Aufhebunga Bunga
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/198/ Universal India ft. Achin Vanaik
🕑 Added 2021-06-18 17:02:35 +0000 UTCOn secularism, nationalism and identity politics.
India is held up as a model developing country: liberal, democratic, multicultural. Renowned Indian writer and activist Achin Vanaik joins us to examine how India has turned away from universalism and secularism.
How did Gandhi, Nehru and the Congress as a whole lay the seeds for today's Hindu chauvinism? What are the consequences of defining secularism as merely 'tolerance'? And how has caste come to function a bit like identity politics in relation to the state?
We also discuss the 'cultural turn' under neoliberalism, and look at how an emphasis on culture diverts away from materialist, class-based politics.
Readings:
- Nationalist Dangers, Secular Failings, Achin Vanaik, Aakar Books
- The Rise of Hindu Authoritarianism, Achin Vanaik, Verso Books
- The Rise of Hindu Nationalism and the Failures of the Indian Left, Interview with Achin Vanaik, Jacobin
Comments
Marc Walles
Great episode. I was afraid you were running out of guests ;) It was very informative especially because I couldn't quite get why suddenly the question of intelectual property regarding the vaccines got so medial. Got plenty stuff to think about now!
Aufhebunga Bunga
We'll try to do more of these! The timing didn't work out for this one as the episode was already delayed.
Paul Brewer
I miss the after parties π
