Expert Panel Speaks to Packed Audience at ISB about Hindutva’s Rise in Maryland Politics
On Saturday, March 11th, 2023, over 150 attendees gathered at the Islamic Society of Baltimore (ISB) for a screening of the BBC documentary India: The Modi Question, followed by a powerful panel discussion. The event, which was held immediately after Maghrib prayers, offered both a screening of the controversial documentary and a robust dialogue on the implications of Hindutva, political alliances, and the dynamics within Maryland’s activist communities.
Reflecting on the Panel Discussion: Unpacking “India: The Modi Question”
On Saturday, March 11th, 2023, over 150 attendees gathered at the Islamic Society of Baltimore (ISB) for a screening of the BBC documentary India: The Modi Question, followed by a powerful panel discussion. The event, which was held immediately after Maghrib prayers, offered both a screening of the controversial documentary and a robust dialogue on the implications of Hindutva, political alliances, and the dynamics within Maryland’s activist communities.
A Powerful Lineup of Panelists
The discussion featured a diverse and highly insightful panel, each member bringing their unique experiences and perspectives to the table:
Robert Stubblefield, a Black Church Civil Rights leader, emphasized the parallels between the struggles against racial injustice in the U.S. and the oppression of minorities under Hindutva ideology. His voice lent a historical and spiritual dimension to the conversation, drawing on the lessons from past civil rights movements to inspire current and future activism.
Susan Kerin, the chair of Peace Action Montgomery, brought her experience in peace and justice advocacy. She highlighted the importance of confronting militarism and extremist ideologies, noting that Hindutva's influence extends far beyond India, with global implications for marginalized communities.
Gayatri Girirajan, a leader in the No Separate Justice campaign and an outspoken anti-caste discrimination activist, discussed the deeply entrenched caste system in India and its connection to the Hindutva movement. She passionately detailed how caste-based discrimination has migrated to the U.S. and touched on the growing fight to challenge these injustices within American institutions.
Scott Webber, statewide co-chair of No Hindutva MD, provided a local perspective, shedding light on the political and social networks that support Hindutva in Maryland. His focus on identifying the key players in these networks added a strategic lens to the discussion, urging attendees to remain vigilant and engaged.
Confronting Ties to Hindutva
One of the most striking aspects of the panel was the in-depth discussion on Aruna Miller, a prominent Maryland politician whose extensive ties to Hindutva donors and national figures were explored. Panelists highlighted the need for transparency and accountability, especially when elected officials have connections to extremist ideologies that harm marginalized groups.
In a particularly candid moment, the panel examined why Miller's financial and political relationships with Hindutva-aligned figures have gone largely unchallenged in Maryland. The discussion underscored how local activism is essential to holding public figures accountable for their alliances.
Silencing Voices: CAIR-MD’s Role
A point of tension emerged when the conversation shifted to CAIR-MD's Zainab Chaudry. The panelists expressed frustration over Chaudry’s efforts to silence both Muslim and non-Muslim voices who have been critical of Hindutva supporters in Maryland. Several panelists, particularly Susan Kerin and Robert Stubblefield, noted that while CAIR-MD has historically advocated for Muslim civil rights, its recent actions seem to stifle the community's ability to confront issues within their own ranks. This internal friction raised important questions about how advocacy organizations navigate complex political landscapes and the role they play in either advancing or hindering justice.
The Road Ahead
The event left attendees with much to reflect on. It was not just a discussion about a documentary, but a deeper exploration of how global movements like Hindutva have far-reaching effects—even in local communities like Baltimore. As more people become aware of these connections, the hope is that activism will continue to grow, pushing for transparency and justice at both the national and local levels.
The event demonstrated a keen interest in understanding these complex issues and a desire to act. The panelists’ call to confront injustice, whether rooted in caste, religion, or race, reverberated throughout the room.
As attendees left, many expressed their eagerness to continue the conversation and to challenge these networks of power in their own communities. The event was not just an educational experience, but a rallying point for future activism.