But is it necessary to “believe” in Hindu deities in order to be considered a Hindu? Or is Hinduism more of an inherited national identity, like Judaism?
In fact, one might even call oneself an atheist and yet still be considered a Hindu if he upholds the routine Hindu samskāras pertaining to birth, marriage, offering prasād, reverence for ancestors, etc.
That is to say, inclusion in Hinduism is not necessarily predicated on proving one’s actual “belief” in deities. It is as much a cultural identity.