BENGALURU: A session that debates on the concepts of nationalism and populism, a line-up that included the polarising Kanhaiya Kumar, and a rapturous audience — the final session of the Bangalore Lit fest had a star-studded lineup and they duly delivered.If there was one thing missing this year, it was heated debates. And this session provided it, with panelists clashing on their interpretations of nationalism, populism and liberalism. The session was titled ‘Nationalism, Populism and the Threat to the Global Liberal Order.’ Retorts and digs were generously exchanged. Apart from Kanhaiya Kumar, other panelists included Professor of English at JNU Makarand R Paranjape, journalist R Jagannathan, author Manu Joseph, journalist Sagarika Ghose, author Suketu Mehta and brand expert Harish Bijoor.
Kanhaiya, initially speaking in English, said his English was not good as his mother tongue was Hindi. “My understanding of nationalism is that my mother tongue is not yours, so I will not impose it on you. However, nationalism also dictates that we should be tolarant of other ideas,” he said, and carried on in Hindi.The former JNU student took the first of his many digs at ultra-nationalists, as he suggested that to cultivate nationalism, children could be administered two drops for the purpose along with the polio drops. He said, “If you think your nation is the greatest, that is not nationalism for me.
Discussing nationalism in a 5-star venue is not it either. Contributing to the country through one’s profession is nationalism,” he said.Touching on the recent Taj Mahal controversy, he said that people did not want to know who built Taj, but were happy to gift a model of it to their girlfriends. Referring to UP CM Yogi Adityanath sweeping with a broom at the monument, he said the person concerned should do the same at hospitals. He did not take any names, and by way of explaination, said, “I will not take any names. Who knows, like with Gauri Lankesh, someone might put a bullet through me.”
Responding to poet, novelist and Professor of English at JNU Makarand Paranjape accusing the liberals of selective activism, Kanhaiya retorted, “Sir, you mentioned Mao and Lenin in your speech but you forgot Hitler.”Journalist R Jagannathan said nationalism itself should not be debated at all. Rather it’s meaning should be examined.
Gauri didn’t fear death threats, says Kanhaiya
Former Jawaharlal Nehru University student union leader and activist Kanhaiya Kumar spoke about his close relationship with slain journalist Gauri Lankesh, and said that one needed to ask who had issues with her writing to solve her murder. Kanhaiya, who had pulled out of the previous edition due to security concerns, on Sunday spoke about how Gauri considered him her son. Speaking on her murder, he said, “Gauri had told me about people who were bothered by her. I expressed concerned that despite threats, she was staying alone. To this she replied, ‘If the fear of dying increases, the strength to fight reduces’.”