On May 7, Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti—also known as Rabindra Jayanti or Poncheeshe Boishakh in Kolkata—we celebrated the birth anniversary of the renowned poet, writer, philosopher, reformer, and Nobel laureate. On this occasion, I draw attention to Tagore’s timeless quotes, which resonate profoundly today, perhaps more than ever, as we live in a time when the ruling government has pushed the nation toward war.
This moment of unrest in the border regions of northern India stems from a decade of orchestrated efforts to foster communal hatred and violence among citizens. The majority population has become conditioned to equate nationalism and patriotism with hostility toward fellow Muslims within the country and toward neighboring nations. This hyper-nationalism is so pervasive that even opposition leaders and well-intentioned citizens—such as Shashi Tharoor, Javed Akhtar, Ravish Kumar, Mohammad Zubair, Siddharth Varadarajan, and Jawhar Sircar—seem to have succumbed to a Stockholm Syndrome-like allegiance to the ruling party’s war rhetoric. It appears that nearly everyone believes war is both inevitable and necessary to punish those responsible for the Pahelgam massacre, which claimed the lives of many Indian tourists. In this fervor, even thoughtful individuals seem unwilling to exercise conscience or common sense in defense of humanity and biodiversity.
At this critical juncture, every thinking citizen must recall Tagore’s words: “Patriotism cannot be our final spiritual shelter; my refuge is humanity. I will not buy glass for the price of diamonds, and I will never allow patriotism to triumph over humanity as long as I live.”
Do we truly connect spiritually with our country, or is this hyper-nationalism fueled by media sensationalism and political rhetoric? As citizens, we must demand answers from the government: Why was security inadequate when 60% of the nation’s forces are deployed in the region? How could terrorists infiltrate with arms? Most shockingly, how did they escape after the killings without a single one being apprehended? In the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, at least one perpetrator, Ajmal Kasab, was captured. Where is the accountability from the Home Minister, who is responsible for security and law and order? Why has there been no apology or resignation on moral grounds, especially since the massacre occurred just a week after the Home Minister’s visit to the region? Why has the Prime Minister not addressed the nation with a call for peace or visited Jammu and Kashmir (or Manipur, for that matter)? Why is there silence on the rising communal hatred and violence? When will Parliament discuss these security lapses?
The televised discussions with security forces, showcasing defense drills and arms, reflect the hyper-nationalism peddled by the system. Ironically, these displays—along with TV debates and street conversations—are consumed by the majority as if they were daily soap operas. For those without family in the armed forces or who have not lost loved ones to violence, this war may feel like a video game, watched from the comfort of a couch with beer or popcorn in hand. Some even treat it as a social media spectacle, displaying a profound lack of sensitivity for the lives of soldiers and civilians on both sides. Those fighting and dying on the ground are not the terrorists the system claims to target.
This is a moment for every thinking citizen to heed Tagore’s call: “Let us not pray to be sheltered from dangers but to be fearless when facing them.” And this: “We read the world wrong and say that it deceives us.”
I stand against war—not against the government, the armed forces, or my fellow citizens. I condemn the Pahelgam attack that killed Indian tourists and express my condolences to the families of the martyred. However, I am equally concerned about the communal hatred and violence that have spread like wildfire in the aftermath, fueled by media and political narratives that paint the event with a communal brush. Over the past decade, this hatred has injured and killed countless people daily across the country. Where is the hyper-nationalism when it comes to seeking justice for these victims? I see little outrage for the suffering of neighbors, regardless of religion or caste. The communal hatred and violence, rooted in hyper-nationalism, risk igniting a civil war within our borders. Muslims and Kashmiris are being harassed nationwide, Manipur remains in turmoil, and Christians, Tribals, Jains, Sikhs, and others face persecution by hyper-nationalist groups. I urge those watching televised war coverage or participating in mock drills to pledge to stand against injustice in their neighborhoods and to oppose communal hatred and violence. This is as vital a service to the nation as defending its borders.
This is a moment to reflect, as Tagore did: “I have spent a fortune traveling to distant shores and looked at lofty mountains and boundless oceans, and yet I haven’t found time to take a few steps from my house to look at a single dewdrop on a single blade of grass.”
Tagore warned us: “The greed of gain has no time or limit to its capaciousness. Its one object is to produce and consume. It has pity neither for beautiful nature nor for living human beings. It is ruthlessly ready without a moment’s hesitation to crush beauty and life.” And this: “The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence.”
True nationalism is rooted in humanity and truth, not blind obedience to transient rulers or their ideologies. If nationalism demands division, destruction, and war—closing doors to peace and ecological harmony—it is unworthy. Leaders who fail to preach and practice love are not leaders but deceivers driven by selfish motives.
This is a moment to stand for what Tagore championed: “Love is not a mere impulse; it must contain truth, which is law.” And this: “Bigotry tries to keep truth safe in its hand with a grip that kills it.”
Seeking accountability and justice for Pulwama, Uri, Pahelgam, Manipur, Godhra, and other tragedies is essential. But seeking peace for all, at all times, is paramount. War is neither a path to justice nor peace, and our Constitution does not permit it as such.
I fear that my country is at war with itself and its neighbor, with sour relations already straining ties with other neighbors. Every thinking citizen must reconsider this war, as the deeper loss—of trust and hope among citizens—will take generations to restore, far longer than rebuilding a war-torn economy. Who knows if justice and peace will prevail in my lifetime or that of younger generations enamored by war?
Germany still grapples with the shame of its past. Russia and Israel may soon regret their actions. I hope and pray that India does not write a dark chapter in history. This war is not India’s; it is the agenda of a powerful few who have lost faith in humanity, love, and peace. The land of Buddha and Gandhi has always upheld love as its core philosophy. As Tagore reminds us: “We live in the world when we love it.”
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*Entrepreneur, researcher, educator, speake, mentor. More information on her learning and sharing are at: www.mansee.in
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