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It’s a confused world we live in
where lessons go unheeded
and something is made of independence
of a nation whose peoples
indicate more a striving for independence
of the individual man.
India's independence coterminous with
partition went through its tragic motions;
but time has proved its efficacy
if only in the coherence
of a home nation identity
exploited by the few for their own ends.
A spate of independent nations sprung
up since, and plenty more (like Manipur)
in waiting; but isn't that the all
of being human,
a home nation identity?
A home nation identity that yet admits
Indians, Pakistanis, Israelis, Africans et al
to decamp and dwell abroad, to become
citizens of the West, partaking
of its opportunities, rights, and liberties,
transferring home loyalties.
With millions of expats abroad,
is it not prophetic of
the independence of the individual?
The team name, mankind, it
manifestly is in principle, compromised
by exclusivity in nations.
Nationhood today surely is less to do with
difference, but to do with responsibility
for the humanity in its care, a thing
which strives for greater unity,
and places this above all concerns,
to make of mankind an entity. |
