CHANDIGARH: There was no concept of secularism in the Indian Constitution originally, claimed senior RSS ideologue Desh Ratan Nigam, adding that it entered through back door into the Indian Constitution in 1976 during the Emergency.

Nigam, who is also a lawyer, also said that the terms like “hyper nationalism and jingoism are western cultures to make us feel apologetic to our own ancient culture”.

Nigam was expressing his view during a panel discussion on ‘Jingoism and Hyper Nationalism - An Indian Perspective’ during the second day of ongoing Military Literature Festival. Other panelists included firebrand

(TMC) MP

. Veteran journalist

moderated the panel discussion in a jampacked hall.

Explaining the concept, Mohua said that hyper nationalism was basically an attempt to create an enemy in a way to use that artificial enemy to justify fascism and religious fundamentalism to cut out the critical voice. “Nationalism today is used to justify any action. I do not think nationalism is needed, we need patriotism. Indian ethos is all about moderation not given to excesses and will certainly endure the present onslaught by communal forces. Aggressive dependence on religion demonstrates abject failure of ruling class on all major fronts,” she said, rejecting the idea of nationalism being thrust upon by the Centre.

Quoting Rabindranath Tagore, Mohua added that any nationalism which “teaches me to treat my nation above God is not acceptable to me”.

During the discussions, RSS ideologue Nigam said that concept of nationalism can also be found in fundamental duties provided under Article 51A of the Indian Constitution that asks everyone to protect the national culture and heritage. He advocated to enforce the provisions of the Article. During discussions, he, however, accepted that concept of nationalism was being misused by some vested interests who were using it for their political gains.

The stimulating session witnessed many impassioned exchanges with both the panelists holding their ground keeping the fully packed hall on the edge of their seats. Earlier, while initiating the discussion, Tully said the whole world was witnessing rising tide of nationalism, which had the potential of being misused for political gains.

‘Real 56 inch will bring growth back’

Taking a jibe on Prime Minister

, TMC MP Mahua Moitra said that real 56 inch would be bringing the GDP of the country back on track. Referring to the 2019 parliamentary elections in

, she said that the last election was like a carpet bomb and her party did not know from where the ammunition was coming to attack them. “We even did not know how to combat, whether it was money or muscle power of campaign on social media, but they continue to stand against them,” she added hinting at BJP harassing her party in West Bengal.