Hindu Vivek Kendra
Encyclopedia
Hindu Vivek Kendra is a scholarly branch of the Hindutva
movement. They are part of an alliance called Sangh Parivar
, based on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh
(RSS). Other alliance members include: Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP); Bajrang Dal
; and the Bharatiya Janata Party
(BJP), which governed India from 1998 until 2004. Robert Frykenberg, emeritus professor of history and south Asian studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison
, notes that Hinduvta is seen as Hindu "fundamentalism" by the press and the public. HVK describe this public perception at their official website, and state their own aim is to respond by giving "the theoretical basis of the Hindutva movement due publicity." HVK have an office in Mumbai
.
Hindutva
Hindutva is the term used to describe movements advocating Hindu nationalism. Members of the movement are called Hindutvavādis.In India, an umbrella organization called the Sangh Parivar champions the concept of Hindutva...
movement. They are part of an alliance called Sangh Parivar
Sangh Parivar
The Sangh Parivar refers to the family of organisations of Hindu nationalists which have been started by members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh or are inspired by its ideas. The Sangh Parivar represents the Hindu nationalist movement. It includes the RSS and several dozen smaller...
, based on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh or National Patriotic Organization), also known the Sangh, is a right-wing Hindu nationalist, paramilitary, volunteer, and allegedly militant organization for Hindu males in India...
(RSS). Other alliance members include: Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP); Bajrang Dal
Bajrang Dal
The Bajrang Dal , a hardline and militant Hindu organization in India, is the youth wing of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and is based on the ideology of Hindutva. Founded on 1 October 1984 in Uttar Pradesh, India, it has since spread throughout India...
; and the Bharatiya Janata Party
Bharatiya Janata Party
The Bharatiya Janata Party ,; translation: Indian People's Party) is one of the two major political parties in India, the other being the Indian National Congress. Established in 1980, it is India's second largest political party in terms of representation in the parliament...
(BJP), which governed India from 1998 until 2004. Robert Frykenberg, emeritus professor of history and south Asian studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison
University of Wisconsin–Madison
The University of Wisconsin–Madison is a public research university located in Madison, Wisconsin, United States. Founded in 1848, UW–Madison is the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System. It became a land-grant institution in 1866...
, notes that Hinduvta is seen as Hindu "fundamentalism" by the press and the public. HVK describe this public perception at their official website, and state their own aim is to respond by giving "the theoretical basis of the Hindutva movement due publicity." HVK have an office in Mumbai
Mumbai
Mumbai , formerly known as Bombay in English, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the most populous city in India, and the fourth most populous city in the world, with a total metropolitan area population of approximately 20.5 million...
.
Activities
HVK state their five main activities are the following.- To create a library of pro-Hindutva and anti-Hindutva books.
- To identify those who have contributed to the various aspects of Hindutva, invite them to write on the subject, and give their ideas wide publicity.
- To encourage others who wish to do research on the subject and guide them by making material available, and putting them in touch with various experts.
- To send the material to academic circles in India and abroad.
- To keep track of writings in the international field, both pro-Hindutva and anti-Hindutva.