Re: [nukkad] nationalism -- The Death of Democracy in India ???

["Samira Razdan" <>]

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-- Unknown (seen on Bangalore-Talk)
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Aditi wrote...
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Why is it that nationalism and patriotism of late are being used
synonymously with hinduism?
Thoughts anyone?
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It all depends on how you --define-- the three terms. :-)
But, according to the Thesaurus...

Nationalism -
1. a sentiment based on common cultural characteristics that binds
a population and often produces a policy of national independence
or separatism.
2. loyalty or devotion to one's country; patriotism.
3. exaggerated, passionate, or fanatical devotion to a national community.

Patriotism -
- devotion to one's own country and concern for its defence.

So, according to the Thesaurus... Nationalism is (almost) the same
as Patriotism.

But... since you have asked this question, can I assume you have
-different- definitions for these two terms? Then, please share...:-)

The Thesaurus defines Hinduism as:
- the complex beliefs, values, and customs comprising the dominant
religion of India, characterized by the worship of many gods, including
Brahma as supreme being, a caste system, belief in reincarnation, etc.

So... your question is valid. Ideally... there should be --no--
"association" between [nationalism and/or patriotism] with [Hinduism].

If there is... then we are no better than the Moslem countries.
And ...     religion + nationalism = violence

In current areas of ethnic and national conflict (e.g. the Caucasus,
the Baltics, the former Yugoslavia)... religion and religious
communities have played an increasingly important role. And world
history has shown that religion has always played a major role in
the formation and maintenance of ethnic groups... in the rise of
nationalism... and in conflicts between different national groups.

In India... the development of nationalism as expressed by the
INC and the Muslim League... led to communal violence, culminating
in the Partition in 1947 and the tragic aftermath.

Current political, economic and social developments in the Indian
subcontinent in relation to religion, nationalism has always led to
violence. For example... the Kashmir dispute, uprisings in the
Northeast and Punjab, the influence of the RSS and the rise of Hindu
nationalist political parties and communal violence in Gujarat.

What is sad... is that the Apostle Of Peace, Mr. Gandhi, said...
"Politics encircles us today like the coils of a snake, from which
one cannot get out. In order to wrestle with this snake, I have been
experimenting by introducing religion into politics."

Wonder what Mr. Gandhi would say... had he lived to this day???

Nationalism can exist only if there is a State. But the State must
be separate from religion. And India must be careful. If it is not,
   ... then it is the death of democracy in India ...
   ... and it may be the beginning of the Asian Holocaust,
thereby making South Asia the flashpoint of the 21st century.

Sincerely,
-Samira Razdan.















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