It is still a work in progress (dont promote it)-
In recent
times we have come across various scholars trying to define or understand what
is India e.g. "Argumentative Indian - Sen", "Idea of
India-Khilnani", "The felt community - Ray", "India: A
sacred geography - Eck" etc. However, this question is not a new one. In
fact, during Independence movement both, Savarkar and Neheru, as well as many
others have tried to address this question to best of their wisdoms. Today the
followers of both these leaders by and large constitute, respectively, the
Right and Left of Centre in Indian Politics. This article admits that the
question is still relevant and presents some simple, views of the author, in
this regard.
Long back
authors like Nirad Choudhri have talked in details about common pan Indian
traits in greater details. He has also given his own logical interpretation
about the same. In recent times Ram Guha too has put forth his views about why
India has continued as a common nation or state. There are several other such
illuminating and embracing views trying to explain the phenomenon that India
is!! A majority of them have also been careful in most cases not to hurt any
ones sentiments. Still after going through most of them one has a nagging doubt
that there is something missing which doesn't quite add up, in explaining India
and the Indians. We still don't have a common term about us which is our own
and is acceptable to all. Thus, there is a scope of study in to develop a
rational basis for understanding - what India is or who are the Indians.
In this
connection following the footsteps of previous scholars, and thinkers this
author too choose to begin his search with the age old Indian scriptures. Not
because I am a traditionalist but because to develop a pragmatic, indigenous
and non-communal conception that shall be acceptable to all. The old Indian
texts can be a great starting point for they are full with some or other kind
of explanation about this land i.e. Bharata (Bharat in Hindi). Coming to the
geographic boundary it is said to be the land that is north of the ocean and
south of the Himalaya. Neheru in his letters to China had presented this view
of India. Tilak and Vivekand too had accepted a similar boundary much before
him. Lastly, Savarkar also had poetically described this country as spreading
from Sindhu to Sindhu (i.e. south of the Himalaya being obvious). Today, the
river Sindhu is by and large a part of Pakistan and is no more with us.
Probably, after more than 65 years since independence it is high time we need
to move on, and define ourselves in a manner that’s our very own, yet
non-sectarian.
In light of the above all the people inhabiting
in this country (in the south of the Himalayas) - can now have an indigenous
name i.e. Himu, rather than "Hindu". One may not like the term Himu,
yet let’s not fight for a term of foreign origin i.e. Hindu, to be acceptable
to all. Today the later, has a very sectarian connotation. Thus, with a new
common name which not sectarian lets, understand our commonalties in a better fashion
and collectively progress towards a shared destiny. Our way of life, actions,
and worldviews often perplexes many outsiders; let’s call it
"Himuvad" rather than "Hinduvad”. Of course, the term Himu as
described here has nothing to do with the same being used in jest by a contemporary
TV commercial, but the intents are very similar i.e. to propagate a progressive
change.
The
Europeans call us Indians because they address river Sindhu as Indus.
Similarly, the word Hindu has its origin in the mid-eastern and Arabic practice
to describe the people living on the west of river Sindhu, by such name. Thus
the term being used to address us is of foreign origin. Yet, the official name
Bharat (following an ancient mythical king), conveys no sense in terms of what
it stands for. This article in this context is an effort to discover Indians in
an indigenous manner.
At one
end, India has such multiples of languages, religions, castes, communities and
similar other groups. At the other to make things complicated like China, and
Japan we do take a lot of pride in our long unbroken traditions. Then we are a
bunch of emotional people to whom more than any other relations - the
relationships of feelings are more important. It is worth noting here that - in
spite of our peace loving exterior disposition, once the feelings are hurt we
can be real fighters rather war mongers. Then how can one forget our legendary
love for money / value / gold, love for fair skin, attachment or devotion to -
names, things and places etc. These are just few things that are common to most
Indians beyond languages, religions, castes, communities. A majority of us in
spite of our knowledge and great curiosity never doubt or question many things
like views of parents, scriptures (at times without having ever read it),
matters of mass faith, and so on.
