As the auspicious Navratri festival approaches, a time when Sanatanis across the world celebrate the divine feminine energy, it is hard to overlook the grief and despair that hangs over Bharat Mata, our beloved motherland. Her sons and daughters have faced unspeakable atrocities, and the spirit of unity that Navratri signifies seems distant amidst the injustice that mars the land. The vibrant celebrations are overshadowed by the deep wounds inflicted upon Sanatan Hindus, in India and countries of Bangladesh and Pakistan, that were part of India till 1947, where Hindu culture and identity are now mere shadows of their former selves.
The Forgotten Sons and Daughters of Bangladesh and Pakistan
The partition of 1947 not only divided the subcontinent but also marked the beginning of the systematic persecution of Sanatan Hindus in both East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and West Pakistan (now Pakistan). The story of Hindus in these lands has been one of survival, displacement, and loss. Once vibrant communities, they have been marginalized to the point of near extinction in both countries.
Bangladesh: More than 85% of the Sanatan Hindu population has been driven out of Bangladesh, primarily due to religious persecution. The community is constantly living in fear. Between 1947 and 1971, millions of Hindus were displaced or murdered, reminiscent of the Moplah massacre and the atrocities committed during British rule.
“The population of Indics has continuously fallen in Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan). It was 23 per cent in 1951, 14 per cent in 1974, 11 per cent in 1991, 10 per cent in 2001 and 9.3 per cent in 2011.”
The 1971 war for Bangladesh’s independence saw renewed violence against Hindus, and even after independence, their plight has continued. Hindu temples are desecrated, homes are burned, and families live in constant fear of abductions, forced conversions, and violence. During the 2001 post-election riots, Hindu homes were torched, and women were raped. In 2013, attacks on Hindus escalated. Temples were desecrated, and properties looted.
Read The Persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh
Pakistan: The fate of Sanatan Hindus in Pakistan has been equally, if not more, devastating. The Hindu community has been reduced to less than 2% of Pakistan’s population today. After partition, millions of Hindus fled to India to escape the violence that accompanied the creation of Pakistan. However, those who remained were subjected to systemic discrimination, forced conversions, and targeted violence.
The plight of young Hindu girls in Pakistan has been particularly harrowing. In Sindh province, reports estimate that over 1,000 Hindu girls are abducted and forcibly converted to Islam each year. The abductions, especially of underage girls, are followed by forced marriages, often sanctioned by local courts under dubious circumstances. Temples and Hindu community buildings have also been frequent targets of attacks, with the Karachi Mandir attack of 2014 being one of many where mobs desecrated holy places.
The Grief of Bharat Mata: A Century of Atrocities
An earlier article "Mother" eloquently captured the anguish that Bharat Mata has endured for over 200 years, her cries echoing through generations of her children. The grief of our mother has been compounded by the series of atrocities that have unfolded on her soil and beyond. From the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919 to the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in 1990, her sons and daughters have been subjected to a never-ending cycle of violence.
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919): One of the most infamous moments in India's colonial history, this massacre saw British troops open fire on peaceful protestors, killing hundreds. This event marked a turning point in India's struggle for independence, but it also deepened the sorrow of Bharat Mata, who had to witness the bloodshed of her innocent children.
To see album on Jallianwala Bagh
Moplah Massacre (1921): A lesser-known but equally horrific chapter in India's history, the Moplah massacre saw the brutal killing of over 10,000 Hindus in Kerala. Over 100,000 were forced to flee, marking one of the earliest instances of large-scale religious violence in modern India. Even prominent leaders of the Indian National Congress, such as C. Sankaran Nair, condemned the violence as genocide, recognizing the deep scars it left on the Hindu community.
Bengal Famine (1943): A man-made catastrophe orchestrated by the oppressive policies of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, the Bengal Famine of 1943 killed over three million people. The famine was caused by deliberate policy decisions, stands as one of the darkest chapters in India's colonial history.
To read about Famines during British Rule
Partition of 1947 and the Exodus from Pakistan: The partition of India and creation of Pakistan led to one of the largest mass migrations in human history, with over 10 million people displaced and hundreds of thousands killed. Hindus in West Pakistan faced a brutal choice: convert, flee, or be killed. Temples were destroyed, homes were looted, and families were torn apart. Those who managed to escape sought refuge in India, while those who stayed behind were marginalized. Today, the Hindu community in Pakistan lives in constant fear.
