The Lost Era Of Secularism: A.B. Bardhan’s Speech Voices Criticism

A B Bardhan, who was a member of the Communist Party of India, a freedom fighter and an exceptional orator, articulates one of the dilemmas of our country in the 21st century — secularism.

This speech has been taken from the film Ram Ke Naam by Anand Patwardhan who is known for his cultural, socio-political, and human rights-centred documentaries. This particular clip showcases the breadth of Bardhan’s words at a rally in Patna where he talks about a tolerant India and not a torn one. He refers to the freedom struggle, the Ramayana, and the issues of our country and conveys it with an honest furore and tenacity whilst critiquing the trajectory our country has been taking. “If India is a secular state today, it is because of the 85% Hindus who live in this country. But neither Mahatma Gandhi nor Jawaharlal Nehru nor the hundreds of martyrs who climbed the gallows for independence, not one of them gave their lives for a Hindu nation, don’t forget that,” asserts Bardhan.

A critical piece of film for anyone who wants to historically place the narrative of the politic of new-age India, this clip is a must-watch.

Watch the video below.

If you liked this article we suggest you read:

A Varied List Of 7 Books About Indian Elections And Politics

Artists Who Challenged The Status Quo With Their Politically Charged Songs

Political Art Inspired By Rohith Vemula’s Suicide Note Appears On Mumbai’s Streets