On secularism, nationalism and identity politics.

India is held up as a model developing country: liberal, democratic, multicultural. Renowned Indian writer and activist Achin Vanaik joins us to examine how India has turned away from universalism and secularism.

How did Gandhi, Nehru and the Congress as a whole lay the seeds for today's Hindu chauvinism? What are the consequences of defining secularism as merely 'tolerance'? And how has caste come to function a bit like identity politics in relation to the state?

Readings:

Nationalist Dangers, Secular Failings, Achin Vanaik, Aakar Books
The Rise of Hindu Authoritarianism, Achin Vanaik, Verso Books
The Rise of Hindu Nationalism and the Failures of the Indian Left, Interview with Achin Vanaik, Jacobin

/198/ Universal India ft. Achin Vanaik