Most of us might have heard people saying- India has become "modern". Modernity has several connotations. However, the modernity that is generally dominant in today's world is derived from European society. The value system that they propagated throughout the world is being considered as the only meaning of modernity. However, as we move forward, we will see that this conception of modernity is too narrow. For instance, one of the ideas is that a modern society is one which do not give much emphasis to "traditional" practices. In a way, it means that shifting from traditional practices is a sign of getting modern. Undoubtedly, some facets of this statement are correct.
For instance, the shift from the traditional practice of caste based occupation and rigid hierarchy, initiated especially in the Later Vedic Period, is indeed a sign of modernity. Focus on rituals which made humans submit to a higher priestly class is also withering away. Even greater focus on hardwork for prosperity on Earth and not on the after-life phenomena, which is beyond the understanding of our sensory organs, is a modern principle. However, a deeper analysis reveals that modernity is at its infant stage in Indian society. Also, analysis says that there is misconception about modernity in our society and most of the times, it is corroborated and confused with the ideas of Westernisation. The focus on this article is to explore these misconceptions to find out the root cause of the same and what lied ahead in store for India.
To start with the same, lets first understand modernisation. There is no authoritative definition as such of modernity. Nonetheless, it can be described as a principle which fulfills the promise of
1. Equality and equity of human beings,
2. Individualism- so that they can realise their potential and not be bogged down by the rigid norms of society;
3. Achievement based society
4. Rational thinking- and not base our thinking on religious dogmas and superstitions
As far as equality is concerned, it is at best an 'ideal' concept having little or no practical applicability. There is no example of perfect equality present on this Earth in the context of human civilisation. In economic sense, for instance, equality would have meant the resources available are equally distributed. This is basically a "communistic" idea in the Marxist sense. In political sense, in would have meant equal representation to various section in a heterogeneous society. In a homogeneous society, one can consider equal representation for male and female members. But, it is a fact that women parliamentarians comprises of only a certain percentage, in India it is around 10-12%.
The next best concept is of "Equity". It means those who are more backward, provide them more resources so that they can become equal to others in due course of time. This idea was considered to be of prime importance by the founding fathers of our Constitution. Hence, it finds mention in the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) of the Indian Constitution. However, at the ground level, one can very clearly see that those who are rich are able to multiply their assets at a faster pace and poor are becoming more backward and poorer. Where is equity then? The next Q that begs answers is- where is modernity?
Coming to the rise of individualistic tendencies in the society- this novel idea has been unable to stand to its aspirations and expectations. In traditional Indian society, family acted as a source of guiding light to an individual and also for providing support to prevent their alienation from the society. In the present time (I am using present and not 'modern'), there has been significant increase in cases of depression, suicide, individual-led violence etc. If not enough, our well educated individuals are finding themselves caught in the web of "social media" sites as they have very few people to talk to and share experiences as a consequence of the decline of family and community culture. The community culture is fast degrading and social media is acting as a new community. The only difference is- most of the people do not know others on social media. In some extreme cases, some people have shared their live videos of committing suicides when they fall out of any relation. Our individuals have become so weak mentally. Is this the New India we are aspiring for? Those who are expected to take the burden of the nation on their shoulders are giving life for no useful reason.
It is true that I am looking at only one side of the picture. It can be argued that many individuals have also excelled in their fields. No doubt this is true. However, why am I not focusing on them is simply because- with greater progress and prosperity, this is what is expected out of individuals. There are rising opportunities. With this there are rising problems. We are expected to resolve them. Hence, my concern is regarding those who in-stead of giving direction and shape to their youthful energy are finding it difficult to find solace in the fast and haphazardly changing society. And, I see the reason in the increasing focus on individualistic tendency sacrificing out tradition of family norms and values.
Connected to the above idea of individualism is achievement orientation. Achievement is a good idea. Everyone likes achievers. However, as an Indian, what we want to achieve? The "American Dream" focuses on having a high package and salary. Material achievement is considered as achievement in true sense in the Western Society. Undoubtedly, being a colony for 200 years under the western societal rule, we have also inherited a colonial mindset and connect material prosperity to achievement. There is nothing wrong in having material prosperity. However, the Q is at what cost are we achieving material prosperity? Mindless prosperity is certainly not modernity. WHY am I calling it mindless?
This is because, in the pursuit of gaining material, we tend to forget the basic purpose of life- a life of dignity, a peaceful life, a life of being worthy, a responsible life and being empathetic towards others. The capitalistic class rarely follow these principles. But the motive becomes profit at any cost. In this selfish motive, they forget the environmental integrity, women's dignity, Tribal's identity and above all Humanity. Not only the capitalistic class, the political class is no way less responsible for the same. Which sane society would allow a 2G to happen? Certainly not a modern society. Some people sell their aatma, dignity and conscience, for the purpose of material prosperity having influenced by western culture.
Not all is bad with the western culture though. For instance, their secular credentials are relatively better than our society. There are certain values in western society which we, as a society, have failed to borrow and follow. for eg. their humanistic values are worth emulating. Many of my friends who have visited some western nations say that people respect each other irrespective of their occupations, position in the society etc. In India, we have not succeeded on this parameter.
Sadly, we have been witnessing the degradation of human values in India and the applicability of its extreme versions of-late. Man is attaining the peak of cruelty. The recent case of Hapur Lynching in Uttar Pradesh has crossed all the boundaries of humanity. This incident was certainly not the idea of the propounders of modernity. No doubt, this can be called an exaggeration and the incident can be ignored by calling it an "isolated event". However, the brutality and the punch to the collective conscience of the society cannot be ignored.
In all of the above discussed issues, the main sufferer is the common man, the vulnerables. A smaller chunk can always find solace and protection in their shell of money, power, prestige. Hence, while modernity centres around welfare of humanity, the practice at the ground level is far away from the ideas of modernity. What do we need to so to get out of this confusion?
In my opinion, India would be doing good if it keeps intact its tradition. Tradition should not only be seen in a negative light. For that matter, even DEMOCRACY is also our tradition. In present time, there is no better form of government than this tradition. Moreover, respecting teachers, elders etc are our tradition. These values must be merged with our quest for modernity in the truest sense of the term. Blind imitation of western society will not work for us. A society has its own DNA. Naturally, it will behave and grow differently. It is important to recognize our own identity and try to strengthen it rather than simply emulating foreign values. For instance, Material prosperity should not be at the cost of humans. Ultimately we have to survive with other humans. If the poor suffers, it is a threat for the larger interest of society.
