THE essential identity of India has been that of a civilisational nation. As culture has always been the foundation of the nation, Indian nationalism too is 'cultural' at its core. Sadly, thanks to all that happened before, during and after the independence struggle, denial of the centrality of culture became a practice. Multiple aspects of the hazardous impact of this denial comprised distortion of history, misinterpretation of traditions, manufacturing of pro-fragmentation theories to show India was never a nation, and cultivation of a national habit to accommodate many things of some recalcitrant elements that just cannot be accommodated.
With nationalism pushed to the periphery, patriotism in certain quarters was made to look like an obscurantist, narrow and outdated idea, going against political correctness. As a consequence, the element of emotionality helping us share a common ethos almost faced forced evaporation. Many made us believe India is not an organically integrated nation but a conglomeration of provinces, and the map of India made of several pieces of provinces artificially stitched together.
However, decisively swimming against the tide, one particular organisation that stood firm and advocated patriotism and its reflection in popular behaviour in an unapologetic manner was the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Denne historien er fra October 18, 2024-utgaven av The Morning Standard.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra October 18, 2024-utgaven av The Morning Standard.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'Hard Work Came First, Stardom Later'
Actor Adivi Sesh's career in Tollywood has included a variety of roles and genres. From playing Bhadra in Baahubali to Agent Gopi in Goodachari, Sesh has established himself as one of the most versatile performers in the industry, having played complicated characters with profound emotional arcs as well as action-packed thrillers.
Aspirations Unbound
At 69, Anupam Kher is far from done. Whether it is romance or fitness training, he is ready for it all
Recipes of the Heart and Home
After tasting success in London, celebrity chef Rohit Ghai is impressing the Omani palate with the subtlety of spice while he stays a dal-chawal sort of guy
Diving into the Murky World of Scandals
Fraudster Tales: History's Greatest Financial Criminals and Their Catastrophic Crimes By: Vijay Narayan Govind Publisher: Pan Macmillan Price: ₹499 Pages: 290
The Traditional and the Suave
The timeless drape sees a major revival with new-age dhoti enthusiasts reawakening to its allure
The Artificial Way to Work Happiness
Gen Z seems to have got the workplace right, artificially. With 31 per cent of them reporting a healthy relationship with work, it places them ahead of Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials.
Uncomplicated and Compelling
The story preserves not only the characters' voices but also their goals and actions, which are convincing and believable
Inside Mindscapes that Define Us
Three artists engage with Nature and make a statement that explores the geological, cultural, and material facets of our planet
Of an Age Gone by and a Language Lost
Our villages have become ghost villages; will our language take the same road? A googly was flung at me by a student.
Are Adult Friendships Really that Hard; Why Not Make the Effort?
Despite the plethora of digital platforms that promise connection and community, 79 per cent of GenZs and 71 per cent millennials describe themselves as lonely. In the US, 12 per cent of adults say that they have no close friends. While finding avenues for connection have increased exponentially over the years, maintaining friendships, especially adult friendships, have become harder.
