“A radically inclusive Hinduism must be anti-caste, feminist, democratic, and accountable to the communities most harmed by exclusion.” — Sunita Viswanath, Co-Founder of Samadarshini
A new initiative aimed at promoting what its founders describe as a “radically inclusive Hinduism” was officially launched on Thursday, June 25, 2026, with plans to foster dialogue on faith, social justice, caste, gender, democracy, and the responsibilities of Hindu communities in India and the global diaspora.
Called Samadarshini, the platform seeks to create space for theological reflection, community engagement, and discussions on Hindu traditions through the principle of “seeing equally,” which organisers say affirms the equal dignity of every individual.
The initiative will culminate this fall with the publication of Samadarshini: Seeing Equally, an anthology of personal essays by religious leaders from diverse Hindu and South Asian traditions. The collection, to be published by Westland Books, explores how spiritual traditions can respond to issues including caste discrimination, gender inequality, racism, religious exclusivism and social exclusion.
According to the organisers, the project seeks to highlight interpretations of Hindu scriptures, rituals and practices that promote justice, compassion, democracy, environmental stewardship and human dignity while rejecting caste hierarchy, patriarchy, Islamophobia and other forms of discrimination.
“Samadarshini asks us to take seriously the spiritual and ethical demand of equal vision,” said Sunita Viswanath.
“It is not enough to say that all people are divine while leaving inherited hierarchies intact. A radically inclusive Hinduism must be anti-caste, feminist, democratic, and accountable to the communities most harmed by exclusion, not to mention our planet.”
Organisers said the initiative comes at a time when questions surrounding Hindu identity are increasingly debated in India and among diaspora communities around the world.
The project’s steering committee includes scholars, religious leaders, ritual practitioners and community organisers working across India and the diaspora. It aims to facilitate conversations on caste, nationalism, belonging, spiritual practice and social justice.
Among its key programmes is Baithaks for Liberation, a virtual discussion series bringing together scholars, activists and faith leaders to examine issues such as caste abolition, feminist ritual practices, queer inclusion, interfaith solidarity and ethical responsibilities within Hindu communities.
Samadarshini has also launched a curated Bookshelf featuring literature on progressive, anti-caste and justice-oriented approaches to Hindu thought and South Asian religious traditions.
Anantanand Rambachan, a member of the steering committee, said the initiative is intended to encourage both scholarship and self-examination.
“The Hindu traditions contain profound resources for affirming dignity, interdependence, compassion, and liberation. But those resources must be articulated honestly, with a willingness to confront caste, patriarchy, and other forms of domination that have also shaped our religious histories.”
The initiative has partnered with Union Theological Seminary and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary to support programmes focused on social justice, interfaith learning and public theology.
Organisers said Samadarshini is intended as an open platform for religious leaders, educators, students and community members interested in shaping a vision of Hinduism centred on compassion, equality and liberation.
