“Abhaya Mudra and the Idea of India”: A Fiery Parliament Debate Over Fearlessness, Faith, and Violence
New Delhi, October 2025:
A passionate debate erupted in Parliament this week after opposition leader Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on Hindu identity and violence triggered strong reactions from ruling party members. The exchange centered around the ancient Indian concept of “Abhaya Mudra” — the symbolic gesture of fearlessness — and its deep spiritual and cultural roots in Indian civilization.
The speech, which referenced figures such as Jesus Christ, Gautama Buddha, Mahavira, and Lord Shiva, emphasized that India’s philosophical foundation rests on Ahimsa (non-violence) and fearlessness, not on fear or aggression. However, Gandhi’s subsequent comments criticizing those who “call themselves Hindu but spread hate and violence” sparked outrage from the BJP benches, who accused him of insulting the entire Hindu community.
🕉️ Abhaya Mudra: India’s Ancient Symbol of Fearlessness
In his address, Rahul Gandhi drew parallels between the Abhaya Mudra seen in images of Lord Shiva, Buddha, Mahavira, and even Jesus Christ.
He stated, “In all our traditions, the hand raised in Abhaya Mudra says — ‘Fear not, do not cause fear.’ This is the message of India. This is why our civilization never invaded others. India is a land of Ahimsa, not fear.”*
The Abhaya Mudra, literally meaning “gesture of fearlessness,” represents protection, peace, and benevolence. The gesture, made by raising the right hand with the palm facing outward, appears across religious and cultural traditions. In Hinduism, it is linked with Lord Shiva’s compassion and protection; in Buddhism, it symbolizes enlightenment and peace; and in Christianity, it echoes Jesus Christ’s message — “Fear not.”
Gandhi’s argument was that these teachings form the core of India’s moral and cultural identity — an identity now at risk of being overshadowed by hatred and violence.
⚔️ Political Firestorm in Parliament
What began as a philosophical reflection quickly turned into a heated political clash.
When Gandhi remarked that “those who call themselves Hindu speak of violence and hatred day and night,” members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rose in protest.
Union ministers and MPs accused Gandhi of generalizing Hindus and hurting religious sentiments, demanding an apology to Parliament and the nation.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah (as per reports) and other senior BJP leaders argued that “Hinduism and violence are fundamentally incompatible” and that Gandhi’s statement amounted to “an attack on millions of peace-loving Hindus who live by the principles of truth and non-violence.”
BJP leaders also invoked Parliamentary Rules 349 and 352, which prohibit turning one’s back to the Chair and making personal or community-based allegations during debate.
They urged the Speaker to take note of Gandhi’s conduct and demanded that the remarks be expunged from the official record.
🧘 The Larger Message: Fearlessness and Truth
Amid the uproar, Gandhi maintained that his comments were being misinterpreted.
He clarified that he was not attacking Hinduism but rather exposing hypocrisy — pointing out that true Hindu Dharma is about courage, compassion, and truth, not fear or hatred.
He referenced the words of Lord Shiva, who is often depicted in Abhaya Mudra, symbolizing “Do not fear, do not cause fear.”
He added, “Those who spread hatred and violence in the name of religion are not following Hinduism. They are betraying it.”
Gandhi’s focus on truth (Satya) and Ahimsa (non-violence) echoed the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, who considered these values as the twin pillars of Indian civilization.
In his speech, he also linked these ideals to Prime Minister Modi’s own statement from a previous address: “India has never attacked another country because it believes in peace and Ahimsa.”
By quoting the Prime Minister, Gandhi sought to underline that non-violence and fearlessness are shared Indian values, not political weapons.
⚠️ BJP’s Counterattack: “You Must Apologize”
The ruling party’s response was fierce. BJP members claimed Gandhi had crossed the line by associating the Hindu identity with violence.
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav said, “Crores of people proudly call themselves Hindu. To say they support violence is a direct insult to all of them. Such remarks cannot be tolerated in this sacred House.”
He further urged Gandhi to apologize not just to Parliament but to the entire Hindu society.
The BJP also reminded the House of historical events under Congress rule, including the Emergency (1975-77) and the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, accusing the Congress party of spreading fear and violence in the past.
Yadav remarked, “Those who imposed the Emergency and jailed thousands talk about fearlessness? Those under whose rule Sikhs were massacred now lecture about non-violence?”
This counterattack drew applause from BJP members and further deepened the rift between the treasury and opposition benches.
📜 The Broader Cultural Context
Beyond the immediate political clash, the debate raised deeper questions about religion, identity, and morality in Indian politics.
The idea of Abhaya (fearlessness) transcends all faiths and philosophies — it represents spiritual courage and inner peace, not aggression.
By invoking this idea, Gandhi attempted to reclaim the moral vocabulary of Indian civilization, reminding Parliament that true strength lies in compassion, not domination.
Scholars of religion point out that Abhaya Mudra appears in every major Indian tradition — from Hinduism and Buddhism to Jainism and even Sikhism, where Guru Nanak’s teachings also emphasize fearlessness and equality.
In this sense, the debate symbolized a battle over who defines Indian identity — those who emphasize its spiritual heritage or those who view it through the lens of political nationalism.
🙏 Conclusion: Between Faith and Fearlessness
The Abhaya Mudra debate may go down as one of the most philosophically charged exchanges in recent parliamentary history.
At its heart lies a fundamental question: Can India’s spiritual message of non-violence survive in an era of political polarization?
Rahul Gandhi’s use of religious imagery to promote peace resonated with some but enraged others who saw it as a political provocation.
The ruling BJP’s demand for an apology reflects deep sensitivities around religion in public discourse, while the opposition’s defense highlights the need for open debate on the meaning of faith and violence in modern India.
Whatever side one takes, the episode has reignited a crucial conversation — about what it truly means to be Indian, Hindu, and fearless in a diverse and democratic nation.
As India continues to evolve politically and spiritually, the gesture of Abhaya Mudra — “Fear not, do not cause fear” — may well serve as a guiding light in these turbulent times.
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