Kapil Sibal Highlights Risks in Government's Stance on Diversity

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal criticised the BJP-led government on Monday, stating that erasing diversity is an anti-historical move that will cause tensions. Speaking at the 4th Memorial Lecture in honour of M P Veerendra Kumar, Sibal discussed the concept of India and its historical evolution.

Sibal emphasised the importance of understanding India's history to grasp its essence. He said, "Why do we talk about the idea of India? It is because most of us do not understand the birth of this great nation. If you ask me, a nation is comprised of so many facets which are embedded in its history. Unless you understand the history of a nation and its genesis over centuries, you will never be able to understand what the nation is all about."

Historical Evolution and Diversity

The former Congress leader highlighted that India's diversity is rooted in its long history. He explained that to comprehend what India stands for, one must delve into how it evolved over centuries. "The idea of India has evolved over centuries," he asserted.

Sibal traced India's history from the Gupta period through various invasions by the Khiljis, Sayyids, Lodhis, Afghans, and Turks. He mentioned the cultural assimilation that occurred due to these invasions and migrations through the Khyber Pass.

He noted that during the Mughal period, there were conflicts and collaborations between Muslims and Hindus. The British also realised they needed collaboration with communities to rule effectively. This process of collaboration and diversification shaped modern India.

Constitutional Reflection

Sibal pointed out that India's Constitution reflects its diversity. "We are one because of our Constitution which reflects our diversity," he said. He added that the Constitution is almost a replica of the 1935 Act, inheriting concepts like Parliament and the position of Governor from the British.

He stressed that India's current reality is due to historical facts rather than contemporary efforts. "There is no other country in the world like India because there is no other country with the kind of history that India has," he stated.

Challenges and Political Conflicts

Sibal addressed the current political challenges, questioning whether India should embrace or erase its diversity. He criticised a political party for attempting to erase diversity through political dictates, calling it impossible to erase historical facts.

"The only political leitmotif that can take this country forward is the acceptance of our diversity and the assimilation of that diversity into what is called the idea of India," Sibal said. He warned that erasing diversity would lead to tensions within Indian society.

Unique Cultural Mosaic

Sibal described India as a mosaic formed by millions of cultures, creating a unique pattern that should be celebrated. "It is like a mosaic that falls into a pattern. It is that pattern that we have to embrace and that mosaic that makes that pattern, that we have to celebrate," he said.

M P Veerendra Kumar, who passed away in May 2020, was an Indian politician, writer, and journalist. He served as a member of the 14th Lok Sabha and was also the chairman and managing director of the Malayalam daily Mathrubhumi.