English Translation of “Bharathiya Samskruthi” (2019) | Page 10
liberty within the framework of social restrictions and taboos. An attempt was made to harmonize a national ethos with the world view (Weltanschuung). Neither nationalism will breed wealth nor promote liberty. These two elements according to some people are dependent on parochial nationalism, which will destroy the moral ethos of a state1. Some others opine that nationalism is a last refuge of the idle and weak citizens. Those who are marginalised and disadvantaged promote nationalism and patriotism. They succumb to its emotional allure of nationalism2. But these experts do not provide us with any evidence for the disappearance of nationalism. In fact Russia has rejected international socialism and hence has conveyed a strong message in favour of nationalism. After the conclusion of the two World wars, the international peace and equitable order has not prevailed over the globe. Nationalism acquires different forms and shapes depending on the country by its religion, language and culture. Several historians inspired by nationalism will try to interpret the past history in a nationalistic mould. We do not find in the world history any instance of a conglomeration of different regions unified to form one nation. It does not always usher in a universal feeling of nationalism and it comes in the way of international goodwill. Altogether, nationalism as a political ideology came into prominence only after the French revolution in 19 th century Europe. Nationalistic feelings based on religion has receded from public consciousness due to development of science and technology, leading to a better communication and faster modes of travel.
_______________________ Footnotes 1. Nationality does not aim at either liberty or prosperity, both of which it sacrifices to the imperative necessity or the making the nation the mould and the measure of the state. Its course will be marked with material as well as moral ruin – Lord Acton
2. It need hardly be said that only among the apathetic and feeble peoples was nationalism allowed to develop and only so long as it confined itself to archaeological and linguistic disputes. In Milan and Poland where nationalism was not confined to grammar, a tight rein was kept upon it – Herzen;
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