KOCHI: The issues of majoritarianism and the rise of right-wing nationalism in the present geopolitical landscape of India was explained by historian and writer Mukul Kesavan at an event hosted on Saturday in commemoration of writer T K Ramachandran.
Mukul said the anti-colonial nationalism and the doctrine enshrined in the Constitution had created a precious blueprint for a kind of nation, which is being currently threatened by the rise of communalism. The anti-colonial nationalism that emerged in India was starkly different from the European concept, where states were organised in accordance to fit linguistic boundaries.
“What makes Indian nationalism different is we try to encompass its vast diversity in a single nation state,” said Mukul. He added there is this peculiar civility to our republic that has a paradoxical effect of making us forget what an odd nation India is.
Whatever the nationalism concept, the growing sense of communities and a common homogeneous identity are always central to all of it. “We are gathered here today as a proof of the belief that despite the political majoritarianism, there is a pluralist republic to be salvaged,” added Mukul.
Writer N S Madhavan reminiscing T K Ramachandran said his writings consistently provided an insight to the incoming times. “He was the first to warn the society about the rise of communal forces in the country,” said MadhavanT K Ramachandran, a well-known writer, critic and a strong defender of cultural freedom in Kerala, passed away in 2008.
He also penned 11 books promoting the secular and cultural freedom in the country. His friends annually organise a commemorative lecture in which various writers and thinkers take part.