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Intelligence Squared

Nationalism and the Battle for India’s Soul, with Shashi Tharoor

Intelligence Squared

Intelligence Squared

News Commentary, Arts, News, Society & Culture

4.21.2K Ratings

🗓️ 30 November 2021

⏱️ 58 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his BJP party came to power in 2014, India has seen an increase in Hindu nationalism and a rise in hostility towards the Muslim minority population. Politician and writer Shashi Tharoor believes the country is at a crossroads. His recently published book, The Struggle for India’s Soul, looks at the political direction of the world’s second most populous nation, which he contends is splitting into two opposing factions: ethno-religious nationalists and liberal civic nationalists. If the ethno-religious nationalists prevail, he says, millions of non-Hindus would be stripped of their identity. Tharoor joins historian, author and broadcaster Rana Mitter to discuss the book and what lies ahead for India. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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You're listening to Intelligent Squared.

1:01.5

Today we hear from politician and writer Shashi Thuru about the rise of nationalism

1:05.5

in India and around the world, and his recent new book, The Battle for India's Soul.

1:09.5

Here's Ranamitra with more.

1:11.5

I'm very excited to be hosting this Intelligent Squared Plus event with our guest tonight, Shashi Thuru.

1:17.5

And Shashi is extremely well known as one of the most prominent public intellectuals in India,

1:22.0

and indeed at a global level. He's a politician, he's a writer, he's a former diplomat,

1:26.5

and he has been a member of the Indian Parliament for the Congress Party since 2009.

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