Chest-Thumping Patriots More Dangerous Than the Anti-Nationals

Dissent is a crucial part of democracy and if questioning makes me a bad Indian, so be it, writes an aspiring journo

Hyper-nationalism is a menace for India that boasts of being the largest democracy in the world. (Photo: iStock/ Altered by The Quint)

In India, religion plays a major role in our day-to-day life. Communal politics, dividing people in the name of god, religion and beliefs has been a way of life for our lawmakers. Politicians often do this to gain votes, but somewhere, they’re overlooking the fact that their gains is resulting in ideological wars between the communities.

India is a country known for its diversified culture, a place where people from various castes, religions, race, background etc, live together in harmony. But slowly, our nation is losing its credibility. Be it be a clash between two student groups or two political parties or between people from different ideologies, it’s not the people who are suffering, but the nation’s credibility that takes a hit.

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“I’m Proud to be a Bad Indian”

It seems that India, the largest democracy in the world, is veering away from its basic ethos in the last few years. People need to understand that dissent is an integral part of democracy.

It’s fine if you think you’re right and the ideologies you’re following are right. But you’re a fool if you think others are wrong and only you’re right.

I’ve been tagged as an anti-nationalist or a ‘Gaddar’ or a bad Indian several times. And to be honest, I’m totally okay with it.

I believe in questioning, condemning and raising my voice against anything I feel is wrong. If questioning the authority makes me a bad Indian, I’m proud to be a bad Indian. If speaking up against something I feel is wrong makes me a bad Indian, I’m proud to be a bad Indian. If speaking for the betterment and development of the country makes me a bad Indian, I’m proud to be a bad Indian.

I’m a Hindu and I love my religion, at the same time, I have an extensive knowledge about Islam and I respect my Muslim friends. If being rational and open-minded makes me a bad Indian, I’m proud to be a bad Indian. One of the fundamental principles on which this nation rests is secularism. If being secular makes me a bad Indian, I’m proud to be a bad Indian.

Hypernationalism, a Threat to India

I’m a young journalism student, my knowledge is very limited and I have a lot left to learn. In my opinion, hyper-nationalists are a bigger threat to the nation than an anti-nationalist.

So be it the RSS, VHP, Bajrang Dal, ISIS or Boko Haram, extremism and fanaticism both in Hinduism and Islam are dangerous. This should be stopped and people should start thinking rationally. This is the only way through which India as a secular nation will prosper and regain its credibility.

(The writer is an aspiring journalist and can be reached @sagar_hugarr. This is a personal blog and the views expressed above are the author’s own.The Quint neither endorses nor is responsible for the same.)

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