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Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Yogendra Yadav writes: When a nation's idea of itself is stolen, what follows must be more than recovery
How should you react when something you value is stolen? Once you overcome the initial bewilderment (Where is it?), curiosity (Who stole it? How?) and guilt (Was I careless?), you arrive at the all-important question: How do I reclaim it so as to not lose it again? That is the question I would like to take away from the thoughtful response ('Who stole my nationalism?', IE, May 31) to my article ('The nationalism we forgot', IE, May 27) by Suhas Palshikar — my colleague, co-author and friend for three decades. His disagreements are constructive, as our starting point is the same. Suhas bhai puts it better than I did: It's not just the backsliding of Indian nationalism, but the delegitimisation and resolute replacement by a phoney version based on the 'narrow, vicious, macho and exclusionary European duplication of nationalism'. Therefore, reclaiming Indian nationalism is arguably the most critical priority for political action today. Let me begin by accepting all the corrections that Suhas bhai suggests to my initial outline. Indeed, Indian nationalism was an audacious project, difficult to realise and even more difficult to sustain. Yes, the uniquely Indian version of 'belonging without othering' always had its communal rivals in the Hindu and Muslim versions that copied the European models of national belonging via the 'othering' of religious communities. Of course, we have not just forgotten our nationalism; it has been stolen by the RSS version of pseudo-nationalism. That leaves only one serious disagreement. Suhas bhai thinks that I exaggerate the role of the tiny English speaking and deracinated elite in squandering the rich legacy of Indian nationalism. I still believe that the ruling class is always tiny, yet its ideas become the ruling ideas with lasting consequences. But this is a dispute the two of us can continue over a cup of tea (with bakarwadi from Chitale Bandhu) in Pune. Let me focus on the more pressing question of the here and now: What is to be done? How do we regain Indian nationalism in a way that we do not lose it again? This is not a simple political question of how to take on the BJP. This is also not a simple ideological question of how to combat the RSS's Hindutva with our received liberal progressive ideology. This is a serious intellectual and cultural question. I suspect that critics of today's phoney nationalism underestimate how serious this intellectual challenge is. Let me list three uncomfortable questions that we need to address head-on before we begin the project of the recovery of Indian nationalism. First of all, what is India? Is this a cultural-civilisational entity or just a political unit with boundaries defined by accidents of history? The pseudo-nationalist version offers a narrow yet thick notion of Indianness, of Bharatvarsha, a Sanatan and Akhand Bharat, that may be rescued from 1,000 years of Muslim and British colonial history. The response of the progressive critics is to fall back upon a liberal yet thin version of Indianness, which views India only in modern, political and constitutional terms, as a political community of people brought together by accidents of history. The uncomfortable question that we need to ask is this: Is the modern Indian state a successor to the civilisation called India? If so, what are its defining cultural features? Answering this question, without falling into dominant majoritarian myths, was never easy. In a sense, Jawaharlal Nehru's The Discovery of India was an attempt to do exactly that. The task has got more difficult today after Partition and with deeper awareness of the multiple histories and geographies that the Indian state is heir to. Yet, this is a question we cannot evade any more. We need a thick yet liberal notion of Indianness, a notion that has cultural resonance with the people of India. Second, should we be proud of being Indian? Here again we confront two bad answers. The dominant answer is jingoistic, the political equivalent of football club loyalty. Every Indian must, at all times, be proud of everything Indian as it is our 'motherland'. This powerful sentiment then drums up all kinds of reasons for this pride: India as the vishwaguru, India as the mother of democracies, India as the fountain of ancient wisdom, and so on. The critics of this narrative of national pride demand good reasons for such an assertion. Accident of birth is no proof of excellence; if anything, this conflict of interest calls for extra care in judging our own country. They find it difficult to take pride in a country full of class inequality, caste oppression, gender injustice and what not. They respond with guilt, if not shame, about being an Indian. So, the difficult question is: Can we address the deep sense of cultural inferiority that Indians have inherited from their colonial past? Can we do so without inventing ridiculous lies about plastic surgery in ancient India? Can we do so without brushing under the carpet the ugly truths about our country, our society, our civilisation? Can we come up with ways of self-affirmation that inculcate pride without asserting superiority over others? Finally, what do we owe this entity called India? Here again, the dominant answer is simple and powerful, if totalitarian. In this version of nation-comes-first, we owe everything, unlimited and unquestioning loyalty, even our lives, to our country. This requires suppressing any competing demand from a lower or higher unit: From attachment to any region, religion or language or from considerations of internationalism etc. The critics of jingoistic nationalism are more circumspect about what and how much they owe to one of the many entities that demand our affection. They want a space to assert other identities, from regional to global. Faced with aggressive nationalism, their loyalty appears shallow. They look non-aligned and can be dubbed anti-national. So the challenge is: How do we define deep loyalty to the nation in a way that does not preclude other equally legitimate commitments? I suspect that the progressive and liberal critics of the RSS-BJP do not have good answers to this or the other two questions. In sum: Our challenge is to reimagine a deep and non-jingoistic nationalism, at once culturally rooted in the plural heritage of our civilisation and open to claiming the heritage of humankind. That is what the nationalism of our freedom struggle was. Yet we cannot simply go back to that nationalism now. As Suhas bhai reminds us, it was a rather precarious achievement in its own times. Besides, a lot of water and blood has flowed in the Ganga since then. So we have no option but to recreate, rearticulate and then regain the nationalism that we lost. Suhas bhai is right: Creating a deep sense of 'belonging without othering' was and remains an 'audacious project' always exposed to external challenges and internal hiccups. This is infinitely more difficult than the jingoistic political project of finding external and internal enemies to forge a unity based on hatred. But I am sure he does not believe that in this audacity lies its impossibility, that this is a good reason to give up on this project. The project of reclaiming Indian nationalism is not an optional project for some Indians of a particular ideological orientation. The success of this project is the precondition for the very survival of India. The writer is member, Swaraj India, and national convenor of Bharat Jodo Abhiyaan. Views are personal
