The remnants of fascist and theocratic ideologies and goals are dressed up in the appealing garb of nationalism and traditional values today. However, nothing that is represented as nationalism today on a political level even remotely resembles true nationalism or even tradition. In the name of tradition, parties and ideologies only aim to suppress voices of dissent and change.
True nationalism takes those parts of a culture and tradition that speak to the universality of being a part of human civilisation while debating and discussing on those aspects that are of a more complex nature. One must understand that nationalism is not simply about saluting a flag or following an old tradition. It’s about upholding and embracing the values and knowledge of the past while simultaneously adapting to the dynamic nature of the present and preparing for the unpredictable future.
Similarly, the recent meeting between Narendra Modi and the RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat exemplifies the nature of this strange new nationalism that is sweeping a majority of countries, including our nation. Modi said RSS is the banyan tree of India’s eternal culture. However, after a quick look at the history and goals of the RSS, one would be inclined to believe the opposite. I would not like to dive too much into the details of the origin of the RSS, as it’s well-known and a matter of historical record that the RSS was against the Indian independence movement. Rather, their contribution to the independence movement was more about hampering the establishment of a secular, democratic and inclusive India rather than their current pretence of an ultra-nationalistic ideology.
The focus of this article is not to evaluate the RSS; I think that has been sufficiently explored by people who are either jailed or attacked by the BJP in India today. What, is it then that the RSS is doing so well? If it’s not a part of our national history and, in fact, has minimal contribution to it, then why is it such a dominant force today? An organisation that was banned by Sardar Patel for spreading communal hatred is now influencing decisions at the apex of our democratic and political institutions.
It’s rather easy to degrade the RSS and its political outfit, the BJP, for being fascist, theocratic or anti-democratic. Nonetheless, all the actions that have led to the BJP and Narendra Modi being elected three times in a row have been through democratic means. Yes, surely, authoritative means and often through anti-democratic measures, but regardless of that, there is a reason that a party like BJP was able to rise in the ranks of our democratic system so much that it could change the very democratic fabric of our nation. This rise of the BJP, whether people would like to admit it or not, has happened entirely through our democratic processes.
The RSS, while not a significant part of India’s independence history, has been a major influence in creating the culture of modern India. Whether it’s the BJP’s rise to power with Vajpayee and Advani or the demolition of the Babri Masjid, the RSS has been involved in some of the most major events in recent Indian history. They have come to define a new kind of nationalism, a strange one indeed, that is popular not just in India but across the world, as we can see with the rise of nationalist right-wing parties with very obvious fascist overtones in their messages and policies. Whether it’s America, Italy or Germany, some of the most major countries are seeing a very confused cultural movement that occasionally talks about traditional values and peace but acts contrary to what they preach.
As always, politicians and bureaucrats don’t offer much insight into this situation. They seem to think politics and nation-building only exist during the election season. Apart from that, they seem to think that if you’re not in power implementing legislative change, you can’t do much. Thus, we see some rather promising politicians and individuals migrate and change parties, leaving behind their ideologies and values for a seat at the decision-making table. But if these forces of communal hatred have come to power through our democratic and legal systems, is legislation or policy-making enough to bring about the resurgence of our democratic ideals?
Not really. This is not simply a legislative issue. It is a moral issue. A nation with its soul in crisis. Simply changing a couple of laws will not change people’s opinions. Change needs to come from deep within, not from systems or from bureaucracy but from the people. Because democracy isn’t the laws it creates but the power that its people hold, and currently, we have a population who is left feeling powerless as they are not aware of the great tradition and heritage that they are a part of.
They do not embrace and understand the knowledge and culture that our civilisation has created and sustained for many years. This lack of understanding of our history and culture leaves our people with an empty understanding of not just the nation but themselves as well. This lack of authentic spiritual, religious or nationalistic emotion is something that has been sucked out by the ever-changing political and economic landscape of not just India but the world at large over the last 3-4 decades.
As the new American administration continues to take erratic measures, like imposing a ridiculous tariff rates on India, our economy will continue to suffer. Especially under the current turbulent global dynamics, if we don’t have the right people in place at our democratic and political institutions, then the very soul of our nation will continue to be in flux. However, we don’t need just honest and dedicated politicians; the change needs to come from the Indian people. We need honest and dedicated businessmen, doctors, engineers, farmers, scientists, artists and much more.
For people to reclaim their power in a democracy and to prepare themselves for an uncertain future, they must first face and understand that part, which is their first step towards liberation from this trap of faux nationalism. That part being themselves and the people they surround themselves with. Real change starts not from burning Teslasor protesting outside parliament (or inside), but it starts by recognising what you lack and then working to build something that you value. In the process of nation-building in the coming years, if we may be able to do this as a people, as individuals and as a nation, only then will we be able to embrace a nationalism that is not just country-bound but holds the power and capacity to unite the world.