Hindutva-nationalism based on foreign ideals: Ramchandra Guha
Chethan Kumar | TNN | Oct 28, 2017, 14:12 IST"Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a country that follows perfect European nationalism," he said, while stating that Hindutva-nationalism is not indigenous and doesn't have its origin in our ideals.
Speaking at the Bangalore Literature Festival, Guha criticised those promoting the Hindutva model of nationalism and said it will destroy India and its democracy. Indian nationalism, he said, didn't borrow from Europe. It is based on plurality and something that refuses to identify with one religion or language thanks to our freedom fighters.
"Hindutva is equal part European and Middle-Eastern. Nationalism in 19th Century Europe was based on propagating common religion, common language and a common external enemy. For example, France was a country of people who spoke only French, were catholics and hated England. Now, the RSS' model says Hindi is the national language, we must all be Hindus and hate Pakistan," Guha said.
He also pointed out how in medieval Middle-east, Islam was superior while the others had to be killed. "Jews and Christians though were allowed to live...but only so long as they did not ask for too much. They could not be part of the military, become heads of institutions and so on..." Guha said. [. . .]
FULL TEXT HERE: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/hindutva-nationalism-based-on-foreign-ideals-ramchandra-guha/articleshow/61295860.cms