Summary
Highlights
Tyagi criticizes the Left for recognizing Indian nationalism, which he believes paved the way for its association with Hindutva and anti-Muslim discourse. He argues that the Partition of 1947 was a 'culmination of tragedy' and a 'counter-revolution'. He maintains that reunification of the subcontinent on a capitalist basis is impossible, advocating for a socialist revolution to unite the region, end religious strife, and utilize resources for public welfare rather than military expenditure.
Rajesh Tyagi contends that the idea of a Hindu nation or Indian nationality is a manufactured and bogus concept. He states that neither Pakistan nor Hindustan are 'nations' but rather multinational unions. Attempts to impose a national basis are counterproductive, particularly the 'Hindu' concept which he describes as undefinable and imposed by a select few. He criticizes the notion of calling those who don't recognize Indian nationalism 'anti-national', arguing they support genuine nationalism.
Tyagi argues that Savarkar's concept of cultural nationalism, linking nationality with religion, is historically and politically bogus. He emphasizes that nationality is based on geographical location, economic life, shared history, and language, none of which align with a singular 'Hindu nation'. He debunks the idea of a pure Hindu population, highlighting the historical fact of the arrival of various groups, including the Aryans, who he suggests were the first 'invaders'.
Tyagi questions the definition of India and Indian nationality. He asserts that India is a subcontinent, not a single nation, but a multinational union encompassing various nationalities like Tamils, Telugus, Bengalis, and Kashmiris. He argues that the concept of a united India advocated by certain groups is geographically ill-defined and focuses on territorial conquest rather than human connection and shared values, which are true components of nationalism.
Tyagi highlights the irony where Indian Muslims who want to live in India are told to go to Pakistan, while groups in the Northeast seeking separation are forced to remain. He declares that no nation-state can be created on the basis of religion, and such attempts lead to multinational states. He criticizes the Hinduist insistence on uniformity, which ignores the shared cultures and lives of Indian Muslims with their Hindu neighbors, simply due to different worship systems.
He explains that the national question in South Asia is particularly complex due to the failure of nationalities to integrate castes and tribes, partly due to British colonization. He views attempts to establish Indian nationalism on a single foundation as experiments by ruling right-wing forces. He argues that the capitalist rulers of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh maintain division for their own benefit, preventing reunification and perpetuating issues like illiteracy, poverty, and religious conflict.
Tyagi explains that once Indian nationalism was established as a concept, it was easily co-opted. He reiterates that ordinary citizens are not stakeholders in the Hindu nation project, asserting it's imposed by a few. He connects geopolitical rivalry with communal tension, arguing that all political parties, not just the BJP, perpetuate division. He criticizes current youth movements, like reactions to exam leaks, for falling into the trap of manufactured nationalism by embracing national symbols rather than challenging systemic issues.
He concludes by emphasizing that the fake nationalism in South Asia actively opposes genuine nationalism by suppressing and crushing diverse national aspirations. He argues that calling those who question Indian nationalism 'anti-national' is a lie, as they support genuine forms of nationalism. He encourages clarity and honesty from the Left, urging them to challenge the notion of Indian nationalism and see themselves as global citizens seeking unity beyond artificial borders created by political and capitalist elites.