The website documenting hate crimes honoured for challenging hate and promoting change
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — Hindutva Watch, a website that tracks and documents hate crimes in India, has won the prestigious Eva Lassman “Take Action Against Hate” Award by Gonzaga University’s Centre for the Study of Hate. Despite being banned in India earlier this year, the platform has been recognised for its dedication to documenting hate crimes and hate speech, particularly against religious minorities.
Founded by Kashmiri journalist Raqib Hameed Naik in 2021, Hindutva Watch focuses on tracking hate crimes against Muslims, Christians, and other marginalised communities in India. To date, the organisation has recorded over 4,000 cases, making it the most comprehensive hate crime dataset in the country. In January this year, the Indian government blocked Hindutva Watch’s website and its X (formerly Twitter) account.
Reacting to the recognition, Naik expressed gratitude to those who have supported the platform despite the government’s actions. “I am grateful to everyone who has stood by us, especially in India despite the government’s unjust ban on our work,” he said. “We will remain determined, strong, and steadfast.”
The Eva Lassman Award, named after the Holocaust survivor and anti-hate advocate, is presented annually to individuals or organisations that challenge hate and foster positive change in their communities. Aaron Danowski, chairman of the awards committee, praised Hindutva Watch for its impact. “The committee highlights efforts to combat hate, and we focus on efforts that demonstrate impact. The work that Hindutva Watch and Landon Turlock have done in their respective communities is impossible to ignore,” he said.
Landon Turlock, a social worker and community leader from Edmonton, Alberta, also received the award for his work in combating hate in Canada.
Hindutva Watch’s recognition comes amid ongoing legal proceedings in India. Last week, X Corporation filed a response to a petition by Naik, who had sought to have the official order blocking the outlet’s X account overturned. In its filing, X Corporation supported Naik’s request, calling for the unblocking of Hindutva Watch’s account.
The award will be presented at a ceremony in Spokane, Washington, on November 21.
