NATIONALIST SLOGANS

This refers to your thought-provoking editorial “Raising nationalist slogans is not proof of nationalism” (April 9). It seems a debate on the issue is becoming rampant in the country. My imagination fails to understand why a slogan like “Bharat Mata ki Jai” is being narrowly interpreted as having religious overtones and being plunged upon the entire nation by a single group, instead of being viewed rightly as an inspiring slogan that united the nation during freedom struggle and as a phrase of love and respect to our motherland? It is not only a slogan but also a great anthem which was used by every Indian irrespective of the member of any religion very proudly before and after the independence. 

One must read Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s 'India before Independence' to understand how communalism entered our mindset.

In its original sense, Bharat Mata is the personification of India as a mother goddess. The inspiration behind this conception was Chattopadhyay’s novel, Anandamath, which is loosely based on what is known as the Sannyasi rebellion of late 18th century.

Recently, Yoga guru Ramdev Baba commented “Would have beheaded lakhs for refusing to chant Bharat Mata ki Jai”.  The fight here is more about religion than the country. It must be noted that Bharat Mata means literally mother India; it does not represent any Hindu Goddess. Issues should not be given a religious touch. By chanting and or by not chanting one may not become patriotic. 

Nationalism and patriotism of a person for a country can be expressed in various ways. No religion prohibits expression of such love to the country to which one belongs. Our country is unique and gave us democracy instead of monarchy or theocracy. Let's not divide ourselves by opposing or forcing views.