Faith in an invisible power by Dinika Soni

FAITH IN AN

INVISIBLE POWER

CONTENTS Preface 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.

Systems Thinking My approach Initial Questions National Identity for India A guiding Star Who am I? What am I really about? Framing Question Exploring Forces Nature of Indian Culture Hindu view of life India, Bharat & Hindustan Sub-nationalism & Multiple Identities Discovering the Deep Structure Building the map Conclusion Bibliography

2 4 6 8 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34

I am a young design learner from MIT Institute of Design, Pune, India. Faith in an Invisible Power is a compilation of my understanding of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Building a National Identityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for India through systems thinking. These essays were written and complied over the last 5 weeks where the first few talk about the course and my take on systems thinking and the rest describe some potential topics of my process. I have tried to adapt to the Systems Practice methodology by The Omidyar Group for this topic. This booklet contains my thoughts and those of other renowned individuals who have heavily influenced my journey.

Dinika Soni 28.11.17

SYSTEMS THINKING Systems Practice provides a method to push beyond the immediate problems to see the underlying patterns, the ways we may leverage the system, and how we can learn and adapt as the system continues to change. It doesn’t make these challenges any less complex, but it gives us a way to embrace that complexity and work toward a healthier system. A systems practice helps answer three basic questions: • How does the environment within which you work operate as a complex, dynamic system? • How will your strategy engage the system in order to have highly leveraged impact? • How will you test your assumptions and hypotheses so you can learn and adapt effectively?

MY APPROACH There are plenty of problems that can be resolved through satisfyingly straightforward action. But there also many conundrums that are frustrating and intractable, despite our best efforts. These complex and dynamic challenges that have a web of interconnected elements, need a different approach. My approach towards systems thinking was governed by a methodology where I chose to first understand the system (interconnected systems) they way they are. I kept the following points in mind throughout my journey: • To creating a healthy system, not only accomplish goals. • Seeing patterns, not just problems • Plan to adapt • To unlock the forces in the system that will cause it to change by itself and produce healthier outcomes

INITIAL QUESTIONS 1. Why are we Maharashtrians, Gujaratis and Punjabis but not Indians? 2. What is the impact of this kind of divide? 3. Are the citizens of India divided on the grounds of ethnicity? 4. How can we have a forward-looking national idea based on identity? 5. What will be India’s new identity in this changing world? 6. What is our sense of ‘us’? 7. What do I want to do by inducing a feeling of nationalism? 8. Can we answer the question of peaceful co-existence in this era?

NATIONAL IDENTITY FOR INDIA Indian civilization is distinguished from other civilizations of the world in respect of its continuity and heterogeneity, its accommodating ethos and its composite character. The process of adaptation and interaction among the various groups brought about, on the one hand, India’s characteristic diversity and, on the other, a composite cultural tradition. The composite fabric of Indian civilization has been woven with strands and shades of varying textures and colors. By virtue of its characteristic pluralism and its continuously evolving synthesis, India represents a nation in the making, a nation which is continuously unfolding its civilizational potentialities. This view is reflected in a statement of Jawaharlal Nehru to the effect that Indianness is a matter of feeling, a dream, a vision, and an emotion. “It is only when you meet someone of a different culture from yourself that you begin to realize what your own beliefs really are.” - George Orwell National identity, like other social identities, engenders positive emotions such as pride and love to one’s nation, and feeling of obligations toward other citizens. People with identification of their nation view national beliefs and values as personally meaningful, and translate these beliefs and values into daily practices. Human being is a ‘zoon politikon’ in the old Aristotelian sense — a social being who finds his identity within a community. The nation is precisely that kind of a human community constructed in contingent historical circumstances. A national identity/association/ affiliation with certain communities and groups is a key component of our individual identity.

