India is Akbar Birbal and Tenali Rama: हमने कभी फर्क नहीं किया

A lot has been happening in our country over the last few weeks. There has been a lot of talk about it in every form of media available. I myself have been giving a lot of thought to the processions happening all over the country. It is a very complex and complicated issue. On the one hand, I cannot even begin to understand and comprehend the emotions of hundreds of millions of people across the world, who have their emotions invested in this and their joy on the 22nd of January and Ram Mandir. And my love to all of them. It has been a long battle, and they finally got what they had always wanted. 

In a serendipitous moment last night, while engrossed in reading Walter Isaacson's "Elon Musk," I came across a chapter about Twitter, talking about Elon Musk and Parag Agarwal. This prompted a train of thought in my mind about the millions of Indians relocating to the USA annually. I imagined a future where, perhaps, a century or two from now, people of Indian origin would constitute a significant portion of the American population. At that point, no one could argue against their presence, claiming it doesn't align with the essence of America. America, by then, would precisely be that—a dynamic melting pot shaped by the diverse backgrounds of its people. And hence came the birth of my thought, -

"Countries are not static. They do not have a defined steady state. You cannot cling to one version of a country and claim that is what it is. It is ever-changing and evolving with every new person who is born or comes into it every day."

I've found myself contemplating the idea that one cannot keep going back to India 100, 200, or 500 years ago and claim that was our natural state or equilibrium. India evolves; it always has and always will. This dynamic nature is what makes our country so unique and resilient. If we keep trying to restore to a previous version, how do we grow?

Let's take a moment to consider the Mughal invasion, a historical event that, despite being labeled an invasion, has become an inseparable part of our country and culture. The Mughal invasion, as much as it was an invasion, is a part of our country. It is a part of our culture. I mean, who hasn't grown up on the captivating stories of Akbar and Birbal, just as much as we cherish the tales of Tenali Rama. We never differentiated between the two. Both of these were a part of our pop culture growing up.

India is not what it was before the Britishers and the Mughals. Today, it is a result of a complex interplay of all the historical events, including the influence of our mighty kings. We now speak a language that is such an intricate mix of Hindi and Urd. Most of us are not even aware of what words originate from which language. Just as it is impossible to separate the two largest facets of our spoken language, similarly, it is impossible to separate the two largest factions that make up the India we know today. After all one of the most majestic monuments in the country is one made by a Mughal emperor.

In fostering a genuine appreciation for our history, we should pave the way for a more inclusive and harmonious future. Recognizing the different parts of our past helps us see how resilient our people are and how adaptable our culture can be. India's ability to absorb influences from various events has shaped a diverse tapestry that showcases our strength in unity.

As we navigate the currents of change, it becomes increasingly crucial to view India as a living entity, constantly evolving with each passing day. The essence of our nation lies not in a static image frozen in time but in the dynamic dance of traditions, languages, and stories that unfold with every new sunrise. I believe in embracing every part of our country – the good, the bad, and the transformative.

India is 2 in 1. It is as much Akbar Birbal as it is Tenali Raman.