Most of us do feel protective and
defensive about our heritage, culture, religion, or loved ones and sometimes we
just stop being objective and receptive to criticism about things that we
deeply care about. The first
step towards growth is introspection and asking constant questions. Only when we identify the brokenness can
we start the process of rebuilding.
So let’s face it, Modi is no beloved
leader and his past is sketchy and somewhat radical. There was enough suspicion
around him to make some of us skeptical. But we voted for him and he is now my
Prime minister, shouldering the hopes and aspiration of the world’s largest
Democracy. And as a mature progressive democracy, it is both my right and
obligation to question the head of state. Yes I am apprehensive that as a
society we are increasingly becoming intolerant but this admission does not
make me any less patriotic.
May be we were just as intolerant
before the 26 May 2014, but the question is being asked now and in the present the
word BAN is more relevant than corruption.
Could it be that the liberals are
overreacting? We would be fooling ourselves if we do not admit that secularism
is our Achilles' heel. Hence the economic development, international relations,
or growth (debatable) in the Modi’s tenure all take a back seat. The diverse
fabric of our volatile unity still has scars from our intolerant past. But our
recent reaction and anger towards the debatable intolerance is a proof that we
have come a long way from our past of colonial favoritism.
Our multiplicity is what joins us
and hence we have to be accepting and tolerant of our nations many many differences.
We cannot afford to regress and allow state to interfere with our decision
making by tainting our options in a certain shade of saffron.
The growing polarization between
the Modi worshiping “Seniks” and the question asking “Liberals” sometimes makes
us forget that we are all on the same team. You and me have the same dreams for
our India and a conservative narrow society is definitely not part of our
vision. We want the vibrant democracy that allows vegans, beef eaters and pork
lovers to sit together on one dinner table. The large overcrowded table where each
one of us is equipped and free to make our own choice, and everyone is excited
for the versatile preference and diverse tastes.
