The Struggle for Indias Soul by SHASHI THAROOR

The Struggle for Indias Soul by SHASHI THAROOR

There are over a billion Indians alive today. But are some more Indian than others? To answer this question, one that is central to the identity of all who belong to modern India, Shashi Tharoor explores hotly contested ideas of nationalism, patriotism, citizenship and belonging. A contest has
emerged between two opposing ideas of India: ethno-religious nationalism, versus civic nationalism. The struggle for India’s soul has heightened, deepened and broadened, threatening to hollow out and destroy the remarkable concepts of pluralism, secularism and inclusive nationhood that were bestowed
upon the nation at Independence. The Constitution is under siege; institutions are being undermined; mythical pasts propagated; universities assailed; minorities demonized, and worse. Every passing month sees new attacks on the ideals that India has long been admired for, as authoritarian leaders
and their supporters push the country towards a state of illiberalism and intolerance.