In 2025, according to a report by the Centre for the Study of Organized Hate, 1,318 hate speech events targeting religious minorities were documented across 21 states, one union territory and the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
This meant that four hate speech events occurred in India per day on average last year.
The latest episode of this discussion series on the state of the republic examines how language is being weaponised in everyday life, both online and offline. It draws from data, recent testimonies, lived experiences and media narratives.
Moderated by author and peace worker Harsh Mander, the discussion features Raqib Naik, who is the executive director of the Centre for Study of Organized Hate; political scientist and historian Zoya Hasan; and Rohit Chopra, a professor in the department of communication at Santa Clara University.
They examine the role of political rhetoric, misinformation and organised networks in amplifying divisions. The episode also raises questions about accountability, media responsibility, and the future of democratic discourse while hate speech reshapes public spaces and alters India’s social fabric.
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