The elections are over now but there is one word that circles the air even now. That word is nationalism. Every opposition party is against the BJP for being a nationalist party as if it is a crime that needs to be punished.

Nationalism is a modern movement as it was only in the 18th century that nationalism started being recognized as a sentiment. Nationalism is not a political behaviour, but nationalism is the feeling of love, the belief, conviction and pride for one’s country. All nationalistic movements round the globe have helped uphold and further national interest.

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Donald Trump claimed that he is a nationalist, so did President of Philippines Duterte. President Erdogan of Turkey, President Jokowi of Indonesia, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel all of them have claimed to be nationalist leaders. All of them are democratically elected leaders and not fascists as is usually claimed. People want to be identified by their countries, there is nothing wrong in it.

There was an article in the Economist titles “Nationalist fervour is likely to secure a second term for Narendra Modi.”. No, there is no mention of Ayushman Bharat, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Make in India or Swachh Bharat. They seem to indeed be oblivious of the same. But they seem to have got the essence of nationalism wrong. Nationalism means the love and pride for the nation. Nothing beyond that. It doesn’t imply any particular religion or economic grouping as is made by the media these days.

The Indians have remained silent on this. But when they vote, they show what they believe in. They are against all those who try to destabilize the country and for the first time India is witness to strong decisive leadership and the country has pledged their unflinching support to him.

So, I am a proud nationalist, are you?

About Abhinav Khare:

Abhinav Khare is the CEO of AsiaNetNews Network and also the host of a daily show named Deep Dive with AK. AsiaNetNews is a leading media group of south India with highly valuable brands like AsiaNetNews, Suvarna News, Kannada Prabha, IndigoMusic, Indigo Radio, MyNation, NewsFast, IndigoXP Music lounges. 

He is a proud father of two beautiful daughters and resides in Bengaluru with his loving family and a lifetime collection of books and gadgets. An avid traveller, he has already pinged more than hundred cities from 5 major continents around the globe. 

A tech entrepreneur, who is passionate about policy, technology, economy and philosophy from ancient India. His favourite pastime is to research synergy between these facets of society. He earned his qualifications from the top 10 global universities; an MS Engineering from the ETH Zurich and an MBA Finance from the London Business School.