Gonzaga University Honors Kashmiri Journalist for Documenting Hate Crimes in India

Founded in 2021 by Kashmiri journalist Raqib Hameed Naik, the organization has cataloged over 4,000 incidents of hate crimes against Muslims and Christians in India.

Hindutva Watch (HW), a Washington-based organization that tracks hate crimes against minorities in India, has received the esteemed Eva Lassman “Take Action Against Hate” Award. The recognition, presented by Gonzaga University’s Center for the Study of Hate, honors HW’s relentless efforts in documenting hate crimes and fostering societal awareness amidst ongoing legal challenges in India.

Hindutva Watch has been at the forefront of exposing hate speech and violence against marginalized communities, particularly Muslims and Christians. Founded in 2021 by Kashmiri journalist Raqib Hameed Naik, the organization has cataloged over 4,000 incidents of hate crimes, providing the most comprehensive real-time dataset on this issue in India.

The accolade comes as HW faces suppression from the Indian government. Earlier this year, the Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology invoked Section 69A of the IT Act to block HW’s website and its X (formerly Twitter) account, @HindutvaWatchIn. Despite these challenges, HW remains steadfast, with the Delhi High Court scheduled to hear their petition against the ban next month.

In a post on X, Naik expressed gratitude for the recognition, sharing images from the award ceremony. The award, which includes a $500 honorarium, was presented during the Spokane Human Rights Champions Gala organized by Human Rights Spokane. Gonzaga University commended HW’s pivotal role in documenting the impact of Hindu nationalism, describing Hindutva as an ideological movement closely tied to India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The award also highlights HW’s alignment with the legacy of Eva Lassman, a Holocaust survivor dedicated to raising awareness about the consequences of hate. “Hindutva Watch’s global impact and dedication to anti-hate advocacy embody the spirit of this award,” stated Gonzaga University.

Despite facing political repression, Naik and his team remain committed to exposing the rise of Hindutva extremism. Their work continues to draw international attention to the urgent need for action against hate and religious intolerance in India.