The Errors Of Nationalism

Latest article by Tarun Vijay suffers from at least two errors that one frequently encounters in nationalist discourse.

1. Error of consensus: In theory a good idea. Certainly nothing can be better the good men sitting together, deciding what's good for the country, and working on that, right ! Unfortunately here, the reality smacks the idealist, right in the face. As a rule of thumb, consensus is always to preserve the status quo of forces, and it is the status quo, the vicious circle of competitive populism, which is the reason why stinks. If India has to progress, it must mean breaking of consensus. Of course this is not to say that paths and strategies to minimize the effort should not devised, but confrontation is unavoidable.

2. Error of national premise: Unfortunately post independence the political discourse on national integrity has always been framed inaccurately. True, national goals take more priority over local issues, but then development and well being of all Indians should also be a national goal. For this to happen the political system where power and authority flows top down with high command at the highest position must be dismantled. Instead power must be decentralized and delegated as much as possible. Only when people have the freedom to decide the course of action for their well being, instead of being dictated by powers that be from far away places, the regions can contribute towards national unity. As long as the power is centralized, the intrigue and maneuver to grab the driver seat will continue. To get to the ocean best way is to let the rivers flow freely.

A relevant quote here by John Stuart Mill (via Mr Dey)

"An active and energetic mind, if denied liberty, will seek for power: refused the command of itself it will assert its personality by attempting to control others… Where liberty cannot be hoped for, and power can, power becomes the grand object of human desire; those to whom others will not leave the undisturbed management of their own affairs, will compensate themselves, if they can, by meddling for their own purposes with the affairs of others…Where there is least liberty, the passion for power is the most ardent and unscrupulous…"