What's The Issue?

Just read an engaging column by MJ Akbar - 'All religions are not the same, but fundamentalists are'. He is right on three accounts:
  1. Fundamentalists are totally out of sync with popular culture. They are holding on to their own outdated notions - that are incorrect in the first place - and enforcing them on others with impunity.
  2. All religions are not the same, but fundamentalists are. Akbar Ji says that they all share an aversion for modernity and a hatred of gender equality. I totally agree.
  3. He says, "India is one nation among many that emerged from the ruins of the British empire claiming the mantle of modernity. This is not because Indians are superior to their neighbours, but because the idea of India is better."
"The Idea of India" - This is one of the most powerful phrases I've ever come across. The idea of India is so gigantic, vast, expansive, all-endearing... that there is no space for 'one' right way of doing things. India is a micro-cosm, a poupurri of colours, sentiments, beliefs, cultures, philosophies, cuisines, festivals, physical attributes and what not.
On a different note, when it comes to describing myself, I often say that what I am today, is a sum resultant of my past. I feel that this logic is applicable to everyone, and should be extended to the country as well.
What India is today, is a sum resultant of its past - the good, the bad, and the ugly. The fact is that that we need to accept it in all its wholeness. Could there be an India without the Taj Mahal? Could there be an India minus the quaint French charm of Pondicherry? Could there be an India without Bodh Gaya, Khajuraho or the Lotus Temple? You cannot have India by subtracting the influences that created what it is today.
The 'Idea of India' is that of equality, freedom, democracy and secularism.
The Sangh Parivaar and its subsidiaries must realise that they are simply alieanating themselves from India by propounding their narrow minded theories. India doesn't need moral policing. It needs professionalism, accountability, transparency. Similarly, the 'secular' front must become secular in the real sense by not engaging in minority politics. Meritocracy is the order of the day. Let the worthy, win!

Comments

  1. Really Liked this line "I often say that what I am today, is a sum resultant of my past. I feel that this logic is applicable to everyone " I am a true believer in this ....

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