Pandit Nehru, The Father of Modern India
Following the advent of British colonial rule, novel political ideologies began to take shape in India. In the aftermath of independence, a critical debate emerged regarding the reconstruction of the nation. Educated individuals who had studied abroad, along with freedom fighters engaged in the national movement, came to recognize that Indian society trailed considerably behind Europe in numerous domains. When juxtaposed with European societies, India's social structure appeared starkly divergent. During this period, Europe was experiencing advancements in gender equality, broadening social equity, enhanced societal representation for women, and increased female participation in productive activities. Superstitions were waning, while scientific education bolstered the role of science in society. Rational thought gained prominence, fostering economic advancement. Democratic frameworks empowered citizens to engage in decision-making, exercise logical reasoning, and shape political institutions through their ideas. These developments profoundly influenced Indian leaders, who drew extensive insights from Western nations and academic institutions.
As notions of self-governance took root, there arose a determination to oust British authority and establish indigenous rule. Concurrently with this pursuit of autonomy, inquiries surfaced about the post-independence configuration of the nation and the appropriate political system to adopt. Indian leaders observed that many European countries embraced democratic principles and secular governance, ensuring a clear demarcation between religion and state affairs. Drawing inspiration from these exemplars, they aspired to forge a modern India grounded in democracy, secularism, universal education, and the prohibition of discrimination based on caste, religion, or gender. Their objective was to cultivate a discrimination-free society where all individuals enjoyed equal rights. They further advocated for special safeguards for oppressed groups to facilitate equitable opportunities for advancement. While acknowledging that economic disparities could not be eradicated instantaneously, they stressed the imperative of sustained efforts to elevate the living conditions of the impoverished, asserting that true development hinged upon such initiatives.
The freedom fighters envisioned India's economic and industrial expansion, accompanied by a gradual societal evolution toward modernity. They aspired to a nation liberated from superstition, fear, and intolerance, where mutual respect prevailed and cultural diversity was embraced with open-mindedness. Jawaharlal Nehru is revered as the architect of modern India, and in his seminal work, The Discovery of India, he articulated his vision for the nation's trajectory. This perspective significantly informed the drafting of the Indian Constitution. Consequently, India distinctively incorporated principles of scientific temper, rational outlook, inquiry, questioning, and humanism into its constitutional framework—elements seldom explicitly articulated in other global constitutions.
The ongoing phase of social transformation, ostensibly under the banner of Hindutva, is profoundly disconcerting, as it appears to propel society in a retrograde direction. Rather than advancing progressive ideals, it perpetuates superstition, societal fragmentation, caste-based conflicts, and religious animosity. These inclinations breed hatred, distort public sentiment, and exhibit regressive traits.
Political entities that played minimal roles in the independence struggle or in deliberating India's future have ascended to prominence over the past two decades, despite their earlier marginal representation. This evolution underscores the degree to which public opinion has been swayed, potentially guiding society toward regression. Instead of prioritizing forward-looking policies and articulating strategies for national advancement, political rhetoric has frequently exploited historical grievances, apprehensions, and biases for electoral advantage—a regrettable development.
A prevalent assertion posits that Hinduism has endured injustice within the nation. When pressed for elucidation, advocates often maintain that secularism has curtailed Hindu traditions. Upon further inquiry regarding the agents and timeline of such suppression, they attribute it to social reform movements that eroded customary practices. In some instances, proponents argue that modern scientific rationality has undermined India's cultural legacy and that Hinduism faces existential threats. These narratives have swayed numerous young individuals toward religious orthodoxy, occasionally culminating in intolerance and societal disruption.
Another contention advanced is that, whereas Christians and Muslims possess dedicated nations, Hindus merit an exclusive homeland, thereby challenging India's secular ethos. However, when queried about specific injustices inflicted upon Hinduism in a secular framework, some cite the conversion of historically marginalized communities—those long denied temple access and educational opportunities—as proof of extraneous religious encroachment. Nonetheless, religious extremism in any form jeopardizes social cohesion.
Jawaharlal Nehru, esteemed as a foundational visionary of modern India, endures as a source of inspiration. His ideals persist as a beacon for those committed to a progressive, inclusive, and rational society.