New India's National Chauvinism

Chauvinism is nowadays flaunting its glory. On the one hand, people like Savarkar are called 'Svatantryaveer', while the picture of true freedom fighters is either being presented to the society in a wrong way or they are being defamed by spreading lies about them. Karl Marx described religion as the ‘opium of the people.’ But now, there is a large group of people whose patriotism resembles a similar addiction. No matter how much written evidence is shown to these types of patriots, no matter how much they are given explanation and shown reasons, they are still deeply immersed in their own kind of patriotism. Well, this patriotism often reaches its extreme. People who try to show them the 'truth' or hold opposing views are directly declared as 'anti-nationals' or 'Naxals'.

Patriotism should come from the heart, not the head. That’s where the difference lies. When patriotism comes from the heart, it is the inner voice. That person doesn’t have to show off their patriotism. Patriotism is not something that should be flaunted. But patriotism in the head is like a computer program, full of instructions. There is a 'red alert' in the program that labels people with opposing views and opinions as unpatriotic. This program can be installed in any type of head, whether illiterate, educated, or highly educated. That’s why they all oppose and criticize in a ‘typically standardized’ manner, as if using a toolkit. 

There have been patriots like Mahatma Gandhi, who travelled across the country spreading the message of non-violence and peace; Subhas Chandra Bose, who raised the army of Azad Hind Sena to fight for freedom; and Bhagat Singh, who willingly gave his life to highlight the importance of revolution in the struggle for independence. They all had the courage to respect each other’s opposing views and opinions.

Any form of bigotry turns people into extremists. The same is true of programmed patriotism. It cannot accept and respect any opinion other than those that fit its policies. These chauvinists adhered to their extremist views, regardless of how much anti-national activitiy is permitted by the programmer who instills this patriotic programming in their minds. 60% of the population is provided with free rations. However, the chauvinists refuse to see the reason for this – namely, that unemployment has forced the government to take this step. Instead, they take pride in the fact that rations have been supplied to the poor. On the one hand, while more than half of the population is provided with free rations, the ruling party is propagating the idea that India's economy will raise up to $ 5 trillion. The chauvinists are so negligent that do not realize this is propaganda relying on 5-10 crony capitalists, and that they too may face unemployment and poverty in the future. The opposition is being destroyed by the ED, CBI, Election Commission, Income Tax Office and the Court. However, the chauvinists call it 'Sama, Dama, Danda, Bheda' or 'Chanakya Neeti' and support their 'programmer' in all unconstitutional activities.

Does true patriotism still exist? Leaders leave their party to join the ruling party out of fear of the ED because they are all corrupt. although they know what is going on is wrong, their desire for black money and power is more important to them than the country itself.

It is sad that the dictator has succeeded in spreading this programmed patriotism and using it to maintain its power. The number of chauvinists has greatly increased and their chauvinism is at its highest level. There are very few people left who care more about this country than about one person or one party.

All of this will have a devastating impact on future generations, who will be taught an obscure and grim meaning of patriotism. 'Seeing the country in one person is patriotism,' might become the new definition of patriotism for future generations.

A country is not defined by an individual or a party. India has been known for its diversity for thousands of years. To demolish this diversity by hating each other is like tarnishing the beauty of India. ‘Unity in Diversity’ has been the tradition of India, and it sad to see it being broken today.