rules were finally notified on 11 March 2024 after a delay of four years, extending its implementation nationwide. The CAA aims to fast-track citizenship for undocumented non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh who faced religious persecution. Around 30,000 persecuted minorities such as Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, Sikhs, and Christians could benefit, including refugees living in Majnu Ka Tila, Delhi, and Rajasthan. Uttar Pradesh, the first state to implement CAA, has provided relief to Hindu refugee families from Bangladesh. In West Bengal, the Matua and Rajbanshi communities anticipate citizenship under the CAA. The Act reduces the residency requirement for eligible minorities from 11 to 5 years and exempts them from certain legal proceedings. Despite being passed in 2019, its nationwide rollout follows implementation in nine states. Refugees waiting for citizenship rejoiced at the notification, with several stating that it felt like a “real Ram Rajya” for them. 

These are just some of the initiatives that the Bharatiya Janata Party, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, carried out for the Hindus and upliftment of Hindu Dharma. Yes, we may have our criticism on several other things, but we must also give credit where it is due. This is the first time we are seeing an awakening of the Hindu samaj and speaking out as one; we are in the process of decolonising ourselves, our language, and our minds and shedding the secular garb. We are openly calling out anyone who is secular, and we choose the right way to conduct business, especially if it harms the Hindu Samaj and our Dharma in any way. Would this have been possible without a Narendra Modi at the helm of affairs?