India’s intellectual surrender

Once revered as the conscience of Indian democracy, the intellectual class—particularly left-leaning artists and thinkers—has fallen from grace, giving in to the very jingoism they once battled. Javed Akhtar, a name once synonymous with poetic resistance and cross-border harmony, now appears to spew venom masked as nationalism. His descent into bitterness mirrors a broader intellectual collapse where former critics of power are either conveniently silent or actively echoing the rhetoric of the ruling BJP. The same voices that once stood tall against communalism and state overreach now toe the government line, exchanging principles for popularity or perhaps safety. Bollywood, once a beacon of shared subcontinental culture, has also been swept into this ideological tide, slowly painting Muslims as villains and glorifying uncritical nationalism, while dissent is seen as treason.

What we are witnessing isn’t merely a political tilt; it’s a wholesale cultural retreat. The transformation is so deeply rooted that even artists, once society’s conscience, have been reduced to megaphones of state propaganda. Pakistan, despite its own complications, still finds value in Indian artistic output, even if it’s laced with hostility. But from across the border, there’s a thunderous silence—not forced, but chosen. This silence isn’t just disheartening; it’s a betrayal of the very ideals that once made India’s intellectuals admirable. For those who once held them in high esteem, the fall has been jarring, leaving behind a bitter aftertaste of disillusionment and a void where vibrant dialogue once thrived.

Overview:

The article reflects on the intellectual and cultural regression of India’s liberal class, particularly highlighting the transformation of influential figures like Javed Akhtar. It explores how the Indian artistic and intellectual space has shifted under BJP’s ideological dominance, turning once-critical voices into passive or complicit ones.

NOTES:

The article provides an in-depth analysis of the ideological and cultural transformation occurring in India, which can be critically analyzed for understanding the broader South Asian political landscape. It reflects how the rise of Hindu nationalism under the BJP has influenced not just politics but also the cultural and intellectual fabric of Indian society. Key themes such as media manipulation, artistic censorship, ideological conformity, and the suppression of dissenting voices offer insight into how soft power tools are used for political reinforcement. This discussion is essential for understanding the mechanics of narrative control and the erosion of democratic values in a neighboring state, which indirectly shapes regional diplomatic behavior.  it is a case study to discuss how nationalism can influence cultural diplomacy, and how intellectual voices either resist or submit to political pressures in conflict-prone democracies.

Related CSS Syllabus Topics:

• Pakistan Affairs: India-Pakistan relations and cultural diplomacy
• International Relations: Role of media and culture in international perception
• Current Affairs: Rise of nationalism and populism in South Asia
• Political Science: Intellectual freedom vs ideological conformity

Notes for Beginners:

This article explains how some famous Indian intellectuals have changed their stance over time. For instance, Javed Akhtar, who used to promote peace, now often criticizes Pakistan, sounding similar to nationalist politicians. It also says Bollywood films increasingly show Muslims as villains. Under Prime Minister Modi’s BJP, ideas of Hindu nationalism have spread widely in media, education, and culture. The article compares this with Pakistan, where despite political issues, many still respect Indian movies and poetry, showing openness to dialogue. This change in India’s cultural scene raises questions about freedom of thought and the role of artists in society.

Facts and Figures:

• BJP has ruled India since 2014, promoting Hindu nationalist ideology
• Bollywood is one of the largest film industries in the world, influencing millions
• Javed Akhtar has been awarded multiple literary awards and was once a cultural icon in Pakistan as well

To wrap up, This article is a sobering reflection on the intellectual decay gripping India’s once-vibrant liberal space. It acts as a cautionary tale for any society where artists and thinkers choose silence over truth, comfort over conscience. For Pakistanis, it’s a moment to reflect not only on the shifting tides across the border but also on the importance of holding fast to principles, no matter how strong the wind blows.