The Duality of Bhakt in Modern India

The term Bhakt, meaning devotion in Sanskrit and derived from Bhag, has a rich historical and cultural significance in India. However, in contemporary times, it has taken on different connotations, influenced by political and societal changes. This article explores the evolution and transformation of the term Bhakt in the context of India, particularly post-2014, and discusses both the positive and negative implications it carries.

Evolving Meaning of Bhakt

Originally, Bhakt referred to devotion to a deity or lord, built on the principle of mutual love and sharing. The believer is called a Bhakta, and the deity is called Bhagavanta. The etymology of Bhakt traces back to the concept of 'sharing,' symbolizing the mutual love between the devotee and the divine. Bhakti, or devotion, is deeply rooted in Indian culture and literature, though it does not find mention in the Rigveda, the oldest of the Hindu scriptures.

Positive Connotations

Supporters of certain political ideologies often have positive connotations associated with the term Bhakt. In the context of contemporary India, being referred to as a Bhakt can be seen as a term of endearment, signifying loyalty and devotion to a leader, such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, or to a political party, such as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). For instance, it is used to denote individuals who support and follow Prime Minister Modi's policies and actions with unwavering loyalty. To them, the term Bhakt is a badge of honor, representing their commitment to a leader or vision they believe in.

Negative Connotations

Conversely, critics often use the term Bhakt negatively to castigate blind followers. In post-2014 India, the term has become a colloquial term for individuals who blindly support PM Modi and his policies, without room for criticism or questions. Critics argue that true devotion (Bhakti) is not about blind support but rather understanding and genuine belief in the values and actions of the leader or party. This use of the term Bhakt can be derogatory, as it can imply that the individual lacks critical thinking and is too loyal to criticize negative actions or policies.

Current Political Context

Post-2014, the term Bhakt in India is often associated with BJP followers and supporters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is used as a collective noun to describe fanatical followers who will retweet their leader’s messages and defend his policies, often without scrutiny. Conversely, it is also used to describe individuals who have no moral or ethical standards and support the party solely out of blind loyalty.

A Bhakt, in a political context, is often seen as someone who will find countless reasons to support a bad move by their party and countless reasons to hate a good move by another party. This mentality is not limited to BJP supporters; any individual who shows blind loyalty to a political party, regardless of their actions, can be seen as a Bhakt.

For example, Bhakti to Lord Rama involves believing in the incarnation of Lord Rama in various avatars and having the same devotion for this incarnation as for Lord Rama. However, political Bhakti in India is often about supporting a leader and party without questioning their ethics or actions. If a leader is unethical and openly loots the country, continued support is not the mark of true Bhakti.

Conclusion

The term Bhakt, once a weighty concept of mutual love and devotion, has taken on a new and sometimes derogatory connotation in modern India. While it can still be a term of endearment used to honor leaders and followers who share a common vision, it is often used to castigate blind loyalty and lack of moral judgment. Understanding the duality of this term is crucial to grasp the complex societal and political landscape of contemporary India.