The author discusses the orchestrated efforts by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Hindu nationalist government to elevate Hindu symbols and events at the expense of secular and democratic values in India. The inauguration of a temple in the city of Kolkata was heavily celebrated, overshadowing Republic Day, which commemorates the adoption of India’s secular Constitution. The choice of inauguration date indicates a preference for Hindu nationalism over the values enshrined in the Constitution. Similarly, Modi’s declaration of Partition Horrors Remembrance Day on Aug. 14, the day before Indian independence day, is seen as a move to emphasize divisions between Hindus and Muslims rather than promote unity.
The author highlights the problematic nature of Modi’s actions, which seek to rewrite history and promote a monolithic Hindu identity at the expense of India’s diverse cultural heritage. The author notes that the weaponization of the suffering of those affected by the partition, including Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs, is particularly reprehensible. By emphasizing the trauma of the partition, Modi’s government seeks to cast suspicion on the loyalties of India’s Muslim population and perpetuate a divisive narrative that pits communities against each other.
The author reflects on their own family history, with their father being a refugee from the partition who never blamed Muslims for his hardships. This personal story serves as a counterpoint to the government’s nationalist rhetoric and highlights the complexities of India’s history and the need for unity and understanding among its diverse population. The author criticizes Modi’s government for rewriting history and erasing India’s syncretic past, which encompassed Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, and Christian influences, in favor of a narrow and exclusionary Hindu nationalist narrative.
The author describes the widespread celebrations and disruptions caused by the temple inauguration, with neighbors setting off firecrackers and strangers sharing sweets in anticipation of the event. The author also notes the nationwide holiday declared for the inauguration, which further emphasizes the government’s prioritization of Hindu nationalist events over secular and democratic values. The author expresses concern about the diminishing importance of key historical dates, such as Republic Day and Independence Day, as a result of the government’s actions.
The author criticizes the Modi government for its ongoing efforts to promote a Hindu nationalist agenda at the expense of India’s foundational principles of democracy, secularism, and diversity. The author warns of the dangers of erasing India’s pluralistic history in favor of a narrow and exclusionary nationalist narrative that can sow division and discord among its diverse population. The author calls for a reclamation of India’s syncretic past and a rejection of the divisive rhetoric and actions of the Hindu right in power.
In conclusion, the author highlights the insidious nature of the Modi government’s attempts to rewrite history and elevate Hindu nationalist symbols and events over India’s rich cultural heritage and democratic values. The author calls for a recommitment to the principles of unity, diversity, and mutual respect that have characterized India’s history and urges citizens to resist attempts to divide communities and promote exclusionary nationalistic agendas. The author’s personal reflections and criticisms of the government’s actions serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving India’s pluralistic heritage and upholding the values of secularism and democracy.