India Gazette
3 days ago
- General
- India Gazette
"BJP will not sit idle with hands tied back": BJP Karnataka President lashes out at Siddaramiah govt
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 3 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Karnataka President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra on Tuesday lashed out at the Congress led state government and stated that the BJP would not sit idly with their hands tied back if the state government would resort to using police like goons. Actions were destroying the law and order in Dakshin Kannada and other coastal regions. He further stated that the actions of the government were destroying law and order in Dakshin Kannada and other coastal regions. Speaking to the media today, he said, 'I discussed this issue with national leaders last night. Today, our MPs and MLAs will meet senior police officials.' Responding to a question about the deportation of several people in Dakshina Kannada district, he said, 'Once upon a time, kings ruled this country. We've heard of feudal lords back then. The current Congress government is running the state like those feudal lords. The Siddaramaiah-led government is running a Tughlaq-style administration that suppresses democracy.' He continued, 'Look at the shameful behaviour of this Congress government in recent months. At a time when people are expressing outrage over the lack of development in the state, the government is trying to cover up its failures through such incidents. It is also conspiring to insult Hindu activists.' He alleged that during the murder of Suhas, some evil forces prevented the Home Minister from visiting Suhas' house. He further questioned what action had been taken against women who were allegedly involved in the murder of Suhas Shetty. 'Three to four women stood on the road, helped the murderers and traitors get into a car, and escape,' he said. 'What has been done about this? Have they been arrested?' he asked. 'We no longer believe that there is an elected government or that police are maintaining law and order in our state. Meanwhile, an FIR has been filed against senior Sangh Parivar leaders. This is a conspiracy to threaten Hindu leaders and activists. Police are knocking on doors at midnight and interrogating our activists. Are we living in a democracy? Where are we?' he questioned. On the state government suppressing the rights of the farmers, he stated that the government was tarnishing their own image. 'The state government is tarnishing its image by curbing farmers' rights. It is trying to suppress the farmers' protest over the Hemavati river water issue. The government is using police thuggery to suppress this movement,' Vijayendra said. 'Maybe one or two people threw stones - that is not acceptable. The police are a part of our state. But using such incidents as an excuse to target our activists and farmer leaders and put them behind bars is a conspiracy. This will not help suppress the Hemavati river water protest,' he asserted. 'I and other party leaders will visit the site this afternoon. This worthless Congress government is doing no development work. It cannot even provide funds for development. The collapse of law and order is due to the government's conspiracy. This is all being done to cover up their failures,' he alleged. 'We are not big people to advise the state government on how to maintain law and order, but the BJP has the power to break this government's goonda behaviour and arrogance. Our workers have that strength. We will show it in the coming days,' he said in response to a question. (ANI)
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Suhas's mother demands NIA probe into his murder
Mangaluru: Sulochana Shetty, mother of slain VHP activist Suhas Shetty, urged the state govt to transfer the investigation of her son's murder case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). At a VHP-organised Janagraha rally 'Bajpe Chalo' on Sunday, Sulochana Shetty expressed concern about the state govt's handling of her son's murder investigation, claiming that authorities were impeding a thorough inquiry into the case. "We seek justice for Suhas. A group of over 50 individuals subjected my son to torture before taking his life. Both home minister G Parameshwara and district minister Dinesh Gundu Rao wrongly labelled my son Suhas as a rowdy. I clarify that Suhas was not a rowdy, but worked with Bajrang Dal. Only an NIA investigation can ensure we receive proper justice," she said. Hindu Jagrana Vedike leader Srikanth Shetty said that Suhas Shetty was wrongly characterised as a rowdy-sheeter for his work supporting Hindutva. He expressed distrust in the current police investigation and demanded the case be transferred to the NIA. He asserted that Suhas's murder represented an attack against the Hindu community, noting that activists like Suhas risk their lives while working for Hindutva. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One of the Most Successful Investors of All Time, Warren Buffett, Recommends: 5 Books for Turning... Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Click Here Undo He alleged that the banned organisation PFI was founded in 2006 with the agenda of making India an Islamic country by 2047. The PFI had ex-police officers as trainers in Kerala, and in the murder of Suhas Shetty, there was also involvement of a police personnel, he alleged, demanding a probe in this direction too. Further, he added that a few youths in Bajpe had knowledge about Suhas Shetty's murder plan. Many people supported it when miscreants attacked Suhas Shetty, he added. Suhas's parents, Moodbidri MLA Umanath Kotian, VHP leader Sharan Pumpwell, and others offered floral tribute to Suhas Shetty near Sharada Mantapa in Bajpe. MLAs Harish Poonja, U Rajesh Naik, Y Bharath Shetty, D Vedavyas Kamath and MLC Kishore Kumar Puttur were present. Due to the rally, businesses remained closed, and law enforcement enhanced security measures in the vicinity. The bus services operating between Kinnigoli-Kateel-Bajpe-Mangaluru were rerouted.
