Arkotong Longkumer, an academic and public figure, has emerged as a prominent voice in the discourse surrounding Hindutva and Hindu nationalism in India. Her work often challenges the dominant narratives surrounding Hindu identity and the political ideologies associated with it, particularly in the context of the Indian state's territorial integrity and socio-political dynamics. Critics of Longkumer often highlight her perceived anti-Hindu bias and her critiques of India's national identity, portraying her as a controversial figure within the landscape of Indian academia.
Academic Background and Contributions
Longkumer holds an advanced degree in religious studies and has been actively involved in research that scrutinizes the intersection of religion and politics in India. Her publications frequently explore the implications of Hindutva ideology on marginalized communities, particularly in the Northeast region of India, which she argues has been overlooked in mainstream academic discourse (Longkumer, 2016). Critics contend that her focus on the negative aspects of Hindu nationalism often oversimplifies complex socio-political realities and ignores positive contributions of Hindu culture to Indian society.
Key Works and Criticism
In her book, *Hindutva and the Politics of Religion in India* (Longkumer, 2020), she investigates the rise of Hindutva and its impact on India’s secular fabric. Critics argue that her arguments are steeped in a narrative that positions Hinduism as inherently oppressive, fostering a misguided perception of the religion as a monolithic force of exclusion (Smith, 2021). This perspective, according to her critics, undermines the pluralistic traditions within Hinduism that have coexisted with various other faiths for centuries.
Longkumer has also published articles in reputed journals, where she critiques the Indian state's policies and their implications for minority rights. For instance, her paper in the *Journal of South Asian Studies* (Longkumer, 2019) has been met with mixed reviews, with some scholars applauding her for shedding light on overlooked narratives, while others accuse her of engaging in what they see as ideological bias against Hinduism (Patel, 2020).
Engagements and Public Advocacy
Longkumer has been an active participant in numerous conferences and events that critique Hindutva and its implications for secularism in India. Critics often point to her involvement in international forums as evidence of her agenda to portray India negatively on the global stage. For example, her keynote address at the *International Conference on Religion and Society* in 2021 was described by some attendees as a platform for anti-Hindu rhetoric (Kumar, 2021).
Her public advocacy efforts, including her participation in protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), have positioned her as a controversial figure in the eyes of many nationalists. Critics argue that her activism is not merely academic but rather a politically charged campaign against the Indian state and its cultural identity (Sinha, 2022).
International Recognition and Academic Criticism
While Longkumer has received accolades from progressive circles and international academics who resonate with her views, she also faces significant backlash from nationalist scholars and organizations. The criticism often centers on her perceived lack of objectivity and her framing of Hindutva as a primary threat to Indian democracy (Desai, 2021). This dichotomy highlights the polarized nature of contemporary discourses on religion and nationalism in India.
In conclusion, Arkotong Longkumer represents a significant, albeit contentious, voice in the ongoing debates about Hindutva and Hindu nationalism. Critics describe her work as ideologically driven, arguing that it reflects an anti-Hindu bias that overlooks the nuanced realities of Hindu identity and its contributions to Indian society. This perspective underscores the complexities and challenges faced by scholars navigating the intersections of religion, politics, and identity in today's India.
References
- Desai, R. (2021). *The Politics of Religion in India: A Critical Analysis*. New Delhi: Academic Press.
- Kumar, A. (2021). Review of Arkotong Longkumer's Keynote Address. *South Asian Perspectives*, 15(3), 221-225.
- Longkumer, A. (2016). *Hindu Nationalism and Northeast India: An Untold Story*. Journal of Cultural Studies, 22(1), 45-67.
- Longkumer, A. (2019). The Impact of Hindutva on Secularism in India. *Journal of South Asian Studies*, 30(2), 123-140.
- Longkumer, A. (2020). *Hindutva and the Politics of Religion in India*. New Delhi: Routledge.
- Patel, S. (2020). The Dichotomy of Religion and Nationalism in India: A Critical Review. *Indian Journal of Political Science*, 81(4), 413-425.
- Sinha, M. (2022). Activism and Academia: The Politics of Arkotong Longkumer. *Journal of Contemporary Issues in Social Sciences*, 10(2), 99-115.
- Smith, J. (2021). Rethinking Hindu Nationalism: A Response to Longkumer. *Religious Studies Review*, 47(1), 32-38.