Dear Editor,
The recent strident furore over “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” must make all discerning Indians sit up. The aim is simple. Those not falling in line need to be snubbed and silenced as being anti-nationals. Those like me who have witnessed the freedom struggle, know that “Jai Mata Ki” was certainly not in vogue. The great Subhas Bose, his Azad Hind Fauj and hundreds of martyrs did not employ “Bharat Mata ki jai” to emote their pride in the nation. For good reason, all great stalwarts of freedom said “Jai Hind” when addressing political rallies. Since Independence, all PMs and Presidents have done the same when addressing the nation in/outside Parliament. What is more, the defence forces of India have wisely stuck to “Jai Hind” as the form of national salute when greeting each other. The youth and the discerning public should see through the games being played by invoking nationalism. Are we to conclude that our great martyrs and leaders, both before and after Independence, have been anti-nationals?
Brig BS Bedi (Retd)
Dehradun