Patriotism is love and devotion to one’s country, rooted in its people, culture, and values. Nationalism, however, often elevates one nation above others, fostering exclusion and aggressive dominance. Actual patriotism questions, improves and holds leadership accountable. Emerging nationalism demands unquestioning loyalty and criminalizes dissent.
Insaniyat, Punjabiyat, Kashmiriyat, Bangaliyat, Tamilagam, and Gujarati Asmita: Cultural Pillars
Insaniyat — humanity — must be the foundation of national policy. Without compassion and respect for every individual, nationalism is hollow.
Punjabiyat represents resilience, valor, and inclusivity. Punjab has been the backbone of sacrifices for independence in every major conflict. Yet today, narrow nationalism seeks to overwrite Punjab’s rich cultural heritage.
Kashmiriyat embodies coexistence, tolerance, and deep spirituality. It transcends religion and ethnicity, weaving the Valley’s unique fabric. Erasing Kashmiriyat threatens not just Kashmir, but India’s pluralistic soul.
Bangaliyat reflects Bengal’s intellectualism, literature, art, and revolutionary spirit. From Rabindranath Tagore to Subhas Chandra Bose, Bengal has championed freedom, creativity, and resilience.
Tamilagam, or Tamil identity, is rooted in an ancient civilization with rich language, arts, and governance traditions. It reflects pride in heritage while embracing modernity. Tamil Nadu has contributed profoundly to India’s culture, politics, and economy.
Gujarati Asmita embodies the entrepreneurial spirit, non-violence inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, and a deep sense of community. Gujarat’s emphasis on trade, industry, and peaceful activism has shaped the national ethos.
Historical examples emphasize these ideals. Guru Nanak Dev Ji preached “Sarbat da Bhala” (welfare of all). Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized universal compassion. Lord Buddha advocated the Middle Path of tolerance and empathy. The Jewish Talmud teaches, “Whoever saves a life saves an entire world.” Zoroastrianism champions “Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds,” and Christianity calls to “Love thy neighbor as thyself.”
Learning from Israel: A Model of Unified Identity
Israel provides a compelling example of how a shared national identity can seamlessly bond a diverse population. Jews worldwide — speaking different languages, hailing from varied cultures, and carrying distinct traditions — were welcomed and woven into one nation. Their unifying thread was their Jewish identity, which transcended regional differences. Israel invested in a strong sense of collective purpose while respecting cultural nuances. Similarly, India must be bonded first by being Indian. Our ethnicity, language, or regional pride is essential and beautiful but secondary to the primary commitment to national unity. It is not about erasing differences; it is about ensuring that our first allegiance is to the shared idea of India — a nation built on diversity, democracy, and dignity for all.
The Indian Defence Forces: A Beacon of Unity in Diversity
An equally powerful example comes from within India itself — the Indian Defence Forces. Selection into the Armed Forces is based purely on merit, fitness, capability, and commitment, irrespective of color, caste, creed, or religion. Soldiers come from every corner of the country, speaking different languages and belonging to different faiths, but they serve under one flag with unwavering loyalty. The Indian military is a formidable force globally recognized for its strength, unity, and professionalism. It exemplifies how, when diversity is channeled through shared purpose and equal opportunity, it becomes a nation’s greatest asset. Civil society and governance must draw a cue from this — unity in diversity is not an abstract slogan, but a working, living reality that strengthens a nation from within.
The Erosion of Cultural Nationalism
Today’s nationalism leans toward uniformity rather than unity. A Punjabi, a Kashmiri, a Bengali, a Malayali, a Tamilian, and a Bihari do not cease to be themselves by being Indian. Their identities must be celebrated, not erased.
Kashmiriyat, Punjabiyat, Bangaliyat, Tamilagam, and Gujarati Asmita should not be obstacles but guiding lights in our policymaking. They represent our nation’s diverse voices, which we must nurture rather than suppress.
The Danger of Questioning Becoming Sedition
In Nazi Germany, patriotism morphed into blind nationalism. Questioning Hitler was a betrayal. Today, dissent in many superpowers — the US, Russia, China, and North Korea — is labeled “sedition.” India risks a similar path.
Democracy’s essence is the right to question. Branding critics as traitors kills democracy at its roots.
Superficial Democracies: Power to the People in Name Only
Modern democracies often mask autocracy. Elections happen, but genuine choice and dissent are suppressed. Governments increasingly serve wealthy elites.
World War II taught us that democracies collapse when citizens are silenced. Vigilance, not complacency, is crucial.
Cultural, Religious, and Social Divisions: The Missing Empathy
Cultural, religious, and economic divisions deepen worldwide. Empathy has diminished. The wealthy often view minorities and the poor with disdain, allowing inequality to fester.
In India, imposing a single cultural standard on a country where dialects change every few kilometers is catastrophic. Unity comes through respect, not force.
Without course correction, external threats will exploit our internal fractures.
The True Role of Governance
Governments must unite citizens by: –
- Celebrating diversity.
- Creating policies that uplift people with low incomes.
- Defending free speech and dissent.
- Administering justice impartially.
- Exploitation, division, and fear-mongering undermine governance.
Economic Inequality: A Deliberate Dynamic
- The rich grow richer by design, not chance. Economic systems are rigged to keep the majority struggling.
- When only the top 1% benefit, the nation becomes fragile. Poverty breeds distrust and chaos.
- Course Correction: How to Begin
Restore the Right to Question. Protect free speech and dissent
- Respect Cultures in Policy. Recognize and uplift diverse local cultures.
- Implement True Economic Reforms. Tax wealth fairly. Invest in education, healthcare, and rural infrastructure.
- Prioritize Social Justice. Protect marginalized communities with actual enforcement.
- Strengthen Local Governance. Empower panchayats and municipalities.
- Enforce Law and Order Impartially. Address violence and corruption firmly.
- Educate for Empathy. Teach compassion alongside academics.
- Citizen Action at the Grassroots. Building Cohesion While Preserving Identity
Citizens must take the lead: –
- Celebrate Local Culture. Organise festivals and exhibitions showcasing state traditions.
- Preserve Languages. Teach and document local dialects while respecting national languages.
- Form Inclusive Councils. Ensure diverse representation in decision-making.
- Promote Cross-Cultural Projects. Foster cooperation across religious and caste lines.
- Encourage Youth Exchanges. Foster national integration through cultural immersion.
- Empower Local Media. Support community news that promotes grassroots voices.
- Train Future Leaders. Offer leadership programs focused on inclusivity.
- Show Solidarity in Crisis. Support all communities during disasters and emergencies.
- Conduct Civic Education. Teach constitutional rights, duties, and diversity appreciation.
Historical and religious teachings affirm this approach. “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” teaches us that the world is one family. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught, “None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.” The Talmud, the teachings of Jesus Christ, Sikhism’s guiding principles, and Zoroastrian ethics call for compassion, justice, and unity.
The Danger of Delay
Internal distrust, economic disparity, and cultural alienation are already at the gate. Without unity, collapse from within is inevitable.
Real Patriotism is Courage
Real patriotism demands courage to confront injustice, celebrate diversity, and fight for fairness. Nationalism without humanity is a hollow shell.
It is time to move beyond slogans. Insaniyat, Punjabiyat, Kashmiriyat, Bangaliyat, Tamilagam, and Gujarati Asmita are not luxuries but essentials for survival in a divided world.
The road is difficult but not impossible. Course correction is not optional. It is essential.