Hans India
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Wedding Song ‘Ramachandrude' from ‘Oh Bhama Ayyo Rama' strikes a chord
Rising actor Suhas, known for his knack in choosing offbeat scripts, is all set to charm audiences once again in the romantic comedy Oh Bhama Ayyo Rama. Directed by Ram Godhala and backed by producer Harish Nalla under the V Arts banner, the film also marks the Telugu debut of Malayalam actress Malavika Manoj, who impressed with her performance in Joe. Adding to the buzz, Rana Daggubati's Spirit Media is presenting the film, which is gearing up for a summer release. With a teaser and songs that have already piqued audience interest, the makers recently unveiled a new lyrical track titled 'Ramachandrude…', a vibrant wedding number that is already winning hearts. Featuring lead pair Suhas and Malavika, the song boasts rich visuals and celebratory charm. Lyricists Sri Harsha Emani and Parthu Santhidiraju have crafted meaningful verses, while singers Tippu and Harini Tippu bring soul to the melody. Composer Rathan once again proves his musical finesse with this captivating tune. Director Ram Godhala expressed confidence in the track's impact, stating, 'Among the many wedding songs in Telugu cinema, 'Ramachandrude' will surely stand out. Rathan has done an exceptional job. Each of the six songs in the film is a gem, and this one will particularly connect with the audience.' Producer Harish Nalla added, 'This film is a collective effort from a passionate team of artists and technicians. We're confident that Oh Bhama Ayyo Rama will resonate with viewers and provide wholesome entertainment. The release date will be announced soon.' The film also features a special appearance by director Harish Shankar. The supporting cast includes Anita Hassanandani, Ali, Ravinder, Vijay, Babloo, Prithviraj, and Prabhas Sreenu. Manikandan handles cinematography, Rathan provides the music, Brahma Kadali oversees art direction, and Bhavin M. Shah takes care of editing.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Govt trying to portray Dakshina Kannada as communally sensitive, says MP Brijesh Chowta
Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta alleged the Congress govt's refusal to transfer the murder case of rowdy-sheeter and Hindutva activist Suhas Shetty to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) stems from animosity towards coastal Karnataka's support for nationalist organisations. Chowta told reporters on Thursday that there is an attempt to project coastal Karnataka as a Hindutva laboratory and a communally sensitive region. There is a larger conspiracy by the Congress govt behind the statements of the speaker and ministers over Suhas's murder. Reiterating the demand for an NIA probe into Suhas's murder, the MP said that police have no scope to investigate the case, which has alleged foreign and other angles. "The state govt should hand over the case to NIA if it is transparent. Union home minister Amit Shah stated very clearly in Nov last year that the state police should hand over any case to the NIA if there is suspicion of terrorism. The NIA can investigate anti-national activities and international funding," he said, adding that the BJP will explore all options to ensure that the case is handed over to the NIA. He questioned the state govt whether it has any understanding with the banned outfit PFI. Further, he sought to know whether the govt is not interested in handing over the Suhas's murder case to NIA out of fear of being exposed. He also criticised the govt over its representatives not visiting the family of Suhas Shetty. 'Govt neglected coast' Chowta alleged that the coastal districts remain ignored without development under the Congress administration. "The govt has given us a visiting minister as the district minister for Dakshina Kannada. Meanwhile, the chief minister also pays a hurried visit to the district and does not meet people's representatives, at least for courtesy's sake," he said.
