Begin with Raja Ram Mohan Roy

This refers to M V Kamath’s article on Indian renaissance, where he has argued for Hindutva . This expression was coined by V D Savarkar. He did not belong to the RSS (it is doubtful there is another interpretation of Hindutva). He makes a distinction between Hinduism and Hindutva. Hinduism is a doctrine. Hindutva conveys Hinduness. He coined the expression because of B G Tilak’s definition of ‘Who is Hindu?’ Tilak mentioned that those who believe in Hindutva English translation from the Sruti , Smriti and Puranas could be considered Hindu. Savarkar found this definition too restrictive because it would exclude large sections of people. The Arya Samaj does not believe in Puranas. The Lingayats do not accept the supremacy of the Vedas. This definition also excludes Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs. Savarkar was a rationalist. He wanted reforms in Hinduism. ‘ Renaissance’ means rebirth. Indian renaissance must look at all reforms, starting with Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s work. There were so many hermeneutic interpretations in different parts of India on caste, secularism etc. This needs to be collated and made comprehensive. One such attempt has been made by K Damodaran (Soul of India). Prof M P Rege’s approach is from the multi-culturalism viewpoint in his book, ‘Ihvad (Secularism) Sarv Dharm Sam Bhav.’ He mentions that we need to discuss who is a modern Hindu, what are their beliefs and so on.

T S Ramanarayan