Author: Purnima Singh
Publisher: India First Foundation
Year: 2004
Language: English
Pages: 290
ISBN/UPC (if available): 818907203X
Description
The seminal work of Smt Purnima Singh, The Stream of Cultural Nationalism during the Freedom Struggle, forcefully brings out how the idea of cultural nationalism was the principle drive of the freedom movement against the aliens. This stream, which formed the critical element of the freedom movement, became anaemic after India became free.
As a result the chief drives of the freedom movement came to be seen as liabilities of free India. A song like the Vande Mataram, which enthused millions to sacrifice for the freedom of India, tuned into a national problem if not a national burdern. Similarly the idea of Ram Rajya, which Mahatma Gandhi had put forward as the goal for free India, be came a sectarian and communal idea. So was the concept of Sanatan Dharma, which Maharishi Aurobindo defined as the Nationalism of India. Identical was the fate of Hindu Nationlism, which Swami Vivekanda had expounded.
Thus all the elevating thoughts and concepts which prompted the nation into action were virtually discarded by Free India's rulers and scholars. Consequently, the very identity of this ancient nation became confused; it remains confused at the elite intellectual levels even today.
COMMENT
Purniama Singh has undertaken a pain staking effort to relate the present confused national consciousness to the cultural stream of Freedom movement. This work shall prove a signal contribution to the ongoing debate on cultural nationalism in India.
-S Gurumurthy
ABOUT THE PUBLISHER:
Indian civilisational stream was impeded for several centuries. It struggled and survived through tornado of Islamic and Imperial invasion, which blew other civilizations to smithereens. Efforts to revitalize, revive and reassert this great civilization and restore the continuity were made by Rishis, Mahatmas and intellectuals of this ancient land for over a century, which accelerated the process and led the road to freedom. Unfortunately, the ideal of Ram Rajya set by Mahatma Gandhi, which provided the ideological basis of our freedom, became anathema to the post independent polity, politicians, intellectuals and establishments. Even the goal of the Ram Rajya came to be regarded as narrow, sectarian, communal and even dangerous.
As Swamy Vivekananda said, it is given to the Hindus by destiny to discover the idea of Universal validity of all faiths and ways of life and share it with the rest of the world. This inclusive idea, which validates all Gods, faiths, peoples and way of life, is the ultimate destination of the journey of humanity and the final guarantee for global and national peace. It is in this context and with this background and purpose, some intellectual kshatriyas have come together to launch one more humble effort through India First Foundation.
Contents
Nationalism
Propounders of Cultural Nationalism (1830-1930)
Propounders of Cultural Nationalism (1930-1975)
Evolution of Cultural Nationalism through the Ages
Bibliography
Index