The Contemporary Hindu Nationalism and Indian Environmentalism

Prof. Mukul Sharma’s revised edition of Green and Saffron: Hindu Nationalism and Indian Environmental Politics revisits his pioneering study of the intersection between environmentalism and Hindu nationalism. Originally published in 2012, this updated edition with the new title , “Green and Saffron: The RSS, Modi, and Indian Environmental Politics”, continues to explore the ways Indian environmental discourse and policies have been influenced by a Hindu nationalist agenda.

The book challenges two common claims about environmental politics. First, it questions the idea that environmental ideology and politics always align with progressive views. Second, it disputes the notion that environmental ideology transcends the progressive/conservative, right/left divide. In this context, the book comprehensively analyses how environmental rhetoric has been used to support and extend the reach of Hindutva, a—an ideology central to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its affiliates like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The term “Green and Saffron” metaphorically represents this fusion, with “Saffron” symbolising Hindu nationalism and “Green” indicating environmental concerns.

The updated edition deals in-depth with at least five distinctive new features: the ideological and political expansion of ecological discourse in contemporary India through Hindu nationalist politics and its civil society supporters, the wide-ranging environmental discourse and activities of the RSS and its affiliated organisations since 2014, the role of the BJP government in promoting a religion-centred ecology, the saffronisation of the politics of climate change and renewable energy, and projections of PM Modi as an environmental leader both nationally and globally. This edition has an insightful foreword by Prof. Jonathan Olsen, who has previously published ground-breaking research on right-wing ecology in historical and contemporary Germany. The book’s previous case studies have been updated with ‘postscripts.’

In this new edition, Prof. Sharma refines his argument that contemporary Indian politics reflects both the “Greening of Saffron” and the “Saffronizing of Green.” The former denotes the BJP and RSS incorporating environmental discourse into a nationalist framework, using it to further their cultural and political agenda. The latter describes how parts of the environmental movement have adapted to align with this nationalist discourse, thus blending ecological concerns with Hindu nationalist ideology.

The book’s updated edition retains the core insights of the original while expanding on new developments. The second chapter provides an in-depth look at the ideological evolution of these organisations and their gradual emphasis on environmental issues within their nationalist discourse.

The book’s backbone remains its detailed case studies: Anna Hazare’s watershed management initiative in Ralegan Siddhi, the Chipko Movement leader Sunderlal Bahuguna’s opposition to the Tehri Dam, and the forest revival project in Vrindavan. Prof. Sharma carefully demonstrates how each case illustrates the blending of environmental conservation with Hindu nationalist values. In Ralegan Siddhi, Anna Hazare’s environmental efforts are shown to be influenced by Hindu nationalist ideas, emphasising moral authority and nationalistic rhetoric. Sunderlal Bahuguna’s resistance to the Tehri Dam reflects a convergence of environmental and religious concerns, while the Vrindavan project intertwines environmental policy with Hindu myths and values.

A notable addition in this edition is a chapter addressing India’s response to global climate change. The author critiques how the Modi administration has used climate change initiatives to advance its nationalist agenda while sidelining independent environmental organisations. The Governing party’s embrace of climate action is evaluated as a strategic move to enhance his political standing both domestically and internationally, Prof. Sharma highlights how climate change mitigation has been framed as a continuation of ancient Hindu traditions, intertwining modern environmentalism with nationalist themes.

Overall, the book critically examines how environmentalism and Hindu nationalism have become intertwined in India’s political landscape. By connecting ecological issues with nationalist sentiments, the author reveals the complex ways in which environmental discourse can be used for political purposes. His analysis highlights the potential risks of this convergence, particularly the exclusionary and ideologically driven nature of current environmental policies in India. By highlighting the contemporary features of Hindutva environmentalism and the convergence of Green and Saffron, the book also outlines future areas of research in this field that have hitherto been unexplored.

This revised edition of Green and Saffron not only provides new insights into the relationship between environmentalism and nationalism but also serves as a timely reminder of how political ideologies can shape and influence environmental discourse and policy. Prof Sharma’s book is a valuable resource for understanding the intricate dynamics of environmental politics in contemporary India.

Written by Dr Yukti Arora and Ms Kangna Verma – Academic Communications, RDO, Ashoka University

Reference:

Green And Saffron: The RSS, Modi, and Indian Environmental Politics