Intelligence Squared Nationalism and the Battle for India’s Soul, with Shashi Tharoor
Nov 30, 2021
Shashi Tharoor, a prominent politician and author of "The Struggle for India's Soul," discusses the rise of Hindu nationalism in India since 2014. He articulates the growing divide between ethno-religious nationalists and liberal civic nationalists, warning of potential identity erosion for millions. The conversation dives into the implications of the Citizenship Amendment Act, Gandhi's legacy in today's political climate, and the impact of social media on politics. Tharoor offers insights into India's fraught democratic landscape and its geopolitical relations.
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India's Soul at Stake
- India's soul is being contested between civic and ethno-religious nationalism.
- This struggle defines what it means to be Indian and to whom India truly belongs.
Bharat vs. India
- The terms "Bharat" and "India" are used to create a false dichotomy.
- "Bharat" represents a primordial Hindu identity, while "India" is seen as deracinated and elitist.
Citizenship Amendment Act
- The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) selectively fast-tracks citizenship for non-Muslim refugees.
- This act questions the belonging of India's Muslim community, leading to widespread protests.
