Abstract
This paper explores how popular Hindu religious beliefs and practices are communicated and mobilised by Gurus (Hindu religious and spiritual leaders) to play a significant role in conflict escalation and resolution in India. Gurus play a crucial, yet rarely acknowledged, role; both as part of a wider Hindu nationalist (Hindutva) agenda, and as part of a peacebuilding initiative. An exploration of “Guru politics” reveals the dynamic relationship between religious and political spaces in India, particularly, its role in conflict escalation and resolution. The discussion in this paper are on three types of gurus: (1) The Catalyst: Baba Ramdev and Sadhvi Pragya who escalate conflict by disseminating somatic nationalism and Hindu nationalism; (2) The Inhibitor: Swami Agnivesh, who resolves conflicts through multi-faith movements; (3) The Paradoxical: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who resolves conflicts through the Gandhian approach of non-violence but also covertly escalates conflict. This paper concludes that the religious and political sphere remain intimately connected in India, and this connection can be clearly witnessed in the continued participation of gurus in the political sphere. It further concludes that the involvement of gurus in manifesting reactive co-radicalisation is on the rise and that the government’s support is crucial in accomplishing peace processes in India.
Presenters
Aavriti GautamPhD, Politics and International Relations , University Of Adelaide, Australia
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Gurus, Religious leaders, Spiritual leaders, Hinduism, Hindutva, Conflict escalation, Peacebuilding
