Like most of the political phenomenon, even the practice of Nationalism is not a static one. It changes with the changing political equations of the political forces and assumes the expressions which are very diverse. As such the phenomenon of Nationalism has a long journey and various state policies in particular have used it for purposes which relate more to the power of the state ‘vis a vis’ its people, power of the state ‘vis a vis’ the neighboring countries among others.
In India there has been a certain change in the practices of the state which have transformed the meaning of Nationalism during last few years. Particularly with BJP, the Hindu Nationalist outfit gaining simple majority, it has unfolded the policies where one can discern the drastic change in the meaning and application of Nationalism in regard to its citizens, particularly those belonging to minority community, with regard to those who are liberal, and with those who stand with the concept of Human rights.
Our former Prime Minister of Dr. Manmohan Singh hit the nail on the head when he said that “Nationalism and the "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" slogan are being misused to construct a "militant and purely emotional" idea of India that excludes millions of residents and citizens. Former Prime Minister recently stated this in an apparent attack on the BJP.” The occasion was the release of a book, ‘Who is Bharat Mata’, edited by Purushottam Agarwal and Radhakrishna. This is a compilation of significant extracts from writings of Nehru, and important assessments of and contributions of Nehru by prominent personalities.
Dr. Singh went on to add "With an inimitable style…Nehru laid the foundation of the universities, academies and cultural institutions of Modern India. But for Nehru's leadership, independent India would not have become what it is today," This statement of Dr. Singh has great importance in contemporary times, as Nehru is being denigrated by Hindu nationalists for all the problems which India is facing today and attempts are on to undermine his role and glorifying Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel. This is also significant as it gives us the glimpses of what Nationalism meant for Nehru.
As Singh’s statement captures the present nationalism being practiced by BJP and company, the Hindu nationalists, immediately shot back saying that Dr. Singh is supporting the anti India activities at JNU and Jamia and his party is supporting the anti India nationalists. They asked whether Singh likes the nationalism of the likes of Shashi Tharoor or Manishankar Ayer who are provoking the Shaheen Bagh protest rather than making the protestors quiet. Whether he likes the anti national protests which go on at JNU or Jamia? As per them there is no Nationalism in Congress. One more example being cited is the private visit of Shatrughan Sinha who talked to Pakistani President during his visit there recently!
Most of the arguments being used to oppose Dr. Singh are very superficial. What is being referred to; is not opposition to Indian nationalism and its central values which were the core of anti colonial struggles. While ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ may not be acceptable to a section of population, even the book he was releasing has the title ‘Who is Bharat Mata’. What is being stated by Singh is the twist which slogan ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ has been used by Hindu nationalists to frighten the religious minorities.
Indian nation came into being on the values, which later were the foundation of Indian Constitution. Indian Constitution carefully picked up the terminology which was away from the concepts of Hindu or Muslim nationalism. That’s how the country came to be called as ‘India that is Bharat’. The freedom of expression which was the hallmark of freedom movement and it was given a pride of place in our Constitution. It respected the diversity and formulated rules where the nation was not based on particular culture, as Hindu nationalists will like us to believe, but cultural diversity was centrally recognized in the Constitution. In addition promoting good relations with neighbors and other countries of the World was also part of our principles.
JNU, Jamia and AMU are being demonized as most institutions so far regard the freedom of expression as a core part of Indian democracy. These institutions have been thriving on discussions and debates which have base in liberalism. Deliberately some slogans have been constructed to defame these institutions. While Constitution mandates good relations with neighbors, creation of ‘Anti Pakistan hysteria’ is the prime motive of many a channels and sections of other media, which are servile to the ideology of ruling Government. They also violate most of the norms of ethical journalism, where the criticism of the ruling party is an important factor to keep the ruling dispensation in toes.
A stifling atmosphere has been created during last six years. In this the Prime Minster can take a detour, land in Pakistan to have a cup of tea with Pakistan PM, but a Congress leader talking to Pakistani President is a sign of being anti National. Students taking out a march while reading the preamble of Indian Constitution are labeled as anti-national; and are stopped while those openly wielding guns near Jamia or Shaheen Bagh roam freely.
Nationalism should promote amity and love of the people; it should pave the way for growth and development. Currently the nationalism which is dominant and stalking the streets has weakened the very fraternity, which is one of the pillars of our democracy. Nehru did explain that Bharat Mata is not just our mountains, rivers and land but primarily the people who inhabit the land. Which nationalism to follow was settled during the freedom movement when Muslim nationalism and Hindu nationalism were rejected by the majority of people of India in favor of the Nationalism of Gandhi, Nehru, Patel and Maulana Azad, where minorities are equal citizens, deserving affirmative action. In today’s scenario the Hindu nationalists cannot accept any criticism of their policies.
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Ma Sha Allah.. May Allah guide her to the right path of Islam...
May Allah protect her from the fitnah of groupism.
May Allah fulfill her vision of graduating from University of Madinah.
May Allah choose her to be a Al Muttaqun.
Ameeen....
Mr.Nagesh,
You are curious about the future of this child. It is clear in the news item above regarding her plan. She may give spiritual dose of medicine to, particularly, woman folk ,thereby try to spread peace to the people. Ultimately ,the purpose of human existence is to obey the Creator,spread humanity , and lead a peaceful life.Finally,as everyone knows, we have to give our account to our creator.Hope you understand.
Absolutely no problem or restriction for women in Islam either in claiming rightful share in her father's property or acquiring knowledge, leading the community, assuming any responsible position or doing any activity under the sun that are permitted by Islamic Law. Sister Hawwa has already set her goal to be the Head of the Islamic Institution and impart knowledge, we pray Allah (God) to grant her success and be a role model to other kids.
Masha Allah !!! Wonderful news. Many Congratulations to sister Hafiza Hawwa and her parents.
Priceless treasure...... Indeed, how greatly Allah has blessed you. What a priceless treasure you have been granted.
The entire world, together with all its wealth and riches, cannot match even one verse of the Qur'an you have in your heart, let alone the entire Qur'an. What a wealth!! Subhanallah.
You have became a special person of Allah.
May Allah Ta'ala bless you.
The next steps commanded are
- Understand its meaning,
- Follow its teaching
- Share with others as much as possible, regardless their background from which faith they are. This is difficult job, but possible with HIKMATH and DIPLOMACY.
It is hard truth, because Islam has come for guidance for all, not just for Muslims only. So it belongs to all people. It is everybody's right to know and duty to know.
May God help us to learn the truth and practice it.
MAA SHAA ALLAH
Masha Allah! Mabrook! May Allah SWT Shower his blessings towards this little Hafizah and her entire family and also her well-wishers, Ameen!
Mash Allah.
Good to learn that the child is doing something not on Mobiles or iPads. But what next for this girl child? Can she become a Moulvi for Muslim men when she grows or a Khai? Does Islam provide this liberty to girls? Can the readers show some light on this?
Masha Allah ....All the Best....lucky parents ...
One of the rare qualities of Hafizah Hawwa Naseema is that she does not wear any gold ornaments. However, she was given a golden finger ring during the convocation by her institute. The institute gives golden ring to all the females who complete Hifz (memorizing Quran). This is the first and the only ornament worn by Hawwa.
May allah subhanahutala Give you success in duniya and aqirah. Also Save you from Shirk and all types of Biddaths. Ameen
May allah accept your hard work. You are a role model to all muslims.
Masha Allah, \HAFIZA\" Hawwa, Wish you all the best for your future endeavours and higher goul"
Mashaa Allah..Subhanallah
Masha allaha May allah Accept
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