"The ideology of the RSS dominates India today. A former member - the prime minister, Narendra Modi - has governed for over a decade through a party closely linked to the RSS. That party is known by its acronym, the BJP, and it also governs states that cover nearly half of India. And they've passed laws that make it difficult to convert to another religion legally."
"And so what happens just across town from the RSS celebrations seems even more remarkable. (CROSSTALK) HADID: Thousands of people converge to renounce Hinduism and embrace an entirely new faith - Buddhism. It's part religious event, part rally. UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #3: (Chanting in non-English language). UNIDENTIFIED CROWD #2: (Chanting in non-English language). (SOUNDBITE OF ORGAN TUNING UP) HADID: It's celebratory. (SOUNDBITE OF DRUMMING) UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #4: Hello. UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #5: Hello. UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #4: Hel"
In Nagpur, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh held centennial events emphasizing martial discipline and Hindu primacy. Hundreds of followers pledged allegiance to the Hindu motherland. The RSS's ideology shapes contemporary Indian politics through connections with the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and associated laws make legal religious conversion difficult. Simultaneously, thousands gathered in mass ceremonies to renounce Hinduism and embrace Buddhism. The conversions were celebratory and included chanting, drumming, and public rallies. The juxtaposition of a powerful Hindu nationalist celebration and large-scale Buddhist conversions highlights competing religious and political currents within the same city.
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