Shaheed Divas: Nationalism: Slogans and India
Whenever I listen to the song ‘mera rang de basanti chola’ my heart feels the thrill to the fullest. The reverberations of the sacrifice to jolt the sleeping nationalism in the hearts of sons of Mother India once again comes alive. Can anyone forget that young man, younger a year than me, who embraced the fang of death with a charming smile? For whom? For this nation; for Bharat Mata; for the people of the great Indian democracy today… 23 March – the martyrdom day of Shaheed Bhagat SIngh, Sukhdev and Rajguru has many questions for the citizens of our country.
What is Nationalism?
People are asking questions about nationalism today. To decide what is genuine and what is fake has become so difficult, really? So, what is the definition of your nationalism? I have always been arrogant to succumb to a position where I have to make my decisions based on the facts I get from newspapers. However, today, accidently I came through an article by some Uday Bhaskar on Indian Express website. Yes, what I got there was his definition of nationalism. Even unsatisfied with his biased view, the author tried his best to give the article a communal touch:
“The deplorable lynching atrocities at both Dadri and Latehar are illustrative of this dangerous vigilantism that now passes for nationalist pride.”
Ironically enough, throughout the article, he tried to pose opposing communalism! Then, you will ask me what is my nationalism? For me, nationalism is:
“A freedom where you can express your views, ideas, emotions for the nation, keeping in mind that your freedom does not protract itself beyond the limits that the constitution of that very nation has decided for you… you are free to shout any proud slogan in the name of the country and equally free not to shout the slogans you don’t like… keeping in mind that you don’t publicize your ‘personal disgust’ against particular nationalistic ideas that you don’t concur with…”
Today, what we are seeing in the country is truly worrisome. People are confused about the identification of what is the true form of nationalism and all this is happening only because of some political leaders who are even denying to chant certain slogans like Bharat Mata ki Jai. Those who deny are okay, but then by publicizing it to the public with some extra ’emotions’ is just inexcusable. Those ‘netas’ are certainly trying their best to communalize even the slogans and it’s a pain to see!
On the another side of the line, yes, there are some extreme nationalists who are ready to define anyone anti-national just because a denial to chant certain slogan. I oppose pressurizing to chant slogans in the equal terms I oppose the rejection to Bharat Mata ki Jai.
When we are talking about nationalism, we should not bring the rainbow of religion, cast and communities. Nationalism has only one colour and that’s nationalism itself! The national flag is for everyone; the national anthem is for everyone; vande matram is for everyone, and also Bharat Mata is for everyone. You are free to chant or denying the slogans, but please don’t let your denial be so loud that there occurs a divide in the name of a slogan. Also, Bharat Mata ki Jai might be a mere slogan for some people, Bharat Mata is not merely a conception as Mr. Ravish was trying to make us perceive. Ravish Ji, Bharat Mata hi un sainikon ki mata hai jo Siachen me apna khun bahate hain taki ap yahan kali screen pe apni baton ko rakh sako.
Come on India, let’s stand together. Nationalism is for every national citizen. It’s the martyrdom day of a leader in the truest sense, Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh and his braveheart companions Rajguru & Sukhdev. Let’s make this day an occasion to show our unity, not to show the world that India is divided even in the terms of nationalism!
Jai Hind
Bharat Mata ki Jai
