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Indian psyche

25 July 2005, 18:00 PM
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
By Muraad H Khan University Of California, United States
25 July 2005, 18:00 PM
Present day Indians seem to suffer from a pathetic obsession for recognition as a political and military power-- obviously at the cost of its neighbours. But let us just leave that aside for now. They are the only people who talk it, print it, sing it and dance on it rather loudly and with so little to justify it. They have nuclear technology, commendable IT and film industries, and what else! Greatness does not come through bragging or begging, nor at the cost of others. Unfortunately, however, in this obsessive quest they have to continue to employ the most unscrupulous tradecraft in true Kautiliyan traditions to glorify their nebulous past and build up an image of dubious greatness through deceit and distortions. In applying these Kautiliyan virtues, the Indian rulers not only misguide and brain-wash the ignorant and simple minded people but also indulge in bluff and intimidation through cheap attacks, propaganda and rumour mongering.

It is a pity that many including quite a few amongst us fall victim to this deception and charade. Our failure to promote education and spread of knowledge, particularly our lack of interest in history has been the main cause of our weak national confidence and that has made us vulnerable to false and distorted propaganda. Though it seems ironical but factually every crisis or problem, however petty, tends to shake our very existence and brings us to the very brink. It is a sad reflection on our national leadership and their inability to discern truth from history whose evaluation and application continue to suffer with dogmatic reservations. It's time that we put our feet on ground.

However, if India looks a little deeper into its history, it will not fail to see that past bitterness and persisting complexes have become an obsessive delusion for recognition and power. Although, it has cleverly managed to create an image of some importance, it must know that deceit cannot endure.

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The greatness that it seeks cannot be bought through bluffs and deceptions, show of force, media propaganda, advertisements or lobbying.