India, a country known for its rich diversity, has long grappled with the challenge of defining its national identity. In recent years, the concept of civic nationalism has emerged as a powerful force, promoting a sense of shared citizenship and inclusive patriotism. This article explores the significance of civic nationalism in India, its key principles, and its potential to foster a more cohesive and harmonious society.
Civic nationalism is an inclusive and democratic concept of nationalism, which views citizenship as the primary basis of national identity. It promotes a sense of shared belonging and responsibility among citizens, regardless of their diverse backgrounds. India’s diversity is its greatest strength, but it also poses considerable challenges. The country is home to over 22 official languages, 1,600 dialects, and a multitude of ethnic and religious groups. In recent years, India has witnessed a rise in identity politics, which has often led to conflicts and divisions along communal lines. Civic nationalism offers a powerful antidote to these trends, promoting a shared sense of Indian-ness that transcends narrow identities.
Civic nationalism in India faces significant hurdles due to the country’s deep social and cultural divisions. To overcome these challenges, it would require an emphasis on inclusive policies that promote equality, secularism, and unity while respecting the country’s diversity.
Achieving a common civic identity while acknowledging and celebrating differences will remain a complex task, but one that could lead to a more harmonious, inclusive India in the long run. India’s Constitution enshrines secularism, where religion is separate from the state. However, the rise of religious nationalism, particularly in the form of Hindu nationalism (often associated with the BJP and RSS), has led to clashes with this secular framework. Civic nationalism, which promotes secularism and inclusivity, sometimes stands in direct opposition to religious nationalistic movements, causing further polarisation in the country.
India faces deep-rooted social inequalities, particularly with respect to caste and economic class. Civic nationalism requires a level playing field where all citizens can participate equally, but the caste system and ongoing discrimination pose major obstacles. Marginalised groups often struggle with access to resources and opportunities, challenging the idea of an equal and inclusive nation.
Former diplomat and MP Shashi Tharoor is a great admirer of the philosophy of Civic Nationalism as his approach to civic nationalism revolves around the belief that India’s unity should be based on common values – democracy, secularism, equality, and justice – rather than religion or ethnicity. His writings, speeches, and political engagements often underscore the importance of upholding these values in the face of rising religious and ethnic divisiveness. He views India’s diversity as its strength, and civic nationalism, to him, is the way forward to preserve that unity.
Tharoor advocates for a vision of Indian nationalism that is inclusive, secular, and based on shared civic values. He believes that this form of nationalism can bind the country together, even in the face of its many complexities and challenges. However, he cautions against the rise of narrow, exclusionary forms of nationalism that threaten to undermine India’s pluralistic and democratic ethos.
He acknowledges that the rise of identity politics and communalism presents a potential challenge to civic nationalism in India today. He warns against the forces that seek to divide the country along religious lines and stresses the importance of defending secularism and democracy to maintain national unity. He has been critical of policies such as Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC), arguing that they undermine the principles of inclusivity and equality upon which India was founded.
Tharoor often draws attention to India’s long history of multiculturalism and secularism, which predates the modern era. He invokes the vision of India’s founding fathers, especially Jawaharlal Nehru, who championed a civic nationalism rooted in secularism and democracy. Tharoor believes that the country’s independence struggle itself was about uniting diverse groups under a shared vision of freedom, justice, and equality – values that should be upheld in contemporary India.
Tharoor has expressed concerns about how exclusionary nationalism could threaten India’s pluralistic fabric. He often critiques policies that seem to marginalise certain groups, particularly Muslims or other religious minorities, under the guise of nationalism. He sees such exclusionary nationalism as dangerous, as it could lead to societal fragmentation and weaken India’s democracy.
Civic nationalism in India offers a powerful vision for a more inclusive, cohesive, and harmonious society. By promoting a shared sense of citizenship and inclusive patriotism, it can help address the momentous challenges that India faces, from socio-economic inequalities to identity politics. As India continues to evolve and grow, civic nationalism can serve as a beacon of hope, guiding the country towards a brighter future.
According to Tushar Gandhi, “Nationalism is often confused with Patriotism and that is where the rot sets in. But Nationalism is also fraught by its susceptibility to abuse. Hitler and Mussolini’s brand of Nationalism resulted in the annihilation of the nations they cherished and served. It was because an element of jingoism and self-righteousness crept into it. When this happens, the seeds of destruction are sown and begin to germinate and sprout.”
“It is not Nationalism that is evil; it is the narrowness, selfishness, exclusiveness which is the bane of modern nations which is evil.” – M.K. Gandhi; Young India: June 18, 1925
He added, “Nationalism isn’t worth anything if it isn’t humanitarian, compassionate, caring and responsible, where all components live in a selfless existence of service and not a selfish one of consumption. In India today, we see the latter kind of malignant Nationalism manifesting itself, this is dangerous and harmful. Under the garb of Nationalism, we are embracing exclusion, brutal majoritarianism and oppression, these are not sustainable practices, they are unconstitutional too. History teaches us the great civilisations have fallen not as much to foreign invasions but to corruption from within. “We are children of an ancient nation. We have witnessed the burial of civilisations, those of Rome, Greece and Egypt. Our Civilisation abides even as the ocean in spite of its ebbs and flows.” – M.K. Gandhi; Speeches and Writings of Mahatma Gandhi, P. 421.”