Rahul Gandhi's Uniting India March: Ignored by media but welcomed by social groups

Another welcome part of Yatra is the proactive response of these social groups and many political parties to affirm the values of pluralism, diversity and democracy. 

Dr Ram Puniyani Oct 06, 2022
Image
Indian Congress Party senior leader Rahul Gandhi (C) arrives in Kanyakumari to join the march.(Photo: Twitter)

The Bharat Jodo Yatra, or the United India March, launched by the Indian National Congress under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, is getting a tremendous response. It is as if the people were waiting for such an event to reaffirm their trust and faith in the composite Indian nationalism. Indian nationalism has been undermined during the last few decades in general and the last few years in particular. While the national media and major TV channels are ignoring the march, social media is partly compensating for that by putting across clips and pictures of people of all age groups associating with the march. 

The response is mainly due to the undermining of what has been the “Idea of India’ of our freedom fighters, the response is due to the blatant bypassing of the values of the Indian Constitution which underline equality on one hand and the state’s obligation to reduce the economic gaps between rich and poor on the other. The Constitution also outlines the role of the State in promoting scientific temper, which has been given a go-by during last some time.

India became a secular nation with an emphasis on caste-gender equality. The kingdoms where the kings ruled with divine authority were replaced by a colonial period in India. During the plunder by colonial rulers, there were other changes that also led to social changes. The introduction of transport, communication, modern education and modern administration provided the ground for changes in caste and gender equations and promoted unity among different religious communities. Those who were the bearers of the feudal mindset kept themselves aloof from this process of nation-making. They helped the British in their policy of divide and rule, leading to the tragic partition and the biggest ever mass migration in the sub-continent.

Communalisation of politics

India did embark on the path of nation-making through anti-colonial struggle. After Independence, there was an enhancement in industrialization, education, irrigation, health facilities and social welfare among others. The sectarian nationalists, Muslim and Hindu communalists, mostly harped on identity issues. In due course, Hindu communalists started dominating and their infiltration into different walks of life and different facets of state apparatus became apparent. Their taking over of media through the sympathetic corporate world was accompanied by the setting up of “social media cells". This weakened the process of the gains of the freedom movement. The major things which were undermined were Hindu-Muslim unity also the slow march toward social justice has been further hampered. Communalization of society also retarded the march towards gender equality.

At the political level, the party which led the freedom movement gradually was infiltrated by opportunist communal elements for which politics is just for grabbing power for their own selves. Many regional satraps also came up with ambitions for regional power with local agenda. The left parties which should have been the upholders of the rights of the marginalized, themselves started getting marginalized.

So today India we see has a situation, where not only the divisive politics of the BJP has tried to co-opt a section of marginalized but also its parent organization RSS, through its various arms, has worked consistently among the Dalits and Adivasis to co-opt them into Hindu nationalist fold. It has also done social engineering through which at grass root level the micro identities have been strengthened. At the same time, mega Hindu identity has been propped up through the issues like Ram temple, love jihad, cow-beef, and fear of Muslims becoming a majority among others.

The Bharat Jodo Yatra probably is the best thing that has happened in India during the last several decades. This will surely strengthen the nation and also cleanse the Congress party. It is also an occasion of churning for social groups, which are committed to the rights of the weaker and marginalized, the groups committed to democratic values, and the groups committed to religious minorities. This Yatra gives them a platform to work for their goals of a humane democratic society with rights and dignity for all sections of society.

Another welcome part of Yatra is the proactive response of these social groups and many political parties to affirm the values of pluralism, diversity and democracy. There are many jarring parts of the Yatra also. The route which it has mapped so far seems to have lesser representation of Muslim majority areas. While we stand to criticize the fundamentalist elements of Muslim leadership, we need to connect to average Muslims (and Christians) who have been the major victims of sectarian politics. Ridiculing Rahul Gandhi for marching with the little girl with a hijab was deliberately played up by the communal forces for sure. The Yatra needs to stand up to associate with the religious minorities, emulating the Father of the Nation.

Promoting peace and harmony

No shortcuts are possible at this stage. The nation has been seriously undermined by the rise of identity politics. The diluting of caste differentials, through affirmative action, has also been retarded. This Yatra is a major landmark and should be the beginning of the process where ‘Iswar Allah Tero Naam and the abolition of caste need to be integrated into the message of the Yatra. It needs to go through the Muslim majority areas and the areas of ex Untouchables with equal frequency.

