By GOVIND KRISHNAN V / Article14

Govind Krishnan V’s book, Vivekananda: The Philosopher of Freedom, challenges the Hindu right’s attempt to co-opt Swami Vivekananda, undeniably one of the most influential and defining figures of modern Hinduism. The book aims to demonstrate that Vivekananda’s religious philosophy, social thought, and ideology stand in contrast to Hindutva.

The first of three sections, ‘Life, Ideology, and Historical Context’, begins with a brief biography of Swami Vivekananda, then delves into how the RSS and the Sangh have appropriated Hindu symbols, motifs, and issues, in contrast to Vivekananda’s approach to Hinduism. The section also explores Vivekananda’s early understanding of and relationship with Islam and Christianity. It examines the clash between Vivekananda’s internationalism and the RSS’s nativism.

The second section, ‘Hinduism, the Sangh, and the West’, is an introduction to lesser-known aspects of Vivekananda’s writings and thoughts. It explores Vivekananda’s perspectives on themes such as Indian civilisation, society, culture, the caste system, Brahminism, the history of Islam in India, attitudes towards Islam and Christianity, Hindu mythology, beliefs, rituals, individual liberty, and attitudes towards the West. 

The final section, ‘Vivekananda’s Philosophy’, expounds on his philosophy of universal religion and his theoretical framework, emphasising his famous notion that religion should be as rational as science. Excerpt:

The letter read:

DARJEELING, 3rd April 1897

DEAR MISS NOBLE,

I have just found a bit of important work for you to do on behalf of the downtrodden masses of India. The gentleman I take the liberty of introducing to you is in England on behalf of the Tiyas (Ezhavas), a plebeian caste in the native State of Malabar. You will realize from this gentleman what an amount of tyranny there is over these poor people, simply because of their caste. The Indian Government has refused to interfere on grounds of non-interference in the internal administration of a native State. The only hope of these people is the English Parliament. Do kindly everything in your power to help this matter [in] being brought before the British Public,

Ever yours in the truth, VIVEKANANDA

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