“The idea of civic nationalism that India once embodied has shifted towards ethno-religious and linguistic nationalism over the last 10 years”, said Dr. Shashi Tharoor at Ideas of India Summit 3.0

Mumbai, February 24, 2024: Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament, INC - Thiruvananthapuram and Author: Notes from the Field at Ideas of India Summit 3.0, said, “Our form of nationalism is rooted in civic principles, grounded in the constitution. I hold a deep allegiance to this vision of India, the very essence of the nation I grew up in.”
 
Discussing the concept of nationalism, he commented, "Nationalism is an idea born in the 19th century, centred around uniting people with shared traits. Ethnicity, religion, and language were the primary criteria for this grouping. However, India's approach to nationalism evolved as a form of anti-colonial resistance. Our brand of nationalism distinguished itself from others. However, over the last ten years, the idea of civic nationalism that India embodied once changed to Ethno, religious, linguistic nationalism"
 
He continued, "While Pakistan was established on the basis of religion, the logic that led to the country's partition did not resonate with the makers our constitution at that time. Our form of nationalism is civic, anchored in the constitution. I have a profound commitment to this version of India, the one I was raised in.
 
Dr. Shashi Tharoor, further added, “I am a proud Hindu. Growing up as a Hindu, I was passionately taught to accept all different religions. All forms of worship ultimately follow the same path. This is reminiscent of Vivekananda's words in Chicago: "I believe in my truth, and you believe in your truth, but you have to accept my truth as well.” Tolerance and acceptance have been the very foundation of the Hindu religion from the start. I am against weaponisation of Hindu identity for a political purpose.”