Reclaiming the Republic, and the Constitution 

The current agenda of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) goes beyond making the state 'theocratic' and elevating the majority religion to a 'political' status. It reflects an extraordinary effort to instil a unidimensional culture in a nation known for its diverse cultural practices. Citizens of India are faced with a crucial decision whether to embrace the top-down, politically imposed Hindutva or respond culturally. This choice will determine whether the vibrant cultural landscape, encompassing myriad religious practices, thrives, nurturing diversity, tolerance, and coexistence, or succumbs to suspicion and hatred for the 'other.'

Flattening Multidimensional Imagination

The essence of the Hindutva effort is to flatten India's multidimensional imagination into a two-dimensional vision. Concepts like "unity in diversity" have waned, replaced by a vision of one nation, one market, one colour, one language, one election, and a singular official religion. This endeavour extends even to the majority religion, attempting to impose centralized "national norms."

In this pursuit, even religion itself is subjected to centralization. The attempt is to make all religious practices, whether officially or unofficially, subservient to a dominant identity. The freedom of faith and worship, intrinsic to humanity, is under threat.

India's Unique Diversity and Identity

India, historically known for its complexity and diversity, has been a tapestry of various cultural practices. The richness of differences, including language, food, clothes, and cultural choices, defined what it meant to be Indian. The current rush towards a less diverse identity raises questions about why such a shift is happening, possibly driven by the allure of power and control afforded by centralization and identity politics.

Post-Independence Pluralism and Freedom of Choice

Post-independence and Partition, India embraced pluralism, offering multiple choices and the liberty to opt out of predetermined identities. The freedom to choose included liberation from narrow stereotypes based on religious, caste, and racial identities. This freedom allowed individuals to step out of two-dimensional definitions, realizing their potential and expressing freedom in various aspects of life, including food, clothing, music, and thought.

Challenges to Cosmopolitan 'Indian Spaces'

For those residing in cosmopolitan 'Indian spaces,' the understanding of plural ways of celebrating festivals, even within the same religion, was a source of richness. Dusshera, for instance, could be celebrated in diverse ways, reflecting regional, linguistic, and cultural nuances. The current narrative calls for reflection on the shift from a multifaceted heritage to a more singular identity, possibly driven by the allure of power and control that centralization and identity politics promise.

Hindutva, a term popularized by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in the early 20th century, is often translated as "Hinduness" or "Hindunationalism." It represents a political and cultural ideology that seeks to establish the hegemony of Hindus and the Hindu way of life. Hindutva goes beyond religious identity and encompasses a broader cultural and nationalistic framework.

Key features of Hindutva include:

1. Hindutva proponents believe that India should be a Hindu rashtra (nation) where Hindu culture and values are predominant. They argue for the protection and promotion of Hindu traditions, symbols, and practices.
2. Advocates of Hindutva often call for a Uniform Civil Code, which would replace separate personal laws based on religious communities with a single set of laws applicable to all citizens, regardless of their religion.
3. Hindutva emphasizes the unity of Hindus across caste divisions and promotes a pan-Hindu identity. It seeks to unite Hindus against what it perceives as threats to their culture and heritage.
4. Hindutva has gained political expression through organizations like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its affiliated groups. 
5. Hindutva has been a source of controversy, with critics arguing that it marginalizes religious and cultural diversity in India. Critics also express concerns about the potential erosion of secularism and the rights of religious minorities.

A republic is a form of government in which the country is considered a "public matter," and the head of state is an elected or appointed official, not a monarch. In a republic, the government is typically chosen by the people through mechanisms such as elections, and the leaders are accountable to the citizens.

The connection between a republic and a constitution lies in the establishment of the framework and principles that govern the nation. A constitution is a fundamental set of laws or principles according to which a state or other organization is governed. In a republic, the constitution serves as the supreme law of the land, defining the structure of government, the distribution of powers, the rights of citizens, and the limitations on governmental authority.