The message of Bharat Jodo (nafarat chodo, or forsake hate) has been well received for sure. The need now is to give the signal for reduction of economic disparity, and social and gender equality. This is the beginning of the revival of what the majority of Indians identified with during the freedom movement. There is also a need to have backup action for consolidation of the positive energy being generated by the Yatra. This is where the major challenge will be. 

Lakhs of RSS shakhas (units) are the backbone that gives the ground for identity politics and glorification of the past where the caste, class and gender hierarchies dominated the society. The need is to activate the quiescent Rashtra Seva Dal-type organizations, and community centres, which keep promoting the values of peace and harmony that which majority of Indian cherish even today. 

These values of love and peace are very much there, but they have been dwarfed by those forces, which were never a part of the freedom movement and never part of the movements, which made us the Indian nation.  

(The writer, a former IIT Bombay professor, is Chairman, Center for Study of Society and Secularism, Mumbai. Views are personal.) 

Post a Comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.
JamesAdono
Tue, 08/13/2024 - 05:31
taxi Dubrovnik to Tivat <a href=https://tivat-taxi.com/>taxi Tivat</a>
Jasonzew
Tue, 08/13/2024 - 05:50
Budva Podgorica taxi <a href=https://budva-taxi.com/>taxi Budva</a>
JerryUttef
Tue, 08/13/2024 - 05:55
Lev Yashin <a href=https://lev-yashin.pl/>https://lev-yashin.pl</a> is a legendary Soviet goalkeeper, the only goalkeeper to receive the Golden Ball.
GenedMed
Tue, 08/13/2024 - 06:49
<Casino>Name], each offering unique bonuses and promotions for Aviator Game players.
<a href="https://genedmed.com/blog/">otc erectile dysfunction pills</a>
Thomasvot
Tue, 08/13/2024 - 08:00
Al Nasr <a href=https://al-nasr.pl/>https://al-nasr.pl</a> is your source for news and information about Al Nasr Football Club.
Michaeldup
Tue, 08/13/2024 - 08:06
Welcome to the website dedicated to Michael Jordan <a href=https://michael-jordan.pl/>https://michael-jordan.pl</a> basketball legend and symbol of world sports culture.
KennethleRse
Tue, 08/13/2024 - 08:06
Discover the latest Muhammad Ali <a href=https://muhammad-ali.pl/>https://muhammad-ali.pl</a> news, fights, interviews and more. Details about Ali's boxing career, achievements and personal life.
Glennarida
Tue, 08/13/2024 - 08:22
Welcome to the website about Diego Maradona <a href=https://diego-maradona.pl/>https://diego-maradona.pl</a> Here you will find information about the career and achievements of the legendary footballer, as well as the latest news and unforgettable moments from his life.
GenedMed
Tue, 08/13/2024 - 09:43
improvements have not only made the game more appealing but also more accessible to a wider audience.
<a href="https://genedmed.com/blog/">generic ed meds</a>
Percybioli
Tue, 08/13/2024 - 10:27
Al-Nasr <a href=https://al-nasr-match.org/>https://al-nasr-match.org</a> football, club, news, results, transfers, match schedule, matches, interviews, players, coaches, team, updates, events, sports.
JosephHof
Tue, 08/13/2024 - 10:28
Get the latest information on Khabib Nurmagomedov <a href=https://khabib-nurmagomedov-ufc.org/>https://khabib-nurmagomedov-ufc.org</a> news and fights.
Waltermusia
Tue, 08/13/2024 - 10:30
Discover the latest news, records and achievements of Usain Bolt <a href=https://usain-bolt.org/>https://usain-bolt.org</a>. Learn more about Bolt's sporting life, interviews and speed.
Ronalderado
Tue, 08/13/2024 - 10:31
Welcome to the website dedicated to Michael Jordan <a href=https://michael-jordan-nba.org/>https://michael-jordan-nba.org</a> the basketball legend and symbol of global sports culture.
GenedMed
Tue, 08/13/2024 - 12:39
Software Requirements
<a href="https://genedmed.com/blog/">best ed pills non prescription</a>
Stanleyfraub