Quoting Shashi Tharoor’s writings as published in the guardian, “India’s national identity has long been built on the slogan “unity in diversity”. If caste and language complicate the notion of Indian identity, ethnicity makes it worse. Most of the time, an Indian’s name immediately reveals where he is from or what her mother-tongue is: when we introduce ourselves, we are advertising our origins. The difference this reflects is often more apparent than the elements of commonality. A Karnataka Brahmin shares his Hindu faith with a Bihari Kurmi, but they share little identity with each other in respect of their dress, customs, appearance, taste, language or even, these days, their political objectives. At the same time, a Tamil Hindu would feel he has much more in common with a Tamil Christian or a Tamil Muslim than with, say, a Jat from the state of Haryana with whom he formally shares the Hindu religion. Indian nationalism has therefore always been the nationalism of an idea. It is the idea of an everever land - emerging from an ancient civilization, united by a shared history, sustained by pluralist democracy. India’s democracy imposes no narrow conformities on its citizens. The whole point of Indian pluralism is you can be many things and one thing: you can be a good Muslim, a good Keralite and a good Indian all at once. In India we celebrate the commonality of major differences.”

A GUIDING STAR Instead of aspiring for a concrete end state, the goal should be a healthier state of the system. A â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;guiding starâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is a vision that is framed as the desired future system toward which your team is working. It will serve as a navigational tool for the long haul as your team impacts the system and adapts over time. Building a national identity for India which considers the composite heritage of our country. A humane vision of integration that takes account of the due cognizance of Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pluralistic ethos, hence strengthening the interlinkages among people at grass root levels.

WHO AM I? WHAT AM I REALLY ABOUT? I conducted a basic research to understand society’s collective identities, aspirations and hopes. I asked people to describe themselves, describe what they believe as Indian or not Indian. This helped me get a brief idea of how people perceive themselves and what their feelings are towards their nation.

“Culture defines India.” “Traveling within the country and meeting new people gave me a different perspective on India and people.” “Being Indian - doing things in an unconventional way.” “There is something that makes me feel Indian.” “India is my home.” “India is a place where our emotions are respected.” “India is an ethnological museum.”

FRAMING QUESTION A framing question helped me focus on understanding the system I am going to analyze and ultimately affect. I started by asking, “What are the forces that cause the current condition?”, “Why is the system the way that it is?” I focused on describing the system as it currently exists, in a holistic and dynamic fashion, but not too broadly so that the resulting map can be used to develop a strategy. What forces account for the current divide in India caused due to social diversity?

EXPLORING FORCES Various forces that cause the system to behave the way it is were looked at. The focus was to surface the core forces that are keeping the system unhealthy (inhibitors) as well as the forces that can nudge it toward a healthier state (enablers), which were then prioritized and grouped into themes.

HISTORY Indian history follows a continuous process of reinvention that can eventually prove elusive for those seeking to grasp its essential character. The history of this astonishing sub continent dates back to five thousand years ago, when the inhabitants of the Indus Valley Civilization had developed an urban culture based on commerce and sustained by agricultural trade. Persians, Greeks, Chinese nomads, Arabs, Portuguese, British and many others - the list of invaders who ruled India is long. Amongst the world’s oldest, richest and most diverse cultures, India’s unique ethos is rooted in its ethnic, cultural and religious diversity. Across the time-line there are various civilizations that have contributed to our culture and civilization. Studying these events helped me gain a deep understanding of our history and how it has shaped the present day India.

NATIONAL LEADERS Many individuals have influenced the growth and perception of India as a nation. They have played an active role in uniting the country by their own means. • • • • • • •

• • • • •

Mahatma Gandhi - merging spiritualism and social elements Nehru - Tolerance of heterodoxy. Indian nationalism has always been the nationalism of an idea. Rabindranath Tagore - synthesis of religions, making a inclusionary form on Indian identity Akbar - ‘follow the path of reason’ Ashoka - peace, unity and non-violence Dr.Radhakrishnan - Hindu way of life, understanding the true nature of Indian culture Swami Vivekananda - Every system of philosophy in India is a quest for Truth, which is one and the same, always and everywhere. The modes of approach differ, logic varies, but the purpose remains the same – trying to reach that Truth. Subhash Chandra Bose - ‘Equal opportunities should be thrown open to all irrespective of caste or creed.’ Chandragupta Maurya - Peace and nonviolence. Satyajit ray - Retaining individuality, yet having a amalgamation of different cultures Shashi Tharoor - Plural nation, where diversity is as natural as sunshine Amish - ‘Nations’ did not exist as political units, but as cultural entities.

SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS Religion played an important part in the lives of the Indians from the earliest times. Religious ideas, thoughts and practices differed among these groups, and transformations and developments took place in the various religious forms in course of time. Throughout the course of history there have been several social institutions that have influenced our culture in many ways. Several religious and non-religious movements have had a great impact on our customs, traditions and way of life.

