Hindutva Watch, a website documenting hate crimes in India, has been honoured with the prestigious Eva Lassman “Take Action Against Hate” Award. This recognition, presented by Gonzaga University’s Centre for the Study of Hate, acknowledges the efforts of individuals and organizations working to combat hate and foster positive change.
Founded by Kashmiri journalist Raqib Hameed Naik, Hindutva Watch has documented over 4,000 cases of hate crimes targeting marginalized communities across India. The website’s work in addressing hate crimes has garnered praise from Aaron Danowski, chairman of the awards committee, who lauded the platform’s significant contribution to the fight against hate.
However, the recognition comes amid a legal battle. On January 16, the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology blocked the @HindutvaWatchIn account on X (formerly Twitter) under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act. Hindutva Watch is currently challenging the government’s ban in court. Naik expressed hope that the Delhi High Court, which will hear the petition next month, will overturn the ban.
“Early next month, the Delhi High Court will hear our petition challenging the illegal and unlawful govt ban on @HindutvaWatchIn, and we hope that the Court will overturn it,” the website’s founder Raqib Hameed Naik said in a tweet.
Hindutva Watch shares the Eva Lassman Award with Landon Turlock, a Canadian social worker recognized for his efforts to combat hate in Canada. Although the award ceremony took place in December, the announcement was made public in October.
