/198/ Universal India ft. Achin Vanaik (Patreon)

On 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