At the Sahitya Aaj Tak 2026 event in Lucknow, a session titled 'Proudly Say We Are Hindus' highlighted discussions on Hindu identity and its significance. Participating in the event were Professor Sanjeev Kumar Sharma, a former Vice-Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi Central University in Motihari, and acclaimed writers and poets including Yateendra Mishra. They emphasized the historical context of Hindu identity, stressing that it has been an integral part of Indian civilization for thousands of years rather than a recent political construct.

Professor Sharma pointed out that the identity of being a Hindu has long been central to India's political narrative, thriving not only in politics but also in the realms of arts, music, and education. He recalled how there was no discomfort associated with the term 'Hindu' until after India's independence, suggesting that a conscious distancing from the term began only after 1947. Sharma argued that in the contemporary context, particularly post-2014, there has been a resurgence of pride among the majority Hindu community, with the sentiment that being in the majority is not a crime but a source of pride.

The discussions at the event reflect a significant cultural and political sentiment in India, where Hindu identity is at the forefront of social dialogue. This aligns with rising nationalistic sentiments, and such events contribute to shaping public discourse on Hindu pride and identity in contemporary India. The conversations held at Sahitya Aaj Tak may have implications for how Hindu identity is perceived and politicized in the country's future.