Rohit Chopra explores the philosophical and political significance of the Gita, arguing for its enduring relevance in today's global society. He combines deep insights with contemporary issues, demonstrating how the teachings of the Gita can inform modern thought and action. Through this lens, Chopra invites readers to reconsider the text's influence on personal and collective decision-making in a complex world.
From websites devoted to battling a Left-liberal media ecosystem to the formidable internet army of Hindu Right volunteers, from online narratives of Hindu valour to Narendra Modi s impeccably-managed social media presence, new media is an integral part of present-day Hindu nationalism. The Virtual Hindu Rashtra examines the relationship of Hindu nationalism and new media as manifested across a range of internet spaces, including Twitter trends in support of the Bharatiya Janata Party s government policies, Facebook pages dedicated to the cultural project of establishing a Hindu state, and WhatsApp groups circulating jokes about Modi s critics. Situating online Hindu nationalism in a historical context, this book analyses the movement with respect to national and global political trends, such as the ascendancy of authoritarian political personalities worldwide and the phenomenon of fake news. Parsing the many expressions of online Hindu nationalism, the book concludes with a reflection on the implications of the relationship of Hindu nationalism and new media for democracy in India.
Cultural Negotiations from Colonialism to Cyberspace
Exploring the intersection of technology and nationalism, this book delves into how global Indian communities utilize the internet to advance Hindu nationalist ideologies. It traces the historical roots of this phenomenon back to the colonial era, when Western science and technology began reshaping Indian identity. The narrative highlights the role of technological expertise in defining modern Indian selfhood, as well as its influence on perceptions of identity, community, and the state, revealing deep connections between technological advancement and nationalist sentiments.