Savarkar Vs Aurobindo's Hindutva | By J. Sai Deepak

J. Sai Deepak on Hindutva and Civilizational Unity

J. Sai Deepak argues that Hindutva built primarily as a political identity, as he associates with Savarkar’s approach, is likely to meet resistance and mistrust. People may see it as asking them to set aside ancestral customs in favor of an ideology. He contrasts this with Sri Aurobindo’s emphasis on spirituality and tradition, which Deepak says should come before political unity.

In Deepak’s view, India’s civilizational cohesion has historically rested less on uniform political structures than on shared dharmic traditions, pilgrimage networks, and stories from the Puranas and Hindu epics. The goal, he says, should be “unity in diversity”: a shared dharmic framework that respects regional and local expressions rather than imposing one set of practices everywhere.

Respecting Regional Traditions

Deepak illustrates this point by describing differences among Hindu temples and traditions. For example, he says the rituals of Kerala’s Padmanabhaswamy Temple should not simply be made to follow those of Tirupati, despite both temples being associated with Vishnu. He also acknowledges an earlier mistake about which goddess is traditionally offered alcohol, using it to underscore the variation among religious practices.

He argues that respecting local customs can ease regional and linguistic insecurities. A common dharmic foundation can connect communities without erasing their differences.

A Civilizational Approach

Deepak urges those shaping the Hindutva movement to adopt what he calls Aurobindo’s approach, speak openly about Sanatana Dharma, and respect sacred places and their environments, including their ecology.

He concludes that a civilizational identity rooted in dharma is more durable than a political identity, whether Hindu nationalist or civic nationalist. Attempts to erase differences, he warns, can produce damaging outcomes.

Presenters and contributors: J. Sai Deepak; interviewer (unnamed in the subtitles).