To read Who was responsible for Partition and Direct Action Day 1946
Kashmiri Pandit Exodus (1990): The night of January 19, 1990, remains seared in the memory of Kashmiri Pandits, who were forced to flee their homes in the face of violence, threats, and terror. Bharat Mata wept for the thousands who became refugees in their own country.
Know What happened to the Kashmiri Pandits in 1990
Sanatans in India: A Spirit Wounded by Violence
In contemporary India, the plight of Sanatan Hindus continues. From targeted violence in regions such as West Bengal and Kerala to the brutal murders and rapes that shock the nation's conscience, the community's spirit is being torn apart. These tragedies are not just isolated incidents but are part of a larger pattern of injustice and marginalization.
Read Crime against Hindu Women involving Love and Marriage
West Bengal Post-Election Violence (2021): After the state elections in West Bengal, widespread violence erupted, particularly targeting Hindus who were seen as supporters of opposing political parties. Reports of rapes, murders, and forced displacement of Hindus poured in, reflecting the deep-rooted tensions and violence that Sanatanis are subjected to, even in their own land.
Read Violence in WB Elections – a Primer
Very recent events have dealt a blow to the spirit of the Sanatan community. For instance, in West Bengal, the rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College shocked the nation. This incident highlighted the worsening law and order situation.
Read Can Indians worship Shakti and ill treat women at the same time
Keralite Sanatans Under Attack: Kerala, historically known for its harmony, has also seen the rise of extremist elements targeting the Hindu community. The political landscape has shifted dramatically, and violent incidents have become all too common. Temples have been desecrated, and political violence has claimed the lives of many.
The Need for Collective Action: Honoring the Spirit of Navratri
Navratri is a celebration of victory over evil, of the divine feminine force triumphing against all odds. It is a time to honor Durga, the goddess who vanquishes the demon Mahishasura. Yet, today, as we prepare for this festival, we must ask ourselves: how can we celebrate when our motherland is still under siege? How can we rejoice when the very principles of dharma, truth, and justice are being trampled upon?
The governance in India is far removed from the ideals of a true democracy. The laws, regulations, and police codes inherited from the colonial era still dominate the landscape, perpetuating injustice. It is imperative that we, as the sons and daughters of Bharat Mata, rise to the occasion and work towards reform. The electoral process must be a conscious exercise, one where we choose leaders who will safeguard the rights of all citizens, especially those who are most vulnerable.
We must also revisit and reassess the Constitution, laws, and regulations to ensure they reflect the principles of justice and equality for all, not just a select few. The atrocities committed against Sanatan Hindus, both in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, cannot be forgotten or overlooked.
The recent spate of attacks on Hindus in West Bengal, Bengaluru, or Kashmir is a stark reminder of the need for unity and collective action.
The Path Forward
The spirit of Navratri teaches us to fight against the forces of adharma (injustice). Bharat Mata’s grief is a reflection of the pain endured by her children over the past many centuries. As we enter this sacred festival, let us reflect on the sacrifices made by our ancestors and take a vow to protect and preserve the Sanatan way of life.
The atrocities against Hindus in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India, and the systemic failures of governance, are reminders that our work is far from over. Let the thunderous cries of Bharat Mata compel us to act, to unite, and to strive for a society where justice prevails for all.
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References
1. Sarkar, B. K. "Bangladesh Hindu Persecution: A Historical Overview."
2. Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council Report, 2001–2013: Documenting persecution against Hindus in Bangladesh.
3. The Hindu article on attacks against Hindus in Bangladesh, 2013.
4. The Moplah Rebellion, by C. Sankaran Nair and Annie Besant, historical texts, 1921.
5. Nair, C. S. "Moplah Riots and the Tragic Exodus of Hindus." Indian Historical Journal, 1922.
6. Churchill's Secret War, by Madhusree Mukerjee, 2010: Analysis of the Bengal famine.
7. "The Bengal Famine of 1943: A Tragedy Caused by Policy." Modern History Review.
8. Raina, T. "Kashmiri Pandit Exodus: The Night That Shook a Community." Kashmiri Review, 2020.
9. The Exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, by Rahul Pandita, 2013.
10. "Post-Election Violence in West Bengal: An Investigation." India Watch, 2021.
11. "Forced Conversions and the Plight of Hindus in Pakistan." South Asian Monitor, 2020.
12. Human Rights Watch on forced conversions in Pakistan, 2020.
13. BBC News report on Hindu temple attacks in Karachi, 2014.
14. The Times of India coverage of the RG Kar Hospital incident, 2022.
15. Supreme Court ruling on religious conversions, 2023.
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