Decolonisation in the Modi Regime

Coloniality: noun

the set of attitudes, values, ways of knowing, and power structures upheld as normative by western colonizing societies and serving to rationalize and perpetuate western dominance

Coloniality is not a commonly used word in general conversation but it has impact on individual mindset, particularly for a country which has been under rule and influence of invaders and foreign rulers, for centuries. For each of the attributes above (attitudes, values, ways of knowing, and power structures) are we still colonial?

Bharat has been ruled by western colonizers for two centuries. Prior to that it was Mughal or more correctly Middle Eastern colonization who were the invaders and ruled us for almost five centuries. These colonisations were human tragedies with few parallels in recorded history.

Mughal emperors were autocratic and intolerant. Hindus were regarded as inferiors, and their religious intolerance led to the destruction of Hindu and Sikh temples and gurudwaras.

Western (British) Coloniality was a traumatising experience for Bharatiyas. They suffered poverty, malnutrition, disease, cultural upheaval, economic exploitation, political disadvantage, and systematic programmes aimed at creating a sense of social and racial inferiority. They devasted the country economically, socially, politically, and culturally in every conceivable way and they eroded the confidence of Bharatiyas and colonized the minds permanently.

Centuries of colonization has developed a deep sense of inferiority in Bharatiyas. This centuries old colonization gave rise to a home grown coloniality which one can call as Congress coloniality which had elements of Mughal as well as British coloniality. Slavery mindset of Congress hanged on to the colonial heritage.

The Congress rule for almost Six decades have given rise to Sarkari Babus (Brown Sahibs) also known as Lutyens culture. They considered common Bharatiyas as ‘subjects’ instead of their own brethren of a free Bharat. Their initial generation of leaders had strong influence of British power structure and were complete devoid of nationalistic/ Hindu pride.

The education system implemented after independence showed disregard for Hindu ethos and the nationalistic feeling were not nurtured. Through education system Congress purportedly developed a sense of inferiority complex in young generation of Bharat. This is so much to an extent that Bharatiyas disbelieve the greatness of Indian science, medicine, astronomy, yoga etc.

A statement was made by a Bollywood star that Bharat gained its independence in year 2014. Though this statement seems baffling but if we ponder over it, we would realize that under leadership of Shri. Narendra Modi, a regime which prides itself on Bharatiya values really emerged in 2014 at the centre stage. He is our first truly Bharatiya prime minister. This change is a result of almost 100 years of efforts by RSS. People of Bharat are now ready to give a blow to slavery mindset.

Decolonization project is in full swing under the leadership of Shri Narendra Modi. Under his leadership, there is conscious effort by intent, action, and policy to discard the colonial mindset and take pride in Bharatiya heritage. Bharat, with its ties to ancient Hindu civilization is an attempt to break away from Bharat’s colonial past.

There is a systematic approach of removing colonial artifacts, symbols and replacing it with one with which Bharatiyas are proud of. New parliament building is symbolic of that and which is part of revamp of Bharat’s capital. Central Vista is an assertion of Bharatiya cultural identity. Referring India as Bharat is also a part of decolonization project.

Netaji’s statue was placed in place of King George the fifth, under the canopy behind India Gate in Delhi. The most prolific creation in recent times, the Statue of Unity, is the World’s tallest monument. It is an iconic symbol of the ‘Iron Man,’ Vallabhbhai Patel, whose appropriate place in history has been reinstated.

PM Narendra Modi unveiled statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Maharashtra when he attended Navy Day 2023 celebrations in Sindhudurg. Prior to that he also unveiled the Indian Navy’s new ensign (flag) at Cochin Shipyard during the commissioning of Bharat’s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. Indian naval flags carried a sign of slavery which has been replaced with a new one inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

One of the socialist leaders had once said that if we do not appease our Muslim population, the middle eastern countries will put hurdles in providing diesel and petrol which are we import for our energy requirements. However, what we see today is that Shri. Narendra Modi has been awarded highest national award by middle eastern country.

Shri Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of Yoga and Ayurveda around the world. Recognizing its universal appeal, United Nations proclaimed June 21 every year as International Yoga Day with a motive to spread awareness about the Vedic practice, Yoga, and meditation with “Yoga for Vasudaiva Kutumbakam” as a theme in year 2023.

Religious tourism provides a sacred and spiritual environment that has the potential to connect Bharatiyas to its cultural and religious landmarks. This also rejuvenates their pride in ancient Bharatiya culture. Fifteen thematic tourist circuits under the Swadesh Darshan scheme have been identified by the government for development. One of the attractions of such land mark is Ganga Arati conducted at the ghats of Ganga, which has now become ritual at every evening.

The popularity of recent films based on Hindu mythology such as Bahubali, Adipurush, Kantara, Brahmastra, Return of Hanuman, Avatar etc. among all sections of society is an indication of assertion of Hindu faith.

Construction of Ram Mandir is going to be a reality soon. Those who have experienced the destruction of Babari Masjid, riots following the destruction and overall political and social atmosphere, construction of Ram Mandir is the dream come true

It was perceived that it is impossible to remove special status under article 370 to Jammu and Kashmir and if it is attempted there will be bloodbath on the street of Shri Nagar. But this regime could do it peacefully and J & K is on the path of progress since then.

If we deliberate on the significant developments mentioned above, we will notice that under leadership of Shri Narendra Modi Bharat is asserting its roots in our ancient Dharma. If we watch around, read, and observe, there are many such subtle attempts to assert Bharatiya consciences in Modi regime.

The decolonization project under Modi regime is cleansing our mindset from the colonization effects and inferiority complex and reinstating pride in our own country, heritage, and culture. This gives us immense confidence to tread ahead and become Vishwa Guru.

आम्ही पुत्र अमृताचे आम्ही पुत्र या धरेचे
उजळून आज दावू भवितव्य मातृभूचे ॥धृ॥

We are the sons of Amrita (Nectar)
We reclaim the bright future of our motherland