2 thoughts on “10400319_1743589142529296_9054995636972259855_n”
Bhraat mata is a double metaphor, the nation picturised as a mother, and the mother perhaps denoting a goddess.
I do not like even the first word-picture, because once you force the mother image on the country, all the trappings ensue. You, as the child of the mother have to respect (okay), obey (not so okay), cannot disagree (not at all okay), and cannot hold your own opinions – this based on how Indian children are expected to be with their parents.
Thanks, but no thanks. I’d rather NOT think or speak of my country as my mother.
There was a time Indians did say Bharat Mata, Vande mataram and so on. Fine, I study it, reflect on it – and REJECT the idea, for myself. I love India, will stay here, work here – but will not think of India as my mother.
I’m not even going near the second part of the metaphor!!
I am also critical of the term Bharat Mata because it genders the body politic at the expense of subjugating the voices of actual ‘matas’ or mothers/women. I will not chant the slogan because: 1. It has got absolutely nothing to do with my Indian-ness 2. I will NOT be dictated to by members of any group, and 3. Because I will not try to stop or to force anybody who wishes to chant any slogan that emotionally resonates with him/her.
KAFILA - COLLECTIVE EXPLORATIONS SINCE 2006 
Bhraat mata is a double metaphor, the nation picturised as a mother, and the mother perhaps denoting a goddess.
I do not like even the first word-picture, because once you force the mother image on the country, all the trappings ensue. You, as the child of the mother have to respect (okay), obey (not so okay), cannot disagree (not at all okay), and cannot hold your own opinions – this based on how Indian children are expected to be with their parents.
Thanks, but no thanks. I’d rather NOT think or speak of my country as my mother.
There was a time Indians did say Bharat Mata, Vande mataram and so on. Fine, I study it, reflect on it – and REJECT the idea, for myself. I love India, will stay here, work here – but will not think of India as my mother.
I’m not even going near the second part of the metaphor!!
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I am also critical of the term Bharat Mata because it genders the body politic at the expense of subjugating the voices of actual ‘matas’ or mothers/women. I will not chant the slogan because: 1. It has got absolutely nothing to do with my Indian-ness 2. I will NOT be dictated to by members of any group, and 3. Because I will not try to stop or to force anybody who wishes to chant any slogan that emotionally resonates with him/her.
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