Concept of 'Nationalism in India' - Analyzing the positive and negative trends

Since the last century, amongst all political ideas that gave gained traction, patriotism or nationalism has engaged most minds in debates. This debate is often centered at the modern concept of nation state. Most people relate emotions behind nationalism to the might of the state. If increasing clout of the state over the nation breaks extreme levels, rise of fascist forces takes place. The culmunating two world wars that resulted in loss of million lives, makes us realize the need to analyze the changes in this concept at regular intervals.

Right from geographical boundaries to the notion of nationalism, it is evident that change is the only constant trend globally. But like other socio-economic concepts, the nationalism perceptive also has been different for India as compared to the rest of the world. For them, nation-state moreover resembles a social contract between the state and the citizens residing in certain geographical boundaries. The state is given the monopoly over violence to safeguard citizens from external and internal threats. Citizens offer part of their income as taxes and allow the state to control certain aspects of their life. But, there have been nations who stand as exceptions to this thought. This nations have given more importance to it's 'people' and 'cultural' aspect of the nation, rather than the state. India is one such positive exception. Our nation is defined not just by geographical boundaries, but by unique characteristics of our people. Before modern times, we have never been identified with a single state ruled by dynast family for all our history. Instead, the rest of the world recognizes us through our cultural traits such as inclusiveness, acceptance and a feeling of universal brotherhood.

Our feeling of nationalism has evolved over thousands of years. Out of the many changes that it has undergone, there have been two major changes which requires extensive discussion. The positive change can be seen in the manner in which today's youth are responding to nationalism through offering their time and resources to bring actual change on the ground. The negative change is the struggle between two constituents of the society over the concept of nationalism.

We saw the maximum participation of youth in the independence struggle. The same was again witnessed in the fight against autocatic national emergency in the 70's. Leaving these two moments, majority youth was non-vocal about the issues in the society. But since the last decade we are experiencing tremendous change. Youth are openly taking political sides and participating in social and political movements. There has been an upsurge in the strength of all student and youth organisations. While the perception is that students are just taking lead in political movements, it must be noted that more number of youth trying to bring small changes on ground zero. 'Social entrepreneurship' is the new buzzword. They are facing enormous backlash from the establishments whose vested interests are getting hurt. But as Shaheed Bhagat Singh said, "The people generally get accustomed to the established order of things and begin to tremble at the very idea of a change. It is this spirit of lethargy that needs be replaced by the revolutionary spirit". 'We the people', the initial three words of our constitution's preamble, now resonates amongst our youth while identifying themselves with the nation.

The second change that we are witnessing is a cause to worry. Even in the independence struggle, different leaders had their different version of nationalism but still continued to work together. The most important part was that they respected each others view point. This aspect of acceptance for others point of view amongst different political ideologies and organizations has reduced immensely. The thought that, "Our perspective on nationalism is the correct path to nationalism and the others are anti-nationalist or fascist," is emerging even in the minds of socio-political activists working on ground. Only a section of our society decides to contribute back to the society throuh social initiatives. While this section should stand as an example in front of rest of the society, they are setting a disappointing precedent of doubting each other's love for the nation. Every path of nationalism which speaks for all Indians and for the integrity of nation should be respected viz-a-viz, they walk on their path within the frame of constitution. National leadership of such competing ideologies/organizations would continue to name-shame each other to fulfill their agenda. The responsibility to stop this hatred through dialogue can be only achieved by actual ground workers of this organizations.

Let us stand together to amplify the positive changes in the feeling of nationalism amongst our countrymen and shun out all negativities that could have emerged. Let us dedicate more time serving our people together than fighting our ideological proponents. Let us express nationalism in our day-to-day actions beyond mere tokenism.