I
am not a nationalist. That does not make me antinational. Rather, it makes me
more human; it makes me a person who is open to other cultures and languages,
religions and lifestyles.
I
often imagine myself as a bird to which borders and fences mean nothing. The
bird can fly across the Line of Control to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and
further to Pakistan and then to Afghanistan and beyond, without a passport and
visa.
But
I am not a bird, alas. I am a man without wings except in my imagination. So I
need to respect what other men respect: borders and fences. Hence I have
acquired a passport which shows my nationality indubitably. Yes, I belong to a
nation. Does that make me a nationalist? Should it?
Nation-states
are human creations for the convenience of administration. People need to erect
fences and say this is our area and you can’t
transgress. That’s fine. I have no issues with that. But why should that make
me hate the fellow on the other side of the fence? Nationalism seems to mean
just that: hating the fellow on the other of my fence.
Nationalism
can be a healthy and required sentiment if a nation is enslaved by another.
When the British colonised India, nationalism was justified. But that
nationalism is not hatred of the British as Mahatma Gandhi said clearly. “We
don’t hate you,” he told the British, “but we must tell you that you don’t
belong here as the rulers. We must govern ourselves.” I’ll die for that sort of
nationalism.
But
if you tell me that I must hate the British if I wish to be a nationalist, I’m
sorry. I don’t want to pervert my heart with hatred of anyone. I don’t have to
hate Pakistan in order to prove my love for India. I don’t have to be a bigot
in order to be a patriot.
I
would like to be a bird with translucent wings, flying above all sorts of
fences, fences of nations, religions, languages, cultures and races. I have
those wings, in fact. They are so transparent that you can’t see them. So I may
look like an antinational creature flying in alien spaces. Looks are deceptive
unless you know how to read hearts.
Very well-written. I completely agree with your thoughts on nationalism and it couldn't be explained better in so few words.
ReplyDeleteI'm delighted to hear that especially in these troubled days.
DeleteVery well written!
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteTo be or not to be a nationalist is an individual's choice... just as valid as his choice of definition for this concept. There is always a strong current in favour of the way the powerful choose to define at a point in time. Every definition comes with its own set of pros and cons.
ReplyDeleteAs long as one's choices doesn't harm others, it's fine.
DeleteThe leader does make the difference.
You are absolutely correct. Humanity is and should be sans the borders of nation-states. The assertion of yourself - 'Looks are deceptive unless you know how to read hearts' is a truth and nothing but the truth.
ReplyDeleteI'm always happy to read your views because there's so much in common between us.
DeleteBrotherhood of Mankind is what is more important than nationalism. After all, it is the same 'red' blood that flows through them. For a clearer perspective, just ask any NRI regarding the love of Pakis. Outside these two countries, at another foreign country Brotherhood is much more appreciated than nationalism. So it is not that these two nations can't be at peace. But some hidden agenda of the dark minds ruling these countries.
ReplyDeleteHidden agenda, you said it. It's not so hidden anymore, however.
DeleteTotally agree. It seems like words lose their actual meaning and are redefined by people according to their wish. The same is the case for nationalism, and I'd say feminism, and other such ideals. One must bring clarity in what they mean by the terms they use. Nationalism does seem to have a negative tinge to it, what with the hate expressed towards other nations. Views like yours need to be heard. :)
ReplyDeleteObliged for articulating your view so clearly and it's a healthy view which is becoming rare nowadays.
DeleteVery well written Sir. I completely agree with your line of thought here. It seems like people are being encouraged and guided to become extremists. We can't claim to be a democratic state if so many restrictions are being imposed on the citizens, as if we are all school children , studying in a convent with very strict rules.No freedom of expression leads to a gradual death of one's spirit. May balance prevail...and soon!
ReplyDelete