Boomerang Patriotism and Symbolic Worship
Nationalism and patriotism are the few trending words which decide a citizen's commitment and love towards his/her nation. Or are they? When Hitler's Nazi Germany rose to power based on the foundation of Nationalism, little did they know that this boomerang policy would also return to hit those staunch supporters one day. Nationalism, patriotism, feminism, regionalism etc. are the sizzling bubbles of an insecure mind with a highly skewed and blinkered vision.
Nowadays, a few top elects of huge Nations have come up with an emotional yet practical, divisive yet inclusive phrase of "(Nation) First" to shut their critics who accuse them of misogyny, bigotry, communal-ism and so on. Like we say Hinduism is a myth and caste is the reality, is Nationalism a myth and parochialism a reality? Would all Nationalists be treated equal after achieving the mandate of 'Nation First'? The answer may be far from the affirmative as the motto is a two dimensional phrase adopted for convenience rather than contemplation.
We should love our country but not at the cost of hating the other or by doing harm to the other or by excluding the other as if they do not exist. In Bhagavata Gita, one may read that Dhritharashtra refers to his sons, the Kauravas, as mine (mama) and his nephews simply as Pandavas, not even as his brothers's sons. This way he excludes Pandavas from his heart and refuses to accept them as part of his family but outsiders or even enemies. He does not realize that this exclusion is the root of adharma, where his lack of sight gradually evolved to lack of empathy. When Krishna told that nothing is sacred in this world except humanity(dharma), can anyone say being patriotic is essentially being a Hindu. In essence, a Hindu way of life is culturally very superior and institutionally very open when it comes to the concept of life. Appropriation of the idea of Hinduism to Hindutva is not only an imitation at its best of the Abrahamic religions but also an unfailingly ludicrous policy in the long term. Influential wise leaders should ask their countrymen to be humanist and not nationalistic patriot as this narrows their perspective. The concept of Vasudeva Kutumbakam should not merely remain as a flowery phrase in awe inspiring oratory but also in our every attitude of policy.
Following a narrative of extreme nationalism and patriotism is like following a policy of exclusion. It doesn't take much time for 'We first' to transform into 'I first'. Nationalism is good to the extent it compliments Humanism but when this rhetoric is a call to supplant Humanism- caution is advised.
Nowadays, a few top elects of huge Nations have come up with an emotional yet practical, divisive yet inclusive phrase of "(Nation) First" to shut their critics who accuse them of misogyny, bigotry, communal-ism and so on. Like we say Hinduism is a myth and caste is the reality, is Nationalism a myth and parochialism a reality? Would all Nationalists be treated equal after achieving the mandate of 'Nation First'? The answer may be far from the affirmative as the motto is a two dimensional phrase adopted for convenience rather than contemplation.
The Indian Angle
When we adopt 'Nationalism', we constrict our boundaries of human emotions and these restricted emotions do not flood open the gate once the Nation is at the top rather they engage in the foul play of division within. For the sake of an example, in a hypothesized environment, two thirsty travelers (one Indian 'A' and the other Pakistani 'C') approach another Indian 'B'for water. Mr. B has just one glass of water. Should he give the entire glass of water to the Indian and claim to be patriotic/nationalistic or should he distribute water equally and display humanism? The next day, two thirsty Indian travelers approach B for water. Again B has just one spare glass of water. Had Mr. B differentiated on the first day would he do the same if he finds the two Indians belong to two different social/economic background? This is a highly simplified example whereas the actual situations where the decisions have to be taken may be highly complex. A humanist is essentially a patriot but a patriotic nationalist need not be a humanist.We should love our country but not at the cost of hating the other or by doing harm to the other or by excluding the other as if they do not exist. In Bhagavata Gita, one may read that Dhritharashtra refers to his sons, the Kauravas, as mine (mama) and his nephews simply as Pandavas, not even as his brothers's sons. This way he excludes Pandavas from his heart and refuses to accept them as part of his family but outsiders or even enemies. He does not realize that this exclusion is the root of adharma, where his lack of sight gradually evolved to lack of empathy. When Krishna told that nothing is sacred in this world except humanity(dharma), can anyone say being patriotic is essentially being a Hindu. In essence, a Hindu way of life is culturally very superior and institutionally very open when it comes to the concept of life. Appropriation of the idea of Hinduism to Hindutva is not only an imitation at its best of the Abrahamic religions but also an unfailingly ludicrous policy in the long term. Influential wise leaders should ask their countrymen to be humanist and not nationalistic patriot as this narrows their perspective. The concept of Vasudeva Kutumbakam should not merely remain as a flowery phrase in awe inspiring oratory but also in our every attitude of policy.
American Rhetoric
The victory of Mr.Trump in US elections is largely the outcome of an intentional generosity of the doubled standards and the crony socialism of the liberals. He rose to power on a nationalist rhetoric and spoke not very politically correct statements. In fact, he spoke his heart out without much ostentatious vocabulary. The liberal media also selectively chose to belittle and underrate him-this being another contribution to his victory. Anyway, Mr.Trump's rhetoric of 'America First', if Americans think is what is needed, they may see or are seeing how hollow and individualistic the motto is.Following a narrative of extreme nationalism and patriotism is like following a policy of exclusion. It doesn't take much time for 'We first' to transform into 'I first'. Nationalism is good to the extent it compliments Humanism but when this rhetoric is a call to supplant Humanism- caution is advised.
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