By: Rayna Chandra
April 19, 2021
India, the second-most populous democracy in the world, once perceived its secular character as crucial, in comparison to its former half, Pakistan. In recent years, the election of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) introduced a dramatic rise of Hindu nationalism, contradicting the nation’s notion of secularism. This ideological shift has simultaneously ignited xenophobic nationalism and mounting threats to religious minorities. This paper aims to answer whether India’s fundamental pillars of democracy, secularism, and the protection of minority rights will fade as a direct result of the BJP’s rise to power and the accompanying force of Hindu nationalism.
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Rayna Chandra (C‘21) is an undergraduate in the College, majoring in government with a minor in religion, ethics, and world affairs. She possesses a strong interest in the intersection of international business, politics, and culture. In her free time, Chandra competes in and teaches dance. Rayna is originally from Ocala, Florida, and plans to pursue advanced studies in international business and management.
