Insecure Nationalism
It is hard not to
notice a sense of insecurity that seems to be pervading all around us. We Indians seem to have been creepingly
overtaken by feelings of insecurities at several levels. One prime case in
point is the sense of nationalism. Looking back at the time when we were young,
Indian nationalism, forged on the anti- colonial struggle had by that time
evolved into a forward looking ethos despite our condition of a poor state
struggling with a multitude of problems - poverty, high illiteracy, industrial
and agricultural backwardness, lack of educational and healthcare facilities
etc . If one were to trace the graph of India's position in the world from the
time of independence till date, the nation has been growing steadily -
economically, militarily - and it is on a rising graph. We take pride in our
growing status in the world. We are no more "violence-fearing
peace-mongering," weaklings. In the words of our Leader "Once upon a
time we used to release doves, now we release Chitas". We boast of the
achievements of persons of Indian origin occupying top ranks in foreign
governments, MNCs and corporate echelons. We boast of the number of Indian
billionaires and economic conquests of Tatas and Laxmi Mittals in foreign
lands. All these, we are convinced, are
the results of superior Indian heritage. Our leader loves to walk proudly on
stage at rallies on foreign lands hobnobbing with foreign leaders and with
round the clock coverage by obliging (Indian) media. It is a loud declaration
that India has arrived on the world stage to claim its rightful status as a
power to be reckoned with!
We therefore ought
to feel more confident and secure than ever before and our sense of nationalism
ought to be broader, confident, outward looking and liberal. Instead, it is
becoming narrower, paranoidal with undercurrents of Islamophobia and Hindu victimhood.
And there is a lot of symbolism-driven superficiality. We are eternally talking
and exchanging social media messages about glorious Indian heritage, of historical
figures already elevated as idols to be worshiped, or of achievements of the
Indian diaspora. The middle class particularly love to wear nationalism on
their sleeves. When I go for morning walks in a neighborhood park, periodic
shouts of भारत माता की जय , वंदे मातरम्
and हर हर महादेव from scattered Yoga groups rent the air like war-cries of army. They
frown upon those walkers who do not halt and stand at attention when chants of
the National anthem waft through from nearby school’s morning assemblies. We
crave for international recognition and praise and any complimentary comments
from foreign sources do rounds approvingly not only in social media but also in
quotes and speeches by politicians Even
fake western newspaper headlines are circulated. While we flaunt our freshly
(re)gained status, paradoxically we seem
to be affected by paranoia , constantly looking for dangers lurking in every
corner, from within and without.
Peaceful protests by citizens against government policies are met with
orchestrated attacks, branding them anti-national. Sundry reporters, activists
criticizing government policies are charged with sedition and thrown in jails
for years without trial under draconian laws. In particular, state persecution
faced by some stand-up comedians is telling. And when a stand-up comedian is
held for an indecent joke "hurting national or religious feelings" in
a show that was scheduled but actually did not happen, the matter turns from
being grave to being utterly ridiculous. Sometimes I wonder what would have
happened if the movie जाने भी दो यारो , (which we thoroughly enjoyed
in our times without getting our
feelings hurt) was to be made in today's time.
Any criticism coming from international quarters causes immediate
anger and we begin to see conspiracies
brewing in foreign press and intelligentsia, foreign universities, study &
advisory organizations - plots, intrigues and conspiracies to defame,
destabilize India.
These, it seems to
me, are signs of nervousness, diffidence and feelings of insecurity. These certainly are not characteristics of a
confident and truly democratic nation that is able to accommodate dissenting
and critical voices and protests, that is able to respond to such views with
introspection rather than with indignation, that is able to have a hearty laugh
at jokes cut at its expense, (even if at times
one would consider them as in bad taste). We want to be Vishwaguru, whatever that
implies. (Some believe we already are!).
Reacting to foreign criticism with indignant retorts is not the a way to
become one Responding, for instance, to rankings/indices on democracy, freedom
etc by non-governmental agencies or to NYT or Washington Post editorials, we
tick them off angrily ( at ministerial levels) saying we don't need foreign
advice. (In reality these tick-offs are meant for home audiences). This may
earn applause and accolades at home. But
not, in my opinion, a dignified way to react at diplomatic level. I have not
read any such official reactions by any of 250 or so countries covered by these
(mostly non- governmental Western) ranking agencies.
To my mind,
invoking jingoistic nationalism and narratives of victimhood are essentially
tools used by politicians, using their web soldiers for electoral
advantages. And we, primarily the middle
classes, willingly create ministorms that reverberate in social media and get
amplified serving the politicians' intentions.
It is up to us to
wiseup.
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