The Decline of India’s Rich Nationalism Legacy

The Decline of India’s Rich Nationalism Legacy

Syllabus:

GS-1: Modern Indian History

Focus: Recent India-Pakistan tensions and political developments reveal a troubling shift in Indian nationalism—from a rich, inclusive legacy to a narrow, exclusionary form that undermines democratic values and citizen rights in the world’s largest democratic republic.

Decline of Inclusive Indian Nationalism

Backsliding of Indian Nationalism

• The recent India-Pakistan conflict exemplifies how Indian nationalism has regressed, moving away from the civic nationalism envisioned by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.
• Instead of being an inclusive force that embraces religious diversity, nationalism is becoming imitative and aggressive, mirroring hostile nation-state models like Germany’s historical fascism or Israel’s exclusivism.
• This new nationalism, often associated with the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party), attempts to create a Hindu-centric identity, undermining India’s pluralistic traditions and the concept of a truly democratic republic.

Erosion of Rights and Rule of Law

• Cases like that of Ali Khan Mahmudabad demonstrate a worrying trend where constitutional rights and freedom of expression are sidelined for “national interest,” particularly affecting religious minorities.
• Courts and the legal fraternity display little defense of constitutional freedoms during times of conflict, suppressing dissent and alternative voices, which is contrary to the respect for institutions that once characterized Indian democracy.
• Nationalism is positioned in opposition to citizens’ rights, which is a stark departure from India’s freedom struggle ethos and the principles of civic nationalism.

Indian Nationalism vs. Citizen’s Freedom

Historical Context of Indian Nationalism

• Indian nationalism historically balanced patriotism with respect for diverse viewpoints and dissent, recognizing the country’s diverse ethnic backgrounds and regional identities.
• Leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan openly criticized policies on Kashmir and China while remaining patriotic, demonstrating a commitment to democratic values.
• Nationalism was never used to silence democratic accountability or stifle debate, as exemplified by the inclusive approach of the Indian National Congress during the freedom struggle.

Emerging Authoritarian Tendencies

• Today, any demand for government accountability, even during sensitive operations like Operation Sindhu, is branded anti-national, reflecting a shift towards a “strong leader” mentality.
• The government is equated with the nation itself, enabling unchecked executive power and propaganda, which undermines the principles of a democratic government.
• This undermines democracy by conflating dissent with disloyalty, a stark contrast to the inclusive nationalism promoted by figures like Subhas Chandra Bose.

The Danger of Uniformity Over Unity

Suppression of Diversity

• The current narrative demands uniformity under “One Nation” slogans, which crushes regional, cultural, and ideological differences, including linguistic diversity represented by languages like the Hindi language.
• This aggressive nationalism invents internal enemies, scapegoating minorities like Muslims and Kashmiris, even when they are victims of violence, fostering a sense of cultural superiority among the majority.
• Historical leaders like Sardar Patel worked to weave diverse communities into a united India without erasing their identities, respecting various forms of Indian ancestry.

Consequences for National Unity

• This approach replaces genuine unity with superficial uniformity, undermining the rich tapestry of India’s national identity.
• Instead of fostering belonging, it creates divisions and suspicion within the nation, particularly affecting interreligious marriages and social cohesion.
• The nationalist discourse often marginalizes dissenting voices as “anti-national,” which is harmful to social cohesion and the respect for elders and institutions that traditionally characterized Indian society.

Legacy of Indian Nationalism: A Model of Belonging

Anti-Colonial and Inclusive Roots

• Indian nationalism emerged as a struggle against colonialism, not against any race or religion, forming anti-colonial coalitions with movements across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
• It connected India’s fight with global anti-colonial movements and anti-apartheid struggles, emphasizing a shared struggle for freedom and dignity.
• It emphasized belonging without “othering” — respecting languages, regions, and religions, including both Hinduism and Islam, countering exclusionary ideologies like Muslim nationalism.

Democracy and Pluralism

• Unlike European nationalism based on uniformity, Indian nationalism encouraged debates about nationhood, embracing the country’s religious diversity.
• It protected minority rights and was advocated by majorities for minorities, e.g., Hindi language speakers defending non-Hindi regions, showcasing a commitment to pluralism.
• This pluralistic nationalism was a source of strength and resilience, forming the foundation of India’s unique national identity.

The Crisis and Way Forward

Contemporary Challenges

• Current nationalism, often aligned with Hindu nationalism promoted by the BJP, fails to address serious internal conflicts like in Manipur or interstate disputes effectively.
• It reduces Kashmir to a mere territorial dispute and breeds hostility towards Muslims, weakening national integrity and the fabric of the democratic republic.
• Externally, it vacillates between aggressive posturing and meekness, losing India reliable allies and compromising its position in international affairs.
• The handling of contentious issues like the triple talaq debate demonstrates a shift away from addressing social reforms through inclusive democratic processes, instead favoring a more divisive approach that aligns with exclusionary nationalist tendencies.

Need for Reclaiming Legacy

• The shift from pluralistic “Vivid Bharati” nationalism to a narrow “Hindi-Hindu-Hindustan” nationalism is tragic, undermining the inclusive vision of India’s founding fathers.
• The ruling elite and progressive classes also share responsibility for neglecting India’s diverse nationalist heritage, including the legacy of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.
• Reclaiming the inclusive, democratic nationalism of India’s freedom movement is a vital intellectual and political challenge today, requiring a recommitment to the principles of a truly democratic government.

Conclusion

India’s true nationalism lies in embracing diversity, democracy, and constitutional freedoms. The rise of exclusionary, majoritarian nationalism threatens to unravel the rich legacy of unity-in-diversity built over decades. Reclaiming and revitalizing inclusive nationalism is essential for India’s democratic future, addressing contentious issues like triple talaq through democratic processes rather than religious courts, and fostering a national identity that respects all citizens regardless of their religious or ethnic background. The BJP’s approach to nationalism, while popular among some segments, must be balanced with the inclusive principles that have historically defined Indian nationalism.

Mains Practice Question:

Examine how contemporary Indian nationalism diverges from the inclusive nationalism of the freedom struggle. What are the risks posed by exclusionary nationalism to democracy and social cohesion? Suggest measures to reclaim India’s pluralistic nationalist legacy.