Community Divided Over Ethnonationalism and Inclusivity Events in Suburban Chicago
On a Saturday evening in April, the Hanuman Temple of Greater Chicago was bustling with activity. Located in Glenview, a suburb known for its quiet charm, the temple was filled with hundreds of worshippers. Among them was a man waving a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) flag, signaling the presence of the far-right Hindu nationalist party that has been at the helm in India since 2014. As the event began, the crowd, which included families, grandparents, and bored teens on their phones, rose to cheer and chant “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” which means “Victory to Mother India,” as the guest speaker arrived.
This event took place in a suburb that had notably voted against Donald Trump in the 2024 election, so the enthusiastic reception of Sadhvi Rithambara—a figure known for her extremist views—was surprising. Rithambara has a controversial history of inciting violence against minorities in India, including her role in the 1992 demolition of the Babri Masjid mosque. Recently, she has embarked on a tour across the U.S. to share her experiences, particularly around the reopening of a temple where the mosque once stood.
The BJP’s ideology promotes Hindu nationalism, aiming to shift India from a secular government to one explicitly aligned with Hindu beliefs. This ideology is starting to take root in the U.S., with many Indian diaspora groups financially supporting such initiatives back home. One notable figure is the Indian-American businessman who helped create the Hindu Republican Coalition, which has drawn connections to notable political figures like Steve Bannon.
Rithambara’s speech in Glenview mirrored the rising ethnonationalist movements globally, and it attracted attendees from various pro-BJP organizations and the Chicago Indian consulate. Notably, as she was preparing for her talk, Vice President J.D. Vance was planning his first trip to India to enhance U.S.-India relations.
While several organizations urged the temple to cancel Rithambara’s talk, the event proceeded without interruption. Rithambara’s address felt less like a political speech and more like a personal story of her past involvement in religious and political turmoil. She recounted thrilling tales of her activism, even stating that upon calling out “Jai Shri Ram,” people immediately responded in unison, an experience she presented with a sense of pride.
Despite the applause resonating through the room, I felt an unsettling mix of emotions. The vehemence of her words made me reflect on the disturbing parallels to moments of hate in history.
As I looked around, I grappled with several questions. Did the audience see any similarities between Rithambara’s beliefs and the rhetoric of Donald Trump? How did they feel about the presence of BJP symbols at what was supposed to be a spiritual gathering?
Earlier that day, I had attended a Dalit History Month event at a local church in Bellwood, where individuals celebrated their heritage and the legacy of B.R. Ambedkar. Ambedkar is celebrated among marginalized communities for advocating for a casteless society in India. The irony of Rithambara’s event coinciding with this celebration of inclusivity was palpable, as activists had called for her talk to be canceled due to its extremist stance.
During the Dalit History Month event, speakers drew connections between the struggles of Dalits in India and those of African Americans in the U.S., emphasizing the importance of fighting for equality.
After the day spent promoting a vision of justice, it was jarring to witness the stark contrast of Rithambara’s event later that evening. This brought to mind the ongoing battle between those championing inclusivity and those pushing for an ethnonationalist agenda. As Rithambara travels the United States with her message, so too do advocates for equality.
In this climate, the teachings of Ambedkar resonate deeply, urging the next generation to work toward a world free from caste divisions and hierarchies. It’s essential to create spaces where justice prevails and every individual is valued equally.
