Intense discussion on culture and nationalism at conclave

New Delhi, March 25 : The relationship between culture and nationalism as well as the impact of both of these on each other remained the high-point at a culture conclave here on Saturday.

Panelists included former diplomat and author Pavan K. Verma; professor and poet Makarand Paranjape; Vedic scholar David Frawley; and columnist and writer Sadia Dehlvi. 

The major outcome of the intense discussion, lasting over an hour, highlighted that the Indian civilization, over the course of history, has believed in acceptance of people across religions, castes and creeds and does not necessarily tend to discriminate on such grounds. 

There has been a rising fear though, stressed Dehlvi. 

"There has always been a very intimate interaction of cultures in India in the past but it seems very challenging to retain it today. It is extremely frightening for minorities to be asked to leave the country," Dehlvi, who has scripted several documentaries and television programs, including "Amma and Family" (1995), starring Zohra Sehgal, said. 

Vedic scholar Frawley, on the other hand, maintained that despite all observations India continues to be the most tolerant and all abiding country in the world. It has stood against all trials of time, he said, adding that the very essence of Vedas and ancient Indian scriptures impress upon the idea of acceptance of all and universal brotherhood. 

"India needs stronger cultural unity. All the problems of India will be solved if we gain a strong cultural unity. We have to know our past, not as we have been taught but the facts from the history need to be told," said Frawley. 

An American Hindu teacher and author, who has written more than thirty books on topics such as the Vedas, Hinduism, Sanatana Dharma, Yoga, Ayurveda and Vedic astrology, among others, Frawley was honored by the President of India with the Padma Bhushan in 2015 for "distinguished service of a high order to the nation."

Leading the discussion further, Verma, a former MP of the Rajya Sabha said that a part of the problems arise because of the "minority appeasement" by politicians for "short-term electoral benefits". 

He stressed that even after having won the elections because of Muslim votes, certain political parties have not done enough for the community. 

The panelists also agreed that a historical amnesia of sorts grips the nation as far as historical documentation of the arrival of Islam in India is concerned. 

"The problem arises, for instance, the way William Dalrymple glorifies the Mughals. It wasn't as if they arrived and Biryanis were served and we became friends. No, there was extreme brutality, there was jazia laws and temples were ruined. These are facts that cannot be eroded from history," Verma said. 

However, the panelists did not see merit in revisiting history as a tool to revenge the historical wrongs. The mistakes of the pasts should be forgotten and we should move ahead in the spirit that is enshrined in our values, the panelists agreed. 

"And I wish minorities should be taken along in India's growth story," contended Dehlvi. 

The conclave organised by Mail Today, a tabloid newspaper in the Capital.