EDUCATION Education is a learning experience. But learning takes place at all times in oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. However, whereas some other learning experiences could be of a random or accidental nature, an educational experience is usually a deliberate and pre-designed program with the purpose of affecting certain pre-determined behavioral changes in an individual. All through our schooling we study history as a major subject. Schools have mainly focused on our independence and how we were invaded by other civilizations; in turn glorifying the idea of India. Although knowing about our countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s past is important but it also shapes the way we perceive it and the people around us.

POLITICS Indian Politics refers to the activities of the political parties associated with the governance and administration of India at every level, viz. National, state, district and panchayat level. Mahatma Gandhi stated about the place of ethics in politics. He told that politics without ethics and principles were not desirable. The principles are the moral principles. According to his philosophy political, life should be governed by truth, morality and self-purification. Gandhiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s politics were bound up with truth and non-violence. He also expressed that â&#x20AC;&#x153;For me there is no politics without religion, not the religion of the superstitions or the blind religion that hates and fights, but the universal religion of tolerationâ&#x20AC;?.

TRENDS In the modern context, there are at least three significant influences on our culture. They are westernization, emergent national cultural styles and popular culture.

CUISINE Indian food is one of the tastiest and subtlest in the world. There is no homogeneity of flavor between North and South or East and West but rather, a wealth of flavors that is simply staggering. Culinary diversity is one of India’s treasures. Every region had its own set of unique dishes when these dishes were invaded by explorers, conquerors and invaders, they became more diverse and unique having the blend of all those involved. Sub-regional micro-climatic differences within a states and traditional culinary practices of countless communities, reflect that our cuisines are also a resplendent celebration of our pluralism.

GEOGRAPHY Geography of India has affected the course of her history and culture in several ways. The spirit of tolerance has been nurtured and fostered both, directly and indirectly by Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s geography. This has prepared in the mind a readiness to accept difference. The geography of India explains the fundamental basis of Indian culture, unity amidst diversity.

ART/MUSIC/LITERATURE India has one of the world’s largest collections of songs, music, dance, theatre, folk traditions, performing arts, rites and rituals, paintings and writings that are known, as the ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ (ICH) of humanity. The origin of Indian art can be traced to prehistoric Hominid settlements in the 3rd millennium BC. On its way to modern times, Indian art has had cultural influences, as well as religious influences such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam. In spite of this complex mixture of religious traditions, generally, the prevailing artistic style at any time and place has been shared by the major religious groups.

LANGUAGES India has become a land of many tongues and has been called “as a tower of veritable languages” or a “Museum of languages”. In 1950, the States in India were reorganized on linguistic basis. As a result, the domiciles of a particular state speak a particular language. The Constitution of India has approved of 22 languages. This multilingual nature of the country affects every aspect of her national life.

CUSTOMS From the times of Mauryas, Cholas and Mughals to the period of British Empire, India has always been famous for its traditions and hospitality. The canvas of India’s culture is vast and has hues and vibrancy of all sorts. “Unity in diversity” - these are not just words, but something that are highly applicable to a country like India that is incredibly rich in culture and heritage.

SOFT POWER India’s culture, heritage and its pluralism are its strengths. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is perhaps the most recent Indian leader who often talks about India’s soft power. It is clear that all expressions of Indian soft power – spiritualism, cinema, literature, cricket, Ayurveda, handicrafts and tourism need to be exploited. Bollywood at the moment is promoting India’s soft power in the world. What does this mean for India? It means giving attention, encouragement and active support to the aspects and products of our society that the world would find attractive not in order directly to persuade others to support India, but rather to enhance our country’s intangible standing in their eyes.

NATURE OF INDIAN CULTURE Since India has been a melting pot of cultures for a millennial now, which one can we call “our culture”? Culture - It is a set of life values (cherished and practiced) in tune with the ‘truth’ (or one’s perception of it). Our personal and social conduct is an output and manifestation of our culture. The composite and dynamic structure of the Indian culture is a result of the rich contributions of many diverse cultural groups over a long period of time. Hence our culture can be described as being multifaceted, tolerant, ever changing, united and a wonderful amalgamation of materialism and spirituality.