Tue, 08/13/2024 - 14:09
Welcome to our official website <a href=https://inter-miami-cf.org/>https://inter-miami-cf.org</a> Learn about the history, players and latest news of Inter Miami Football Club.
Georgemot
Tue, 08/13/2024 - 14:15
Welcome to the site about Diego Maradona <a href=https://diego-maradona-ar.org/>https://diego-maradona-ar.org</a> Here you can find information about the legendary footballer's career and achievements, as well as the latest news and unforgettable moments of his life.
Jefferyfer
Tue, 08/13/2024 - 14:17
Discover the latest Muhammad Ali <a href=https://muhammed-ali.org/>https://muhammed-ali.org</a> news, fights, interviews and more. Details about Ali's boxing career, achievements and personal life.
RogerKem
Tue, 08/13/2024 - 14:43
Ronaldinho <a href=https://ronaldinho-gaucho.org/>https://ronaldinho-gaucho.org</a> Barcelona - Information, news and transfer statistics
GenedMed
Tue, 08/13/2024 - 15:33
The future of the Aviator Game looks promising, with continuous updates and improvements. As technology
<a href="https://genedmed.com/blog/">ed prescription pills</a>
AdolfoStype
Tue, 08/13/2024 - 16:36
The latest news and information about Marcelo <a href=https://ronaldinho-gaucho.org/>https://ronaldinho-gaucho.org</a> on this website! Find Marcelo's biography, career, game stats and more.
Walterpog
Tue, 08/13/2024 - 16:41
Explore Kilian Mbappe's <a href=https://mbappe-real-madrid.org/>https://mbappe-real-madrid.org</a> extraordinary journey, from humble beginnings to global stardom.
Chasecrymn
Tue, 08/13/2024 - 16:42
Site with the latest news, statistics, photos of Mesut Ozil <a href=https://mesut-ozil.org/>https://mesut-ozil.org</a> and much more. Get the latest news and information about one of the best football players, Mesut Ozil
JosephFak
Tue, 08/13/2024 - 16:45
Latest news and details about the NBA <a href=https://nba-hoje.org/>https://nba-hoje.org</a> in English. Hot events, player transfers and the most interesting events.
GenedMed
Tue, 08/13/2024 - 18:11
Chasing Losses: Trying to recover losses by betting more can be detrimental.
<a href="https://genedmed.com/blog/">male enhancement pills for ed</a>
JosephUniog
Tue, 08/13/2024 - 19:14
Хотите сменить ваше гражданство? Мы готовы оказать <a href=https://vk.com/grazhdanstvo_israel>помощь в получении гражданства Израиля</a> в кратчайшие сроки
Douglasunimi
Tue, 08/13/2024 - 19:32
Leia as ultimas noticias do Counter-Strike 2 <a href=https://major-cs2.com/>https://major-cs2.com</a>, assista aos torneios de maior sucesso e torne-se o melhor do mundo do jogo no site do CS2.
GenedMed
Tue, 08/13/2024 - 21:08
The scoring system in the Aviator Game is based on the multiplier at the time of cashing out. The higher the
<a href="https://genedmed.com/blog/">best over counter erectile dysfunction pills</a>
RogerHah
Wed, 08/14/2024 - 01:25
seo продвижение <a href=https://seo-kazan-zakazat.ru/>раскрутка сайта цена в месяц</a>
Brianeloro
Wed, 08/14/2024 - 01:25
сколько стоит seo оптимизация сайта <a href=https://seo-kazan-nedorogo.ru/>https://seo-kazan-nedorogo.ru</a>
Arthurvok
Wed, 08/14/2024 - 01:27
seo заказать <a href=https://seokazan43.ru/>https://seokazan43.ru</a>
EdwardTar
Wed, 08/14/2024 - 01:29
Play <a href=https://www.onlinecasinopokie.com/top-casinos/>top australian casinos</a> online slots for 2024. Expert reviews, exclusive bonus offers and top-rated real money games.
MauriceLah
Wed, 08/14/2024 - 03:50
раскрутить сайт цена <a href=https://seo-prodvizhenie43.ru/>https://seo-prodvizhenie43.ru</a>
Raymondbes
Wed, 08/14/2024 - 03:58
купить квартиру в казани <a href=https://novostroyka-43.ru/>купить квартиру в казани новостройка от застройщика</a>
JuniorLex
Wed, 08/14/2024 - 04:01
купить квартиру от застройщика недорого <a href=https://kvartiravkazani43.ru/>https://kvartiravkazani43.ru</a>
Cliftonpof
Wed, 08/14/2024 - 04:02
купить квартиру от застройщика недорого <a href=https://kupitnovostroyku43.ru/>купить квартиру в казани</a>
