National identity cannot be created overnight. It is a ‘product’ or a ‘feeling’ that embodies a set of values, beliefs, etc. Such value system forms the DNA of that society. The national identity can be based upon past national experiences as well as achievements. A lot of people identify themselves as ‘freedom fighters’, thus associating themselves with India’s freedom movement.

The most important characteristic of national identity is its ability to galvanise people into a homogenised group. This reduces the tension within the group. On the other hand, it also marginalises those people who don’t wish to be known with such an identity. Some of such examples can be the pro-Khalistan protestors, the militants of Kashmir, etc.

National symbols are nothing but instruments to enhance national identity. These are tools to unite people through visual, oratory and iconic representation of a nation’s values, ideals, history, culture, etc. These symbols are a nation’s ethos which are inclusive in nature and emanate national consciousness.

The leaders of a country use national symbols for nation building by inculcating a sense of patriotism and pride of being an Indian. These interpretations evoke emotional attachment towards one’s nation which is outside the purview of one’s self and inner circle.

The inauguration of the new Parliament building on May 28 has drawn a lot of political debate regarding the ‘symbolism’ associated with national identity. The nineteen opposition parties decided to boycott the event on the premise that the inauguration was supposed to be done by the Constitutional head, i.e.. the President and not by the executive head, i.e., the Prime Minister.

The whole tussle is over ‘national symbolism’. The inauguration took place on the birth anniversary of the ‘Father of Hindutva Ideology’ Veer Savarkar. The opposition parties believe that the government is trying to change the narrative of the nation’s historical and Constitutional values.

The incidence of a golden spectre called ‘Sengol’ taken from the Chola tradition of power transfer has been the subject of debate for many. The Sengol had been revived in 1947 as a symbolic gesture of transfer of authority from the British Empire to an independent and sovereign India on the Independence Day. The Sengol will be placed near the Lok Sabha Speaker’s podium as a symbol of new India. Through this step, the ruling BJP wants to depict its reign post 2014 as ‘golden years of modern Indian history’. This has created a lot of unease among the opposition parties.

The role played by the Indian National Congress in India’s freedom movement cannot be overlooked. The Congress played an integral part in building the modern India post independence. Similarly, the role played by the regional parties cannot be ignored too.

This is the major point of conflict between the ruling party and the opposition parties. Although nobody can deny the fact that India after 2014, has carved a niche for itself as a global superpower.

The Indian Constitution has provisions of amendments, but such amendments must not abrogate its ‘basic structure’. Similarly, our national identity, through national symbols, must reinvent itself. Every generation has its own value system. Such a value system brings a different perspective as to how Indians must relate to national identity.

Considering national symbols as sacrosanct will prevent us from discussing, debating and reinventing. Stability may lead to comfort and any change may feel like a threat. Hence, the best way to respect our national symbol is to embrace them wholeheartedly but still evaluating the meaning of being Indian.

When the government made ‘standing to national anthem in theatres’ mandatory, it received a lot of backlashes from a particular segment of the society. This doesn’t mean that these people were anti-nationals, but they resisted the manner in which it was imposed on them.

Questions such as ‘who should appear on our currency notes’ or ‘who should the building be named after’ create debates and deliberations, which is core to any democratic society. National symbols challenge us to introspect about the personalities representing national identity. Such discussions about national symbols bring localised conversations into mainstream public discourse. Hence, national symbols are so important to us.

It is imperative to realise that national symbols must be used positively to unify the nation. Although we have all become global citizens, we draw our national identity to understand ourselves. As new countries are being created, the importance of national symbols in forging national identity cannot be discounted. When technology acts as a catalyst to globalisation, national symbols act as tools for socialisation and inspiration.

Every human being is a social creature. He always craves for a sense of belonging through an identity. A nation, through national symbols, renders him this identity. When India plays against Australia in a World Cup match held in England and the Indian national anthem is played in the background, the sense of pride and identity felt by every Indian in the stadium cannot be explained in words.