The nationalism we inherited from the freedom struggle was about “belonging without othering.” It respected the multiplicity of languages, regions and religions, and sought to weave a complementary Indian identity. It did not demand uniformity. It worked to build unity, not impose it. Today’s copycat nationalism stands against democracy, against citizens rights and pits the nation against its own people. Any ideological, cultural or regional difference is labelled anti-national. The state is equated with the leader. This sham nationalism cannot resolve Manipur or take on China. It pits an india against its neighbours, diminishes India’s stature and leaves us friendless in crisis. Owning up and reclaiming the legacy of Indian nationalism is the most pressing political and intellectual challenge of our times. Read: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/yogendra-yadav-writes-the-nationalism-we-forgot-10030599/