"Hindutva" is a term often used to describe the ideology of Hindu nationalism. It is derived from the word "Hindu" and the Sanskrit suffix "-tva," which is often translated as "-ness" or "-hood." The term encompasses a range of social, cultural, and political beliefs that emphasize the idea of India as a Hindu nation.

Hindutva advocates assert that India should be culturally and politically aligned with Hindu values and traditions. This ideology sometimes includes the belief that non-Hindu communities in India should either assimilate into Hindu culture or exist as subordinate entities within the broader Hindu identity.

The rise of this ideology in India has resulted in Anti-Conversion laws in 11 of India's 28 states which make it a punishable offence to induce Hindus to become Christian. This has led to intimidation and persecution of Christians who are being falsely accused of illegally attempting to convert Hindus to Christianity. The United Nations has written to the Indian Government expressing serious concern over these discriminatory and dangerous laws and in this week's Church in chains podcast, Vincent Hughes and David Turner discuss the implications of such laws for Christians in India. They also discuss the case of a Nigerian Christian who awaits her fate having been falsely accused of blasphemy against the Islamic prophet Muhammed. Finally we'll hear a good news story and powerful testimony from an Iranian Christian woman recently released from prison in Teheran .

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Church In Chains, An Irish Voice For Persecuted Christians Worldwide