04-07-2009, 04:54 AM
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RayC sir, I'm somewhat perplexed by your comments on Indian civilization and so forth.
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You mentioned that there is no Indian civilization, only a political nation state of India comprising of a number of disparate nations/regions which have no or minimal overlaps, certainly not enough to merit them forming a nation.
I have NOT said there is no Indian Civilisation. In fact, I have said that there is an Indian Civilisation but to feel that today what the Civilisation is all the contribution by the Hindus is incorrect. Civilisation includes a whole gamut of issues including arts and craft etc. Thumri, Muslim miniature art is also a part of our civilisation.
As far as overlaps are concerned, what is your equation culturally with, let us say, the Punjabis? In fact, the affinity is more with the Eastern people. The only commonality is the religion amongst the majority. Even that is not on a same platform since each has its own rituals and festivals.
Having said that, in no way am I endorsing appeasement. Those who are not working towards the progress of the Nation and are hand in glove with inimical forces, should be dealt with very stringent laws, that has less of niceties and more of action!
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what I want to know is how did you motivate yourself to put your life on the line for this artificial construct, time and again ? was it simply a professional calling, meaning that you happened to be born in this political boundary and hence took up soldiering as just one profession ? if that is so, now that you have completed your service life, why do you still bother to uphold ideas like unity of India ? is it simply the habit of a lifetime ? (Incidentally, is the oath to serve the country and obey superiors still binding on a retired officer ?)
What is this artificial construct that you talk of?
I took up the profession of soldiering since my father was a soldier and I believed in the concept of India. I did not take it up just because I had to do something. I had options, including the IAS. I preferred the Army even though the pay was a pittance! Yes, I believe in India and still believe in it. Religion has never played a major role in my life nor have I been taught to flaunt my religion aggressively into the face of others to provoke others. Yes, retired or active, I am an Indian and I am proud to be one and will die for it, rather than merely talk on the cyberspace! Having seen death - untimely death of many a youth in the service of the Nation, I realise it is futile to waste time on the esoteric and the philosophical. In my opinion, the realities of life is of more immediate concern and not day dreams of greatness that is elusive! Those who are disappointed with how things have gone past them, live in the past and dream. It is those who wish to win, learn from the past, enjoy working in the present and act for the future. One cannot bring the past to the present!
As I see it, India is already fractured. Initially, it was Hindu Muslim. Then there was the Delhi riots. Then, Mandal's ingenuous plan was brought out of the cobwebs came and VP Singh ensured further divides. Then the Christians, who were otherwise calm, having gone on an overdrive to proselytise, upset a whole lot of people and so more divide occurred. Then came Babri Mazjid followed by torching the pilgrims in Godra by the Sunni Muslims. Quo Vadis, India?
And now one wants to flaunt aggressive Hinduism by declaring all are Hindus and that it is only the Hindu Civilisation that exists. Fine. Let us for discussion's sake accept that. But can you implement it? Obviously not. So, at the end of the day, it becomes all hollow war cries and vitiating the atmosphere. Even Modi, in an interview, stated that he is for all Indians and never has discriminated. If a person as he is on the backburner, then what is all this gala bazi as we say in Bengal!
Of course, like good chaps, all will find some excuse to state why the can't implement the issue of Hindu, Hinduvta and Hindu Civilisation, but then that is the way it is! Hot air! Similar is the grandiose ideas of taking on Pakistan. Yet, none can say how, except some unimplementable theoretical catch all sentence that means squat!
People quote Justice Varma and his Hinduvta interpretation from the Bench. And then he gets cold feet and says he is misquoted! Thereafter, he sends letters to the Govt on Gujarat. The man appears confused and playing to the gallery depending upon the mood of the Nation at that moment!
Someone appended a new item that some so called Muslim 'intellect' has indirectly stated that it is time for Muslim to rise politically. I think that is a very dangerous trend. It is adding to the already tension situation and to the fissures in our society.
Today, they are talking aggressively.
Tomorrow, they will act.
And no matter, how much Samuel may feel that Hindus are running scared (if his post is anything to go by), the Hindus will not sit still! There will be a conflagration. Is that what we are searching to do?
Be like Modi. He does not flaunt Hinduvta in the face, but does it in a subtle manner and hence is the poster boy without even trying to be one!