India’s trajectory is inextricably linked to the global landscape, making an understanding of its evolving identity crucial. In 2024, India surpassed China as the world’s most populous country, a position it is projected to maintain in 2050 and 2100. This year, nearly one billion Indians hold the power to shape their nation’s future through the electoral process, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi poised for victory.
Under Modi’s leadership, India is undergoing a transformation, redefining its national identity. Ravi Agrawal, Editor-in-Chief of Foreign Policy magazine, sheds light on this shift. In contrast to the prevailing Western assumption that nations aspire to emulate Western ideals, Agrawal emphasizes India’s unique path, drawing inspiration from various sources, including its own rich history.
India’s founding fathers, recognizing the country’s diverse nature, envisioned a secular, liberal, and inclusive nation. This vision, embodied by India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, aimed to unite the country’s myriad cultures and languages under a shared identity. Nehru, an anglicized figure educated at Cambridge, represented the elite class that shaped India’s early years.
In sharp contrast stands Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Hailing from a humble background, Modi’s formative experiences were rooted in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu social movement. Modi’s rise to power reflects a shift in India’s national identity, one that emphasizes Hindu nationalism.
This excerpt provides a glimpse into the contrasting backgrounds and ideologies of Nehru and Modi, highlighting the evolution of India’s national identity. As India continues to navigate its path, understanding the forces shaping its transformation is crucial for comprehending the future of one of the world’s most populous and influential nations.
