Reflections on Nationalism and Historical Debates

Haruki Murakami's quote about the ticking clock and the increasing weight of the past reflects not only personal growth but also how nations grapple with their histories. This sentiment encapsulates the discussions on nationalism and historical events like the Emergency in India, emphasizing the importance of understanding the past to inform the present.

The Limitations of Nationalism Debates

• Current Function: The debate on Indian nationalism primarily serves to delineate boundaries between "good" and "bad" nationalism, though it fails to challenge the overarching framework itself. 
• Dangers:
  • Historical: The assumption that aligning with "good" nationalism leads to positive outcomes is misleading, as even well-intentioned nationalisms have inherent flaws.
  • Failure to Historicize: Reliance on past figures like Nehru, Gandhi, and Ambedkar without adapting their insights to current contexts limits future possibilities.
  • Ethical: Prioritizing nationalism over directly addressing issues like free speech, discrimination, and development obscures the real stakes involved.

Addressing Communalism and Ethical Principles

• Communal Issues: The nationalism debate is relevant mainly concerning communalism but often obscures simpler ethical principles that should guide discussions. 
• Ethical Principles:
  • All community members should be free from targeting based on identity.
  • Conversations should focus on values underpinning the social contract, envisioning India as a zone of freedom with protected citizen rights.

Future Horizons and Usable Past

Societies need a future outlook to constructively use their past. The current fixation on the past, amidst a young population and global changes, suggests a loss of future vision. The notion of a "Viksit Bharat 2047" represents a technocratic rather than a morally imaginative future, highlighting the irony of clinging to older narratives.