I’m seeing a lot of comment on this site and elsewhere about Hudson Institute’s recent conference on the RSS. From the US side, people attacked the conference as Hudson “legitimizing” the controversial organization and either capitulating to or enabling the RSS. In India, some attacked speakers at the conference for “capitulating” to the United States and the Trump administration. I have thoughts:
Western liberal democracy is built on rights and rightly so. India's philosophical tradition adds a complementary axis: Dharma, contextual ethical duty that adapts to time, place and circumstance. Where the Western framework asks "what am I entitled to?", the dharmic framework additionally asks "what is my responsibility in this situation?" This is not a replacement for rights - it is a balancing counterweight that can reduce the adversarial character of governance. The emphasis is on well-being of all alongside individual freedom, and on leaders being bound by ethical conduct rather than mere legality. - My follow on thoughts / musings after attending conferences at Stanford 'Thrive 2026' and 'New India Conference' at Hudson, Washington DC and a community event in DC in the last 2 weeks.
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It does not endorse candidates. It does not recommend political action.
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Tonight, I'm announcing the redesigned Indian American Voter Atlas.
https://t.co/728NuTHXTy is now one of the most comprehensive public snapshots of the Indian American community in American politics. It is designed for people who want the facts about us, not falsehoods.
“Culture and modernization can live together. That is a part of nature. In sort of Anglo-American literary and philosophical tradition, Edmund Burke is, I suppose, the thinker who is associated with this idea of modernization rooted in tradition, or ultimately for him that he did not really see the contradiction.
And he argued, in fact, that if you lost touch with the roots, ultimately this would reduce your ability to modernize successfully., Eliot has also written about tradition and modernization.”
- Walter Russel Mead @wrmead while concurring with the view from Dattatreya Hosabale, RSS General Secretary that modernization and cultural values can exist together.
“New India Conference” fireside chat hosted by @HudsonInstitute Washington DC.
“Learning from India’s example… young people developing character, civic virtue and service can strengthen a nation.” - Walter Russel Mead @wrmead , in the community event where he was a key speaker along with Dr. (Prof.) Walter Anderson and RSS @RSSorg General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale. Walter Russel Mead is serving as Ravenel B. Curry III Distinguished Fellow in Strategy and Statesmanship, at @HudsonInstitute
“US-India relationship built over last 2 decades on the pillars of geo-strategy, geo-economics and people-to-people relationship is under strain. Long term relation between the two nations is stable however one cannot ignore short term issues and challenges. Mutual respect, mutual sensitivity & building consensus are necessary” - @rammadhav_ at “New India Conference” by @HudsonInstitute in Washington DC. Elizabeth Threlkeld (Director South Asia Program, Stimson Center) and Kurt Campbell (former Deputy Secretary of State) also on the panel. @bill_drexel
The repeated vandalism of Hindu temples in America should serve as a wake-up call for all. Targeting Hindu places of worship and intimidating the minority Hindu community is despicable and unacceptable.
We strongly condemn this attack on @bapslosangeles and these intimidation tactics. We stand in solidarity with the BAPS Temple in Chino Hills. @BAPS_PubAffairs
The rise in attacks on sacred Hindu shrines and the spread of hate against Hindu Americans must be addressed. We urge the relevant authorities to investigate thoroughly and bring the perpetrators to justice.
@ChinoHills_PD@FBI@FBIDirectorKash@DNIGabbard@LAPDHQ@FBILosAngeles
Now that I have you attention, please see my Kapila Vatsyayan Lecture where I provide all the evidence of the name Bharat, how the civilisational idea spread etc. All primary references are given & key sections chanted out:
https://t.co/mIgLI1FvqI
Thankyou Ambassador @SandhuTaranjitS for a great conversation on how the diaspora can be part of US-India partnership & growth, on further enhancing relationship & trust! All in the backdrop of the grand, historic ceremony honoring Prime Minister Modi at the White House lawns
Millions, including Dalits and Bahujans, women and men alike, walk for weeks in month of Ashadha. Together, they celebrate the timeless tradition and devotion towards सावळा विठोबा, Sawla Vithoba.
Through such countless traditions, Indians unknowingly defy the colonial narrative that attempts to use caste and other tricks to divide them and demonize their ancient civilization. #ashadhiekadashi #pandharpur
https://t.co/jaHLEAWvSH
This is the Return of Lord Risley! Defining a problem that does not exist, such that creates it and freezes it as permanent. Divide and rule of the Indians. https://t.co/h76gJbC9DE
Denouncing Hinduphobia is now a right-wing thing? When U see from 'Woke + Progressive' standpoint - Left, Center-Left, Center, ALL appear as 'Right'😀
@LilyMei4Fremont@RajSalwan are responding to the Fremont Taco bell hate! https://t.co/jh3mylT4ZW
https://t.co/YhGCwXOkfr
Shame on Democrats @LilyMei4Fremont@RajSalwan & Fremont City Council for a proclamation on the right-wing Hindu American Foundation.
HAF strongly opposed the ban on caste discrimination from my office. Our movement won coz we fought back & defeated right-wing groups like HAF.
@sardesairajdeep ha!, good try. But truth is something you run into where your 'beliefs' or 'imaginations' are false. Truth is so ruthless, upsetting and disruptive.
https://t.co/yc8MiC7SeP
Rajdeep by his behaviour represents the crook Leftist Manipulators & Islamists who don't want Hindus to know their real history.
Thanks @gauravcsawant
for exposing his lies!
‘Why is the Hindu Indian PM the most popular leader in the world?’ gives them such an uncontrollable itch that they fully expose themselves.
Now the paid propagandists are left to cite only other paid propagandists.