On “The Idea of India: Reconstructing a National Identity”
As most of you know, the idea of “Identity” (and specifically an Indian identity) is something close to my heart and a topic on which I have been thinking and reading about for a very long time. One of my long-pending pet projects is a post/series/(book?) on “What is the Idea of India”? What does it mean to be an Indian? a Bharatiya à¤à¤¾à¤°à¤¤à¥€à¤¯ ?
Someday I will get around to writing the post/series. I am now a step closer. Later this week, thanks to my friend Amit Malviya, I am speaking on subject of “The Idea of India: Reconstructing a National Identity” in Bengaluru.
This is the first time I will be speaking publicly on the subject – so I am nervous (after all, I am hardly an expert on this very serious subject) but also very excited…Excited to have the opportunity to share some of my thoughts – and, more importantly, get some feedback and comments from the audience – which is probably as good as any I could have wished for – the students (& hopefully some faculty) at National Law School in Bengaluru! Â I hope to record my talk and will certainly share it here and on the YouTube channel. Stay tuned – and wish me luck!
Related Post: “The Idea of India” – by Sh Krishen Kak
Hi Shantanu,
Wishing you all the best and eagerly waiting for the video.
@Shantanu
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Please include the issue of languages. An Indian identity must include multilingual skills. The three-langage formula is the key. English + Hindi + mothertongue and if mothertongue is Hindi, English+Hindi+one South Indian language. If one (I am referring to those educated Indians who have moved around across states and countries, not the locals) has not taken any effort in that direction…well.
I wish you all the best for your video.We indians must be aware of the fact that all are ONE.In present scenario some of the south indian students are often teased in north india,this should not happen and we must take steps to avoid this problem.
Netizen, Ashish, Praveena: Thanks for your wishes..
Prakash: Great point. I will try and weave it into my talk..thanks
Hi
When is the programme scheduled ? Are you planning any other talk in Bangalore.??All the best for your talk and keep up the good work.
I partially agree with Prakash on the issue of languages but putting too much of emphases on languages might make us deviate from the issue of real INDIAN IDENTITY discussion.
Shubham Bhuyat !! (courtesy – online sanskrit dictionary – http://spokensanskrit.de/index.php?script=HK&beginning=0+&tinput=God+bless+you&trans=Translate&direction=ES)
This post colonial,marxist ,influenced,weirdo secular, western wannabe Indian identity needs to be dismantled and reconstructed with an identity thats more in tune with India’s Hindu ethos. Learning Sanskrit also should be one of the languages that should be encouraged as part of this new identity.
Hi Shantanu , we all need to start carving on the route u have chosen.The first step being loving and respecting our Nation,proud to be called an Indian.We are a nation that is in infancy stage of growth after
we were denuded by our colonizer but today we are trotting and toddling our Nation with a speed all are amazed and waiting for more … that is and should be our driving force !!. We should work towards improving our teaching clout in schools all around the country that works together to educate the children with positive spirit,courage,love for our nation
and towards becoming a proud Indian making India proud. Teachers are the building blocks of any Nation as pointed out in this last episode of Satymeva Jayate , Lets all gather and make India and children of India proud……!!!
Personally, I don’t believe the idea of “Indianness” is important. How does it matter how “Indian” we are? As long as one is secure in their own mind about themselves, I don’t feel there’s a need to bolster one’s identity with constructs linked to nationality.
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One needs identity at every step, be it the field of Education, Business, Career, Marraige, Voting, Litigation and the most important paying taxes and travelling abroad.
The only question we need to ask is “What is the identity of a CRIMINAL or a TERRORIST?”
In short one requires an “Identity” to be recognised as sane and responsible citizen.
“Personally, I don’t believe the idea of “Indianness†is important. How does it matter how “Indian†we are? As long as one is secure in their own mind about themselves, I don’t feel there’s a need to bolster one’s identity with constructs linked to nationality.”
Why stop there and not even call India ‘India or Bharata’ to prove our security in our minds.Lets invite the rest of bangladesh in to show we dont have any identity because we are so secure in our minds.Im sure you dont even identity yourself with your house so you wouldn’t mind illegal bangladeshis move in every-room.
We’re a university full of postmodernists, liberals and left-wingers who are always ready to discuss and analyze other points of view. Your interaction with the students at NLS, had it not been on the same day college had to close down for an emergency, would have been, at the very least, extremely interesting. Really regret the bad timing. We hope you will be back again some day to address a full house.
Thank you all for sharing your thoughts and comments…
Hope to respond soon..
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@NLS student: It is indeed a pity the unfortunate situation came in the way..I hope to be back soon..and like you, I am eagerly looking forward to it..
On “The Idea of India: Reconstructing a National Identityâ€
The clue is in the title of this post. It’s “Reconstructing”!
India has an identity alright. A multi-cultural, inclusive, welcoming, and (largely) non-partisan country. A few people, including the khakhi chaddis don’t like that and hence the whole sweating about ‘reconstructing’ the identity.
No we don’t need a “reconstruction” of our identity, thank you very much. We need to reconstruct our economy, our politics. Any takers?
Psst, Ashish “True Liberal” Deodhar: I think you forgot to include “secular” in your list. 😉
Kaffir, I would’ve loved to if that were true. I would like India to be secular but we’re nowhere even close.
WHEN WE RECONSTRUCT THE IDENTITY IT SHOULD BE BHARAT AND NOT INDIA