Parakala Prabhakar on Hindutva, Hindu Rashtra, Caste & the Future of India | A Dialogue with Swathi

In this conversation, political economist and public intellectual Parakala Prabhakar explores some of the most contentious questions shaping contemporary India. The discussion begins with the idea of Ram, the rise of majoritarian politics, and the distinction between faith and political mobilisation. From there, the conversation travels through the history of nationalism, the Two Nation Theory, Partition, citizenship, Akhand Bharat, constitutional values, caste, Sanatana Dharma, social reform movements, and the future of Indian democracy. Drawing from history, constitutional debates, personal experiences, and social reform struggles, Parakala argues for an India rooted in equality, citizenship, and constitutional morality rather than religious majoritarianism. Whether one agrees or disagrees, this conversation attempts to slow down, examine assumptions, and explore one of the most important ideological debates of our time. Topics Covered • Ram, religion and politics • Hindutva vs Hinduism • Majoritarianism and nationalism • Citizenship and the Constitution • Savarkar and the Two Nation Theory • Partition and Akhand Bharat • Caste and Sanatana Dharma • Temple entry movements • Gandhi, Ambedkar and social reform • Religious identity and democracy • BJP, RSS and contemporary politics • The future of the Indian Republic Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction & The Idea of a 'New India' 03:37 - Majoritarianism vs. Political Religion 07:42 - The Evolution of the Symbolism of Ram 09:30 - Pre-Modern Ideology and the British Impact 11:12 - Definition of Citizenship in Modern India 13:30 - The Historical Clash of Civilizational Ideals 15:51 - Post-Partition Turbulence & Constitutional Secularism 20:48 - The Origins of the Two-Nation Theory 28:26 - The Accession of Princely States & Territorial Ambitions 32:34 - Dissecting the Concept of 'Foreign Rulers' 42:30 - Destruction of Temples & Kingship in Pre-Modern India 52:06 - Defining Sanatana Dharma & Hindu Way of Life 55:02 - The Struggle for Dalit Temple Entry (Tirumala & Baidyanath) 1:01:34 - Caste Discrimination & Historical Atrocities in India 1:24:27 - Reform Movements vs. Orthodoxy in Hindu Society 1:33:16 - Casual Hindutva & Everyday Religious Bias 1:40:09 - Evaluating the Cultural vs. Religious Project of RSS 1:50:36 - The Individual vs. the Collective in India's Constitution 1:55:23 - Political Propaganda, Fascism, & Electoral Outcomes About the Project The Conscious Republic is a long-term political project exploring politics, religion, identity, democracy, caste, nationalism, ethics, and public life through dialogue and reflective inquiry. If these conversations matter to you, do consider: Watching patiently Reflecting critically Participating respectfully Sharing thoughtfully Because democracy is sustained by deeper conversations and meaningful public action. Also, do write to us at: [email protected] Follow us on socials : A Dialogue With Swathi:   / adialoguewithswathi   Kathanika Media:   / kathanikamedia   WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029...