Nationalization and Nationalism of Indian Sapiens

The essay 'Nationalization and Nationalism of Indian Sapiens' by Anshaj Sahay emphasizes that there has been significant progress, but there is still much work to be done to pave the way for India to become a developed nation. The essay efficiently conveys the two sides of India’s growth story encapsulated into the essay. The first part deals with the problems faced by India and the Indians, and the second part deals with its remarkable growth story and the social reforms that will enable it to become a developed nation.

Nationalization and Nationalism of Indian Sapiens

Nationalism is a political and cultural notion that has been in existence for ages, which has emphasized the loyalty and pride of individuals towards their nation, often defined by shared language, history, culture or ethnicity. Since the stroke of midnight hour, when India woke to freedom and liberty - the land of the Indians has been a source point of amalgamation of remarkable achievements, challenges and societal changes. It has been at the forefront in various significant fields while addressing issues such as poverty, education and social inequality as the world’s largest democracy. The nation’s path forward remains dynamic and yet stable in shaping its role on the global stage.

During the time of partition, there were several notable difficulties suffered by India and the Indians. Firstly, the separation of the two nations India and Pakistan led to many trials and tribulations with mass migration and displacement from both sides. This process was marred by violence, communal riots and displacement of near and dear ones resulting in the massive humanitarian crisis of the last century.

Secondly, the integration of 576 princely states into the Union of India, required careful negotiations and diplomacy. Some like Junagadh and Hyderabad faced resistance but with the use of the great intellect of Shri Sardar Vallabhai Patel, they were seamlessly integrated into India.

Thirdly, there was a tremendous amount of economic challenge which India had to grapple with including the division of assets and resources. India had to rebuild its economy after years of harsh and oppressive colonial rule. In addition to that the early years of independence were marked by political instability in forming a peaceful and stable government.

Lastly, India had to establish up-to-the-minute foreign policies and defence mechanisms, which included building armed forces and establishing diplomatic relations with other nations.

With the passing of a decade, India had hostile relations with Pakistan and China leading to four deadly wars of 1948-49, 1965, 1971 and the Kargil War of 1999 which has eventuated into disharmony between religious groups in the nation. Furthermore, up in the North, we have had the Sino-Indian War of 1962 which led to a huge grumble of the Indian forces and economy.

India has always been a center of discord between many religious groups leading to widespread riots and arson throughout the nation. Although facing it, the nation never took a step back and always stood up on its feet with unfettering determination and will. Though many sects of the society have always been in the race to sprout up civil disharmony between different groups and ideologies the natives of the land have always upheld it against their heart.

Hindutva Ideology

In the recent few years, there has also been an increment of Hindutva Ideology which has been deeply ingrained into the nationalism of the Indians. The rising Hindutva ideology has further divided the religion into many different sub-castes, which has raised social and economic discrimination against the oppressed castes of the society. The so-called caste stigma has divided the nation into believing that blue-collar jobs are for those who are from the downtrodden state and white-collar jobs are for the so-called upper castes who consider themselves as far more superior than others.

These issues have also raised many concerns with the human rights associations that have further created a bigotry view for the poor and the rich.

These are some of the few problems that stood in the way but the nation has been effortlessly combating its way to become a developed and more polished plus decorated nation by the year 2047.

In light of the problems faced by the socially and economically backwarded members of the community, there have been various schemes such Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana scheme, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana scheme and the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. All these are designed to address various aspects of financial and social development for economically backward sections of society including poverty, alleviation, education, healthcare, housing and employment generation.

The nation so large booming with the tapestry of traditions, architecture, art and customs that span millennia. From the Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar and Ajanta Caves. These are not only symbols of India’s past but also major tourist attractions. The Archaeological Survey of India plays a crucial role in their restoration and conservation

India’s diverse cultural festivities such as Diwali, Holi and Eid are not just celebrations but also vital facets of heritage. These festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm and are a significant part of India’s cultural identity.

Notably such numerous amount of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the government of India takes their preservation concerns seriously to maintain and protect these sites, ensuring they are passed on to future generations.

Along with that, there have been the traditional arts and crafts of India like the Madhubani painting from Bihar to Mandala Art from Maharashtra. These traditional arts and crafts such as pottery, weaving and metalwork are an integral part of its heritage. Government initiatives and organizations support artisans and promote their crafts.

Thirdly and lastly, like many countries, India also faces challenges related to women’s safety and gender equality but concerted efforts have been made at various levels to address these issues and foster a more inclusive and equitable society.

Some initiative like a robust legal framework to protect women’s rights and safety. Laws such as the Protection of Woman from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibitions and Redressal) Act, 2013 aims to safeguard women from violence and harassment.

The Nirbhaya Fund

The government of India established the Nirbhaya Fund in 2013 to support initiatives aimed at enhancing the safety and security of women. This fund has been utilized for various programs; including the installation of CCTV cameras in public spaces and the creation of women's helplines.

Social Awareness Campaigns like “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” (Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter) aim to promote the values of girls in society.

While significant progress has been made, there is still a lot of work to be done to foster the path of India on the road to a developed nation. It requires the collective efforts of government, civil society and individuals to challenge stereotypes address systemic issues and create an environment where every citizen of this nation can live and thrive with dignity

In light of all of the above assertions on the developments, India has made to strive on the road of a highly advanced nation comes a tremendous amount of responsibilities and problems which all the citizens of the nation must substantiate on themselves to form the nation which was once dreamt by our ancestors.

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