Speaking at a seminar here attended by State level civil society organisations on Thursday, All India Secular Forum convenor Dr Ram Puniyani said politics is played in the name of Hindu nationalism by some elements to perpetuate their narrow agenda.
Saying that Indian nationalism and Hindu nationalism are different, Puniyani said the former is based on values of rising classes personified in the role of Bhagat Singh, Dr Baba Sahib Ambedkar, MK Gandhi, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and many other nationalist leaders.
While Hindu nationalism is exclusive and divisive, Indian nationalism is inclusive. It is not identity related. Unfortunately, Hindu nationalists have been raising a pitch around identity issues undermining the issues of the poor and marginalised, lamented Puniyani.
This is the dark tunnel of history, where such invocations of religion in the arena of politics take a semi respectful place, as being witnessed in many parts of the world and more so in India. One hopes the distinction between religious nationalism and Indian nationalism will not be lost, he said. He further said that Hindu nationalism does not subscribe to affirmative action; so the term appeasement of minorities has been floated.
“If we want to save the nation from distrust, division, violence, hatred and communalism and promote an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, so that the nation may achieve progress and growth, then we will have to restrain the evil tendencies of division, polarization, hostility and hatred. The peace loving people of the country will have to form effective and dynamic fronts against the forces creating disturbance,” he added.