Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a master propagandist who has spread the poison of deceptive Hindutva politics in his election campaign rallies, is planning to meditate for 48 hours at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Tamil Nadu as the general election campaign in India nears its conclusion. The choice of Vivekananda Rock Memorial, a site of historical and spiritual importance, as the site of meditation is seen by many as a strategic move aimed at misrepresenting an image of reflection and mental stability amid political turmoil. As the nation awaits the election results, Modi’s retreat in meditation raises questions about the intersection of Hindutva politics and Modi’s personal image management in the post-election Indian political landscape. But there is no spiritual sojourn in hateful Hindutva politics. Modi can televise his meditations but he cannot erase the toxicity of Hindutva that is inherent in his political practice.
Rooted in mindfulness practices, meditation helps individuals to focus on the present moment and navigate the complexities of everyday life. Meditation is a discipline embraced by a variety of religious, secular and spiritual traditions, each of which prizes it for its potential to bring self-development and mental well-being amidst an essentially alienating capitalist society. In times of suffering, meditation offers a path to inner peace and resilience, allowing practitioners to find solace and strength. Whether in structured sessions or informal practice, meditation serves as a versatile tool to enhance mental clarity, emotional stability and overall well-being. Meditation’s universal appeal lies in its ability to cultivate a deeper connection with oneself and the world around us, making it a key component of so-called holistic health and spiritual practices.
It is also argued that meditation enhances cognitive processes, allowing individuals to think more clearly, contemplate deeply, devise effective strategies, and ponder complex problems. Meditation allows for greater introspection and creativity by cultivating a calm and focused mind. This mental clarity leads to more insightful problem-solving and innovative ideas. As a result, many have found that regular meditation practice not only improves their emotional well-being but also enhances their intellectual and creative abilities. Despite his public displays of meditation, it remains difficult to discern what PM Modi is truly thinking, pondering, devising, and pondering in his daily life. While such public acts of meditation may be considered symbolic or strategic, they do not necessarily provide insight into his private thoughts and intentions beyond Hindutva election manipulation and personal image alteration. While meditation is a private practice that can bring many mental and emotional benefits, the public nature of Modi’s meditation may obscure rather than reveal deeper aspects of his inner life that would bring public benefits to Indian society and politics.
PM Modi’s public meditations can be seen as propaganda stunts aimed at influencing public opinion, rather than revealing genuine introspection. Such meditations are strategically planned to reinforce the PM’s image as a thoughtful and spiritual leader. While meditation is generally a personal, reflective practice, when politicians meditate in public, it is often used as a tool to control public opinion rather than for personal enlightenment. Thus, the nature and impact of PM Modi’s introspection in these moments seems geared more towards propaganda than genuine contemplation or problem-solving.
The practice of meditation as a public and political act has also gained momentum beyond the Indian borders and under the influence of Prime Minister Modi. In the UK, over 120 MPs and 180 Lords have attended meditation courses, reflecting a wider acceptance and integration of mindfulness practices in the political sphere. This trend highlights a wider recognition of the benefits of meditation and has led to proposals to set up a dedicated meditation room within the UK Parliament similar to the facility already in place at the Australian Parliament in Canberra. The corporate world has also embraced meditation, with many companies introducing meditation training programs for their employees. These programs aim to enhance mental health, reduce stress, and improve overall productivity. Companies have recognised the potential of incorporating meditation in the workplace to create a more focused, resilient, and innovative workforce. This growing trend indicates an increasing emphasis on mindfulness and meditation in various sectors of society. Whether in politics, business, or personal life, meditation is recognized as a powerful tool to promote mental clarity, emotional stability, and overall well-being.
The marketization, medicalization, and popularization of meditation are key trends in contemporary therapeutic culture, driven primarily by the pressures and alienation associated with a global capitalist society. As individuals seek ways to cope with the stress, isolation, and fast pace of modern life, meditation has emerged as a widely available tool for mental and emotional relief. Marketization refers to the commercialization of meditation practice, with a growing number of products, apps, and services designed and marketed to meet the demand for mindfulness and stress reduction. From guided meditation apps to retreats and workshops, the industry surrounding meditation is rapidly expanding to cater to a diverse audience seeking remediation and solace in the mental health crisis created by capitalism. Medicalization involves the integration of meditation into mainstream health care as a recognized therapeutic intervention. But meditation cannot hide the shortcomings of harmful Hindutva politics or the failures of Mr. Modi’s leadership, nor can it resurrect the flaws of capitalism.
With unverified claims that meditation can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, medical professionals are embracing meditation as part of a holistic approach to treatment. Hospitals, clinics, and wellness programs now often include meditation as a complementary therapy, with scientific studies substantiating its effectiveness. Meanwhile, widespread adoption reflects the widespread acceptance and practice of meditation across sectors of society. Once considered a niche or alternative practice, meditation is now embraced by people from all walks of life, including politicians, corporate employees, and the general public. This mainstream acceptance is evidenced by initiatives such as meditation rooms in parliaments, workplace mindfulness programs, and the incorporation of meditation into education curricula. The growing trend for meditation in therapeutic culture is a response to the feelings of alienation and disconnection that often accompany a capitalist lifestyle. By promoting mindfulness and self-awareness, meditation offers a way to counter the negative effects of a high-pressure, materialistic society and cultivate a sense of inner peace and connection.
For working people, meditation has evolved into a practice of moral imperative, essential to navigate the daily challenges and trials posed by market-driven states, governments, and societies. In an environment where capitalist exploitation is normalized and justified by the promise of prosperity, individuals are often under great pressure and stress. The constant pursuit of economic growth and personal success can lead to alienation, burnout, and mental exhaustion. Meditation balances these pressures and offers individuals a means to maintain mental health and emotional resilience. By promoting mindfulness and peace of mind, meditation helps individuals address the demands and injustices of a capitalist system that often puts profits above people. Meditation serves as a tool for self-care and survival, allowing individuals to regain a sense of control and well-being amid the chaos of modern life. The widespread adoption of meditation among working people signals a collective response to systematic exploitation. It reflects a growing awareness of the need for individual and communal strategies to mitigate the negative effects of capitalism. Meditation is a practice rooted in mindfulness that empowers individuals to develop the inner strength, focus, and clarity to help them tolerate and resist the dehumanizing aspects of their socio-economic environment. Through meditation, working people find ways to navigate the complexities of a market-driven world while striving to preserve their collective dignity and sense of self.
Bhavani Shankar Nayak, University of Glasgow (UK)
