India at 78: Are We Losing Our True Identity in the Rush to Modernize?

As I sit here today, reflecting on the 78th Independence Day of our beloved India, my mind drifts back to simpler times, to the days of my childhood when Independence Day was a celebration of pride, joy, and unity. I remember waking up early, the excitement bubbling within me as I put on my freshly pressed school uniform. There was something special about that day, something that made us all feel part of a larger story.

We would carefully pin the small tricolor to our chests, making sure it sat just right. The flag was just a small piece of paper pinned with a ballpin, but to us, it was a symbol of something much bigger. We helped each other with this task, a quiet act of camaraderie that spoke volumes about our shared pride. Then, we would gather for special prayers, where we took oaths and listened to speeches from visionary leaders. These were not just words to us—they were lessons, stories of independence, of the leaders who fought for our freedom. We would stand there, saluting the flag, feeling a connection to a past that was both distant and close, a past that had given us the freedom we often took for granted.

And then, there were the candies. I remember standing in a queue, eagerly waiting for my turn to receive those tri-colored sweets. They were simple candies, but they brought us immense joy. There was something about those colors—the saffron, white, and green—that filled us with pride. It was a small gesture, but it meant so much. It was as if those candies, in their simplicity, encapsulated the spirit of the day.

But times have changed. As I look around now, I see fewer children going to school on Independence Day. When they do, it’s often because attendance is mandatory. The excitement that once filled the air seems to have faded. I can’t help but ask myself—has something been lost? Have we, in our rush to move forward, left behind the essence of what made this day so special?

India’s Independence Day is not just a day for us; it’s a day recognized across the world. Our tricolor flies high in foreign lands, and the Indian diaspora comes together in a show of unity and pride. Global leaders acknowledge our journey, our struggles, and our triumphs. This recognition fills me with pride, a reminder that our nation’s story is one of resilience and strength. But then, I wonder—are we, within our own borders, truly connected to this narrative, or are we in danger of losing it?

Seventy-eight years have passed since that fateful day in 1947. Different leaders, different parties, and different ideologies have shaped the India we know today. We’ve had our share of challenges, moments where we’ve paused, and many where we’ve risen to new heights. But in this journey, I sometimes feel that we’ve lost sight of the bigger picture. The political divides, the economic challenges—these are real, but they shouldn’t overshadow the common thread that unites us all: our identity as Indians.

I worry that we’ve failed to pass on the stories of our freedom struggle to the younger generation. Do they truly understand the sacrifices that were made? Do they grasp the gravity of what it means to be free? In our quest for modernization and globalization, I fear we’ve overlooked the importance of these stories, the very stories that define who we are as a nation.

I see the younger generation, so full of potential, yet often disconnected from the pride we felt growing up. Are they not interested in their heritage, or have we failed to make it relevant to them? The world today is more connected than ever, and with that comes exposure to different cultures and ideas. This is a good thing, but I hope that in embracing the global, we haven’t forgotten the local—the roots that anchor us to our Indian identity.

There’s been a resurgence in celebrating India’s cultural heritage in recent years. Traditional arts, crafts, and festivals are enjoying a revival, and there’s a renewed interest in what it means to be Indian. But sometimes, I feel this resurgence comes with a narrow interpretation of identity. Being “authentically Indian” seems to be defined by specific beliefs and practices, leaving little room for the diversity that has always been our strength.

India’s influence on the global stage has grown tremendously, particularly in technology, science, and entertainment. This brings a sense of pride, seeing our nation recognized and respected worldwide. But with this influence comes the challenge of maintaining our cultural uniqueness. In our quest to be global, are we losing what makes us distinctively Indian? The pressure to conform to global standards is real, and it’s something we must navigate carefully.

Our economic growth is another source of pride, but it’s also a complex one. We’ve seen incredible progress, with millions lifted out of poverty and new opportunities created. But this growth has also highlighted persistent challenges like inequality and social justice. I feel conflicted—proud of our progress, yet aware of the work still to be done. Economic success is vital, but not at the cost of our social fabric.

The political discourse in India has increasingly invoked nationalism, which can be both unifying and divisive. It’s heartening to see a renewed sense of national pride, but this pride is sometimes weaponized to create division. I worry that in our pursuit of national unity, we might be inadvertently sowing seeds of intolerance and polarization. National pride should bring us together, not drive us apart.

Social media has changed the way we express our national identity. It has amplified our voices, making it easier to connect with fellow Indians across the globe. But it has also fueled divisions and the spread of misinformation. The pride we express online can sometimes turn toxic, with little room for nuance or understanding. The digital age has brought us closer, but it has also highlighted our differences in ways that can be unsettling.

The younger generation is forging a new sense of Indian identity, one that is increasingly aware of global trends and influences. This new identity is exciting, full of potential, but it also creates tension with traditional values. I see the younger generation striving to balance the old with the new, to create an identity that honors the past while embracing the future. This is a delicate balance, one that requires careful thought and guidance.

As we stand at this 78-year mark, I can’t help but wonder if we’re losing touch with our culture and identity, marching towards something different, something unfamiliar. The world is changing, and so are we, but in our rush to adapt, are we losing sight of who we are? Our culture, our identity—these are not just relics of the past; they are the foundation of our future.

When our honorable Prime Minister encouraged us to celebrate freedom through caller tunes, it highlighted the innovative ways we connect today. However, it raises a critical question: why restrict this celebration to just one language? With the advanced technology at our disposal, reaching every Indian in their own language is not only possible but easily achievable. Embracing our linguistic diversity in national initiatives would ensure that every citizen feels included and valued, reinforcing the unity that has always been the bedrock of our nation. India’s unity has always been rooted in its diversity—a nation where multiple languages, cultures, and traditions coexist harmoniously.

Is this the right approach? India was built on the vision of leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who understood that our strength lies in embracing our differences. The world looks at India with admiration because of our ability to thrive amidst vast linguistic, cultural, and racial diversity. This diversity is not just a characteristic of our nation; it is our pride.

To genuinely honor our freedom, we must celebrate it in all our languages, recognizing the unique beauty and significance of each. Connecting with people in their own languages would bring them closer to the nation, fostering unity and belonging. Instead of feeling separated or marginalized, people would feel more integrated into the national fabric. In our effort to unify under one language, we must not overlook the fact that our true strength lies in our ability to unite as one nation, with many voices. Celebrating our diversity through language is not just a choice; it is a necessity for maintaining the integrity and unity of India.

Respect for people’s culture and language is at the heart of what it means to be Indian. We’ve always been a nation that celebrates differences, that sees diversity as a strength, not a weakness. This respect is something we must hold on to, even as we evolve and grow. It’s what makes us unique, what sets us apart in a world that often seeks uniformity.

Unity in Diversity—this is the mantra of India, the principle that has guided us for 78 years. It’s a powerful idea, one that acknowledges our differences while celebrating our commonalities. But today, I fear that this mantra is being challenged, that we are moving away from the very idea that makes us who we are.

If we lose our commitment to unity in diversity, it’s not just a change—it’s the end of something essential. Development is important, but not at the cost of our identity. We are a nation of many cultures, beliefs, races, colors, languages, perspectives, and ideologies. This is our strength, our pride, our very essence.

India is one nation, but it’s not just one language. It’s a symphony of voices, each contributing to the melody that is India. We must remember this as we move forward, ensuring that our progress does not come at the expense of our rich diversity. This is the real essence of being Indian—this is what we must strive to protect and celebrate, now and always.

? ???? Rajalingam Rathinam ???? Coffee with Raja ??