Dr. Shashi Tharoor, in one of his talks among students1 about ‘Words,’ highlighted the difference between ‘nationalism’ and ‘patriotism.’ He explained that there are ‘good’ and ‘bad’ forms of nationalism, citing the Indian freedom movement as an example of the former. However, for various reasons, the term ‘nationalism’ has gained a negative connotation globally. This shift is not without cause, as extreme forms of nationalism—whether cultural, religious, or ethnic—now often challenge others’ rights to live as fellow human beings. Some critics dismiss nationalism outright, advocating for a kind of faceless universalism, while others assert the principle of ‘charity begins at home,’ emphasizing the need to protect one’s own space from outside interference. But many like Tharoor prefers to remain a centrist, advocating the principle of ‘live and let live.’
Nationalism in the Indian Context
As a layperson trying to understand nationalism, I often feel torn between conflicting perspectives. I admire the patriotism of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, who, according to Dr. Ramachandra Guha, was a ‘patriot’ but not a ‘nationalist.’ This distinction made me ponder where the terms ‘nationalism’ and ‘patriotism’ originated in India. It is widely recognized that modern nationalism, in its current form, was introduced from the West, particularly Europe. This influence is well-documented, and further exploration can easily be pursued through scholarly resources available online.
However, as someone for whom English is not a first language, I often seek to understand these concepts through my cultural lens. In India, prior to British rule, the affection for one’s land did not align with the modern concept of nationalism. Instead, it was often expressed through the concept of ‘bhakti’ or devotion. Terms like ‘Raj bhakti’ referred to loyalty or dedication to a king or ruler rather than a fixed geographical entity. In Tamil Nadu, for example, kingdoms like Cholanadu, Cheranadu, Pandiyanadu, and Pallavanadu had fluid boundaries. People’s loyalty was primarily to their ruler, and while they fought to reclaim occupied lands, this was more about allegiance to their king than to a nationalist ideal.
Rethinking Nationalism
Given this history, I agree that there is a subtle yet significant difference between nationalism and patriotism. In today’s context, nationalism is often criticized or even abused, but that does not mean the term is inherently bad. Nationalism, when viewed through a centrist lens—with the principle of ‘live and let live’—can still be a valuable framework. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi promoted this balanced approach, demonstrating that nationalism can coexist with a commitment to universal human values. That said, remaining a centrist is not always easy, as circumstances may compel one to take a stand, whether aligned with the ‘right’ or the ‘left.’
Looking Forward
To deepen my understanding, I intend to explore this topic further, not just through English but also through Tamil, Sanskrit, Hindi, and other Indian languages. English, while useful, often imposes its own meanings and interpretations, which may not fully capture the essence of these concepts as they evolved in India. Understanding nationalism through Indian cultural and linguistic lenses could reveal dimensions that are overlooked in Western frameworks.
In conclusion, nationalism may have acquired a negative reputation due to its misuse and extremism, but it is not inherently a bad term. When grounded in a balanced perspective that values coexistence and mutual respect, nationalism can serve as a positive force, uniting people while honoring diversity. As Mahatma Gandhi wisely said to Rabindranath Tagore, who rejected nationalism and critiqued patriotism in favor of his famous Universalism2, “Universalism is possible only through [Good] Nationalism.”
Gurukulam, 11-12-2024
1 https://youtu.be/8VuoqDqgCP0?si=2PTc6eSdgqXYf4pp
2 See in Tagore and His India, pp. 89-120, ‘Nationalism and Colonislism’ [pp. 105-107] and ‘Critique of Patriotism’ [pp. 107-109], in Amartya Sen, The Argumentative Indian. Writings on Indian Culture, History and Identity, Penguin Books, NY, first published in 2005
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