"Our national identity
has emerged through a long-drawn process of confluence and assimilation. The
multiplicity and pluralism separates us from others. Any attempt at defining
our nationhood in terms of dogma, religion... will only result in dilution of
our national identity." ―Pranab Mukherjee
There was a lot of hue and
cry over the former Indian president, Pranab Mukherjee’s acceptance of RSS’ (Rashtriya
Swayam Sangh) invitation. I see no reason why media created a hype over the
invitation. Pranab Mukherjee delivered his speech as a secular citizen and
proved as a great statesman. He was a politician first who evolved as a
statesman during 50 years of his public life. By inviting Pranab Mukherjee to
the event, Mohan Bhagwat proved that RSS is liberal, and by gracing the event,
Pranab Mukherjee showed his statesmanship. Hence, both must be lauded for this memorable
and successful event. Pranab Mukherjee is a statesman who lived up to his stature
by expressing openly about inclusion, diversity and nationalism. It is
essential to close this issue rather than to prolong with controversies. RSS is
a nationalist outfit with Hindu ideology. It is not an untouchable outfit as
painted by some section of Indian media.
India is one of the oldest civilizations
in the world with cultural diversity and richness. It believes in fraternity
and brotherhood. Secularism is the foundation of India’s survival and success.
India is a sacred land where
Buddhism was born and great leaders including Mahatma Gandhi were born.
Although India is not rich materialistically it is rich culturally. It paved
the way for various races, religions and faiths to enter into this sacred land
and turning into a melting pot. However, there is a perception in the international
media that India’s identity as a secular nation is under threat. Is India
getting reinvented? Is India getting redefined?
Presently there is an
ideological conflict between the fundamentalist forces and pseudo secular
forces in India which might have far reaching adverse effects in the long run.
In fact, we need an India where all religions, communities, creeds, castes,
languages and faiths must live in fraternity and brotherhood.
Currently Bharatmata is
bleeding because of the conflict between the fundamentalist forces and the pseudo
secular forces. Bharatmata is crying over the rampant corruption in all spheres
including educational institutions. Hence, all Indians must unite to achieve a
corruption-free society and emphasize secularism to protect the unity and
integrity of our nation.
India believes in openness,
not parochialism. India believes in tolerance, not hatred. India believes in
inclusion and pluralism. India respects cultural diversity and appreciates
religious tolerance. India follows the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’
(The whole universe is my family). Hence, India cannot be carried away by
so-called secular forces and fundamentalist forces. India can only be carried
away by secularism because secularism is the soul of India.
Conclusion
Pranab Mukherjee’s speech exposes
pseudo nationalism and pseudo secularism and calls for ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.’ India is for Indians who believe in true secularism
with an emphasis on fraternity and brotherhood. Remember that there is only one
India that is tolerant India and secular India! Jai Hind.
"RSS invites well known
people from various walks of life. The Sangh remains the Sangh and Dr Pranab
Mukherjee remains Dr Pranab Mukherjee. We do not discriminate between Indian
citizens. No Indian citizen is an alien for us. RSS believes in unity in diversity.
Every citizen born in India is an Indian. It is his/her right to worship our
motherland." ―Mohan Bhagwat (RSS)
Share if you care.
Life is great!
Professor
M.S. Rao
Founder of MSR Leadership
Consultants India
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