May 23, 2015
Hindu of the year:
Symbol of the Hindu renaissance
Narendra Modi, the young sadhu, with children, speaking in New York City
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Over the several past months, Hinduism Today gradually realized what a great impact Modi's rise has had on Hindus everywhere. He has given encouragement and dignity to Hindus and Hinduism and gone a long way to make the H-word respectable again. Speaking to Hindus here and there, Hinduism Today editors detected a new confidence in their voice, a new determination in some to become engaged deeper in spiritual life or support of Hindu institutions. Many for the first time felt that Hindu culture does have within it the strength to overcome a slew of mountainous obstacles and prosper. The future looked brighter.
The article announcing the award states that "for the first time in 800 years, a Hindu is in charge of India"—and a Hindu who faithfully practices his religion, including yoga and meditation, which he promotes as a force for universal good. He has established a Ministry of Yoga in his government, then launched the United Nations' World Yoga Day which almost every country in the world has agreed to observe. He is a bhaktar who did not hesitate to maintain his 9-day fast when officially visiting the USA, because it was Navaratri time. "I always fast during Navaratri," he explained to astounded reporters in New York.
"He has shown that one can be a great leader and a good Hindu at the same time." said one Hindu leader to Hinduism Today. Another said, "He has become symbolic of the Hindu renaissance, created enthusiasm among Hindus outside of India. This is a golden era for Hindus, and the respect which this new leader has brought is enormous." And a leader of Hindu American Foundation explained that, as a result of Modi's visit to Washington DC and the impression he made,"Most impressive for us is the palpable change in attitude we've experienced in our meetings here on Capitol Hill (i.e., with US government officials)."
The editors conclude that India has "for the first time in modern history a leader who openly lives a pious life and unabashedly brings precepts from Sanatana Dharma forward in his government. This has inspired and empowered Hindus everywhere. It is this leader whom we honor by naming him Hindu of the Year, 2014."
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