Archive · 14 Jan 2026
Debate on Hinduism and Hindutva remains unresolved
A big debate happened in Calcutta about whether Hinduism, which is a religion, needs protection from Hindutva, which is a political idea.
Some people said that Hindutva is actually harming Hinduism because it is too strict and excludes people.
Others said that Hindutva is important to protect Hinduism, especially from people who might want to hurt Hindus.
They talked about different things like food, history, and politics.
In the end, no one could decide who was right, and the question remained unanswered.
Important people like Mahatma Gandhi and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar were mentioned, but not everyone agreed on what they would have thought about this issue.
A debate titled 'Hinduism needs protection from Hindutva' was held at the Calcutta Club.
Speakers included politicians, journalists, historians, and authors from various backgrounds.
Arguments ranged from Hindutva being a perverter of Hinduism to it being necessary for protection.
The debate remained inconclusive, with the house undecided on the motion.
Key figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar were referenced in the debate.
- Who
- Speakers from various political and social backgrounds
- What
- A debate on whether Hinduism needs protection from Hindutva
- When
- Sunday evening
- Where
- Calcutta Club
- Why
- To discuss the relationship and impact of Hinduism and Hindutva
- Event
- The Debate 2026
- Organizers
- Calcutta Debating Circle and The Telegraph
- Motion
- Hinduism needs protection from Hindutva
- Speakers for the motion
- Mani Shankar Aiyar, Mahua Moitra, Ashutosh, Ruchika Sharma
- Speakers against the motion
- Sudhanshu Trivedi, Swapan Dasgupta, J Sai Deepak, Agnimitra Paul
- Location
- Calcutta Club
- Outcome
- House remained undecided
- Key Figures Mentioned
- Mahatma Gandhi, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose