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.
5 comments:
Secularism is our Achilles' heel and "patriotism" is a gag that silences us. Freedom hasn't arrived yet. We're an independent nation, but not free.
Secularism is our Achilles' heel and "patriotism" is a gag that silences us. Freedom hasn't arrived yet. We're an independent nation, but not free.
This is why I know you .
You have conveyed the thought in a lucid and balanced manner but still have not answered the question as to why the political agenda of tolerance Vs intolerance is becoming too mainstream in media of public opinion in current times. Why is that the voice of opinions is having a blatant tone for supporting or going against the ruling party. Why were we as a nation silent when such things used to happen even during 90's or before?
Is it just that media dissemination channels have become more accessible(from a Fb/twtr perspective) or more controlled by a select few(the way selective portrayal of views are made in mainstream silencing the other minor opinions).
The way India was, is and always will be till eternity maybe, a paradox, a melting pot and yes always Diverse. What needs to be cautioned for though is the way fundamental of our heterogenous culture, the unity in diversity as a life mantra, the land which has had all religions exsisting and thriving together,needs to be still retained at grass root level viz the students or the kids education system and there is where the government is missing the mark and needs better introspection and checks. Till the time we are able to provide to our coming generations the balanced education we got during 90's right from school curriculum to TV shows having similar levels of audience love for shows like Alif Laila as to Ramayana we would still be accommodating and thriving.
You have conveyed the thought in a lucid and balanced manner but still have not answered the question as to why the political agenda of tolerance Vs intolerance is becoming too mainstream in media of public opinion in current times. Why is that the voice of opinions is having a blatant tone for supporting or going against the ruling party. Why were we as a nation silent when such things used to happen even during 90's or before?
Is it just that media dissemination channels have become more accessible(from a Fb/twtr perspective) or more controlled by a select few(the way selective portrayal of views are made in mainstream silencing the other minor opinions).
The way India was, is and always will be till eternity maybe, a paradox, a melting pot and yes always Diverse. What needs to be cautioned for though is the way fundamental of our heterogenous culture, the unity in diversity as a life mantra, the land which has had all religions exsisting and thriving together,needs to be still retained at grass root level viz the students or the kids education system and there is where the government is missing the mark and needs better introspection and checks. Till the time we are able to provide to our coming generations the balanced education we got during 90's right from school curriculum to TV shows having similar levels of audience love for shows like Alif Laila as to Ramayana we would still be accommodating and thriving.
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