An artificially AI-upscaled image of M. S. Golwalkar in 1949. Image source: Wikipedia.
by Hammad Baloch 3 January 2023
M.S. Golwalkar’s “We or our Nationhood Defined” isn’t just a historical text but a significant ideological cornerstone that has significantly influenced India’s socio-political landscape. As the second Sarsanghachalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Golwalkar’s insights, opinions, and directives have had a lasting impact on generations of thinkers, policymakers, and citizens. This comprehensive review seeks to dissect the book’s core arguments, its resonance in contemporary times, and its broader implications for India’s pluralistic ethos.
Central to Golwalkar’s discourse is the exploration of ‘nationhood.’ He meticulously delineates five foundational pillars—Country, Race, Religion, Culture, and Language—as quintessential elements that converge to shape a nation’s collective identity. To lend credence to his framework, Golwalkar embarks on a meticulous comparative analysis of Western nations. His exploration of countries like England, Germany, Czechoslovakia, and Russia provides readers with a broader perspective on nation-building paradigms, allowing for an understanding of universal principles while simultaneously contextualizing them within India’s diverse socio-cultural landscape.
A pivotal moment in Golwalkar’s narrative is his outright dismissal of the prevalent Aryan origin theory. In its stead, he fervently champions the idea of India as an intrinsic Hindu nation. By elevating Hinduism as the foundational bedrock and underscoring Sanskrit as the primordial language, Golwalkar crafts an ideological construct that not only challenges established historical narratives but also marginalizes the myriad cultural, linguistic, and religious narratives that collectively constitute India’s pluralistic heritage.
Yet, the heart of Golwalkar’s treatise is perhaps his prescriptive directives concerning India’s non-Hindu communities. He delineates an exclusionary paradigm wherein foreign races within India are presented with a binary choice: assimilate into the dominant Hindu culture, language, and religion or perpetually inhabit a subordinate status within an entrenched hierarchical framework. Such perspectives, eerily reminiscent of historical episodes, including Germany’s treatment of Jews, amplify concerns about potential ramifications on India’s secular fabric, societal harmony, and democratic principles.
Engaging with “We or our Nationhood Defined” necessitates transcending its immediate historical context. The enduring resonance of Golwalkar’s perspectives permeates contemporary policy formulations, electoral strategies, and public discourse, underscoring the text’s enduring relevance. Consequently, its implications for India’s democratic fabric, pluralistic ethos, social cohesion, and governance paradigms cannot be overstated.
Furthermore, Golwalkar’s treatise compels critical reflections on the intricate interplay between exclusionary nationalist ideologies and democratic imperatives. The juxtaposition of his ideological constructs against India’s rich multicultural tapestry precipitates urgent debates on nation-building paradigms, identity politics, inclusive growth imperatives, and the imperatives of fostering societal cohesion amidst burgeoning polarization.
In evaluating “We or our Nationhood Defined,” readers confront a myriad of historical narratives, ideological constructs, and contemporary implications. The text’s contentious tenets, exclusionary ethos, and potential societal ramifications necessitate meticulous scrutiny, critical engagement, and reflective dialogue. To navigate the intricate intersections of identity, nationalism, democracy, and pluralism, stakeholders must embrace introspective dialogue, inclusive governance paradigms, and a commitment to upholding the foundational tenets that define India’s diverse and pluralistic ethos.
In conclusion, M.S. Golwalkar’s “We or our Nationhood Defined” remains an indispensable text, resonating with enduring debates, dilemmas, and discourses surrounding Hindu nationalism and India’s socio-political fabric. As India navigates evolving challenges, opportunities, and transformations in the 21st century, Golwalkar’s treatise serves as a poignant catalyst, emphasizing the complexities, nuances, and imperatives of reconciling diverse narratives, fostering societal cohesion, and upholding the democratic principles that define India’s vibrant and pluralistic identity. Through introspective dialogue, inclusive governance, and a commitment to democratic ideals, India must navigate the contours of Hindu nationalism, ensuring that the nation’s diverse tapestry remains vibrant, inclusive, and reflective of its rich heritage.