RonaldAnave
Thu, 08/15/2024 - 01:35
Любое мероприятие <a href=https://truelectronica.ru/>https://truelectronica.ru</a> подготовленное профессионалами, всегда будет отличаться особой атмосферой. К организации вечеринок надо подходить основательно, чтобы наполнить эти дни лишь незабываемыми эмоциями. Если же устроить развлекательную программу, обрадуются все!
JamesInavy
Thu, 08/15/2024 - 01:44
A collection of 18-25-year olds from around the UK <a href=https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-things-locally/recruiting-and-managing-volunteers/role-descriptions/uk-rep-pool/>https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-things-locally/recruiting-and-managing-volunteers/role-descriptions/uk-rep-pool/</a> who are trained to represent the UK Scouts at events in the UK and abroad.
Robertzep
Thu, 08/15/2024 - 01:58
American Heart Association <a href=http://strongmaster.net/>http://strongmaster.net</a> By prioritizing these techniques, men can significantly enhance their sexual health, thereby improving their quality of life as they age. If you have concerns regarding your sexual health, it's always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional. Empower yourself; age gracefully, and enjoy a vibrant life!
WilliamLyday
Thu, 08/15/2024 - 04:26
<a href="https://sosamba-novg1.ru/">дешевые шлюхи</a>
JimmyNax
Thu, 08/15/2024 - 10:15
клиника пластической хирургии <a href=https://minasyanplastic.ru/>https://minasyanplastic.ru</a> в Москве , лучшие врачи-хирурги, современные методы, подтяжка и увеличение груди, маммопластика, ринопластика, липосакция. Индивидуальный подход и безопасный результат для здоровья пациента.
Alvinincap
Thu, 08/15/2024 - 10:58
купить квартиру от застройщика недорого <a href=https://prodazhanovostroyki-43.ru/>купить квартиру в казани от застройщика</a>
AlbertBuH
Thu, 08/15/2024 - 15:06
купить квартиру от застройщика недорого <a href=https://kvartiraspb2.ru/>купить квартиру от застройщика недорого</a>
RobertMeafe
Thu, 08/15/2024 - 15:06
купить квартиру от застройщика <a href=https://novayakvartira2.ru/>купить квартиру в казани новостройка от застройщика</a>
GeorgeRow
Thu, 08/15/2024 - 17:04
Seciva <a href=https://seciva.ru/>https://seciva.ru</a> информационный ресурс, всесторонне освещающий рынок партнёрского маркетинга в России и мире: ключевые события, глобальные тренды, компании, определяющие рынок, лица, формирующие тенденции
Jamescax
Thu, 08/15/2024 - 19:22
Сайт The World Press <a href=https://world-press.org/>https://world-press.org</a> специализируется на переводе самых ярких и актуальных материалов зарубежных СМИ на украинский язык. Мы работаем, чтобы каждый украинец имел возможность прочитать достоверные новости и аналитику об Украине и событиях в мире, которые публикуют авторитетные издания, на понятном и родном для них языке.
Ismaelspins
Thu, 08/15/2024 - 19:25
Discover the most unusual and amazing holidays on <a href=https://weirdholiday.com/>https://weirdholiday.com</a>. This site offers a collection of the strangest and most unique holidays from around the world. Add some fun and unexpected events to your calendar with WeirdHoliday.com, the perfect place for those who love quirky and amusing traditions.
Larrybof
Thu, 08/15/2024 - 19:41
купить квартиру в казани <a href=https://kupitnovostroyku2.ru/>https://kupitnovostroyku2.ru</a>
IsaacJat
Thu, 08/15/2024 - 22:04
Profitoffer <a href=https://profitoffer.ru/>https://profitoffer.ru</a> агрегатор новостей и информационный ресурс, всесторонне освещающий рынок партнерского маркетинга в России и мире
WilliamVor
Thu, 08/15/2024 - 22:06
Партнерские программы <a href=https://affiliateinsider.ru/>https://affiliateinsider.ru</a> Обзоры, Советы и Возможности заработка в одном месте
CalebCop
Thu, 08/15/2024 - 22:15
Курсовые работы <a href=https://kupit-kursovuyu1.ru/>https://kupit-kursovuyu1.ru</a> на заказ. Выполнение курсовых на заказ быстро, качественно, недорого