The connection between a republic and a constitution

• The Constitution serves as the legal foundation for a republic. It outlines the structure of the government, the division of powers, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
• A constitution in a republic often includes a bill of rights that guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms to the citizens. It acts as a safeguard against potential abuses of power by the government.
• In a republic, the constitution establishes the rule of law, meaning that everyone, including the government, is subject to and accountable under the law. This principle helps ensure that the government operates within defined boundaries.
• Many republics have democratic elements, and their constitutions often provide for the mechanisms of representative democracy, such as elections, to allow citizens to participate in the decision-making process.
• Constitutions in republics often incorporate the concept of the separation of powers, dividing governmental authority among different branches (executive, legislative, and judicial) to prevent the concentration of power in one entity.
• Constitutions usually include a mechanism for their own amendment or revision. This allows the legal framework to adapt to changing circumstances without compromising the foundational principles.

4. Constitution's Embrace of Diversities

India's Constitution adopted 75 years ago, acknowledged and incorporated space for diversities and differences, not only in politics but also in culture and daily life. The foundation of progress in the country has been laid on the principles of tolerance and solidarity, even amid formidable challenges and competing interests. The Constitution, a sophisticated document, recognized the importance of tolerating, if not welcoming, differences to build a unified India beyond a mere collection of kingdoms or a "former colony."

Recognition of Cultural Differences

The heroes of the nascent nation recognized the emergence of India with an understanding of the necessity to break caste, language, and religious barriers. Celebrating cultural differences, they worked to overcome arrogance and prejudice. B.R. Ambedkar, acknowledging the challenge of achieving economic and social equality, played a pivotal role in shaping and defining the Constitution.

Democratic and Ethical Pledge

The Constitution is not merely a legal document; it is a democratic and ethical pledge crucial to India's future. The Preamble emphasizes the commitment to practice fraternity, ensuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation. It guarantees every Indian the right to live with liberty, equality, and justice.

Clash with the Idea of 'Hindu Rashtra'

The idea of a 'Hindu Rashtra' stands in direct contradiction to the Indian Constitution. Despite this, proponents of Hindutva have utilized the political and democratic freedoms provided by the Republic to aggressively propagate their conception.

Warnings from Visionary Leaders

B.R. Ambedkar's prescient warning questioned whether Indians would prioritize the country over their creed or vice versa. He cautioned that if creed took precedence, India's independence might be jeopardized once again. S. Radhakrishnan, the second President of India, expressed concern about the dangers of majoritarian assertion, highlighting the potential pitfalls of national faults such as domestic despotism and intolerance. He warned against the consequences when power surpasses ability, leading to evil days. Both leaders urged a resolute guard against such eventualities.

5. Crucial Choices for India's Future

With the consecration of the Ayodhya temple making waves in the political landscape and the 75th anniversary of the Republic at hand, India faces critical choices. The decision to uphold a Constitutional republic over a Hindu Rashtra must be reaffirmed, shaping the destiny of future generations and their place in the Republic of India.

Enduring Vision of the Constitution

The Indian Constitution is designed to extend rights and shared values beyond the transient cycles of elections and changing governments. Built on the principles of social democracy, it safeguards the views and dignity of all citizens, particularly marginalized groups and communities. As the nation enters its 75th year, there is a collective duty to reassert the Constitution's values and its pivotal role in shaping the dreams and vision of a united and pluralistic India.

6. Conclusion

The Constituent Assembly foresaw the survival of India hinging on equal respect for all citizens. The Constitution's commitment to tolerance, both in principle and practice, enables the nation to overcome challenges posed by bigoted religious expressions and insecurities. It facilitates the inclusion and embrace of religious differences, along with India's rich history, architecture, and culture, setting the country apart globally. This commitment positions India as a true 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,' retaining its distinct space in the world rather than becoming a mere particle in a rapidly shrinking global economy and culture.