Prasanga Jatiyayatabad

• Author(s): Romila Thapar, A.G. Noorani, Sadanand Menon

• Category: Essays

• Publisher: Setu Prakashani

• Language: Bengali

• First Publication Year: 2019

• Edition: 2nd Edition

• Binding: Paperback

• Number of Pages: 170

• ISBN: 978-81-93945-10-0

About the Book:

• Theme: This book explores the concept and activities related to nationalism (or patriotism), addressing its historical, legal, and cultural dimensions. The main essay by renowned intellectual Romila Thapar distinguishes between nationalism and pseudo-nationalism, shedding light on their differences.

• Contributions:

  • A.G. Noorani, a distinguished lawyer and writer, discusses the dangers of indiscriminate application of sedition laws against writers, artists, students, and political opponents.

  • Sadanand Menon, a senior journalist and cultural commentator, highlights the risk of destroying the nation’s rich culture by imposing religious dogma and other authoritarian ideologies.

• Key Discussions: The book delves into the ongoing debate surrounding nationalism in India. It questions whether the nation is defined by its geographical boundaries or by its people. It also examines the historical context of nationalism, its roots in the constitution, the emergence of cultural nationalism, and how the idea of an imaginary enemy has put our existence at risk.

• Purpose: Prasanga Jatiyayatabad invites readers to reflect critically on the concept of nationalism, its implications for Indian society, and how it continues to shape political and cultural discourse in the country.