HINDU VIEW OF LIFE The following are the characteristics of Vedic or Hindu culture: •

Hindu culture is not something fixed, static, unchanging, but is constantly developing, adapting itself to changing conditions, assimilating new ideas, responding to fresh challenges.

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An important feature of Hindu culture is its catholicity, its tolerance of doctrinal differences, its liberal approach to the problems of knowledge and truth.

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Hinduism is essentially spiritual and ethical.

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It does not regard the acquisition of wealth or the enjoyment of senses as the principal aim of life. The real aims are righteousness and spiritual freedom.

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The greatest end of life is the achievement of spiritual perfection—a state in which man’s ego is dissolved and he identifies himself with all beings of the universe regardless of sex, race, religion or nationality, a state in which he neither is above pleasure and pain, neither elated by success nor depressed by failures.

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Man should always be guided in his actions by “Dharma” or moral principles and by duty.

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Hinduism envisages the organization of social life in four castes and four stages or ashrams.

INDIA, BHARAT & HINDUSTAN On September 18, 1949, the Constituent Assembly deliberated upon various names for the yet to be born Indian nation – ‘Bharat’, ‘Hindustan’, ‘Hind’, ‘Bharatbhumi’, ‘Bharatvarsh’. Ultimately, Article 1(1) of the Constitution of India became the official and the only provision on the naming of the nation, stating, “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.” Thus, the Constitution equates ‘India’ with ‘Bharat’, in meaning, language being the only technical differentiator. But their connotations do ignite varied feelings within Indian citizens. Shweta Chopra in her article in Youth ki Awaaz clearly highlights how ‘India’, ‘Bharat’ and ‘Hindustan’ mean differently to people. As the Persian ‘Hindustan’ has now become the Hindu religious identity, ‘Bharat’ is a nation where Hindus feel some sense of identification and belonging, this can be inferred from the importance of slogans like ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ for the Hindus participating in the freedom struggle and ‘India’ refers only to the modern, more urban parts of India. Still, for many, particularly those belonging to younger generations, ‘India’ is simply the same as ‘Bharat’ or ‘Hindustan’. It is inclusive of everything that is India. This diversity in connotations derived from the same term highlights the thoughtfulness of the decision to have more than one official name for this country. It acknowledges the existence of diversity, the harmonious diversity of ‘Bha-Ra-Tha’. They evoke different sentiments in different people. However ultimately, they are all India. They are India, in the glory of all their differences, and are India in the glory of all that they have in common.

SUB-NATIONALISM & MULTIPLE IDENTITIES It is a condition of mind, feeling, or sentiment of a group of people living in a well-defined- geographical area, speaking a common language, and possessing aspirations for a nation. Sub nationalism in the context of India as seen in Karnataka can be defined as the aspirations of a particular community within a nation to express their identity in different forms rather than only being Indian. It allows them to represent the interests of their state or province as separate from the nation’s collective interests. As much as it is a matter of pride it also remains a matter of concern when regional aspirations become too strong. The challenge before the world is to channel the forces driving sub-nationalism in a constructive direction, in the direction of freedom and self-determination.

DISCOVERING THE DEEP STRUCTURE The deep structure serves as the anchor point for most of the loops on the systems map. This emerges through stepping back to look at all the loops created, noticing the most important and repeating elements (e.g., factors, causal relationships, even loops as a whole) as well as the relationships between the loops.

BUILDING THE MAP Understanding and mapping the system is a powerful tool to visualize the current system in a way that helps identify opportunities for having the most impact. The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;deep structureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; served as the essence of the map. It was built by noticing the most important and repeating elements (e.g., factors, causal relationships, even loops as a whole) as well as the relationships between smaller loops. Hence, the core story of the map is: India has been at a constant state of evolution. Every aspect of culture adopted from others has added a new dimension to our existence. External winds have and will bring in some things of significance and probably blow away some of less value. But our diversity, and our values have always helped us sustain through it.

CONCLUSION “Indian culture is not unique and no single religion, caste, region, language, or ideology has monopoly over it. We have enough divisions to be exploited by narrow-minded politicians and chauvinistic caste, regional, ideological and religious leaders. We have leaders and individuals who want to cash on our divisions and no one attempts to integrate us emotionally. Still we are able to survive as one nation is surprising. May be there is an underlying unifying culture which is Indian and not specifically of any single religion, caste, language, region, or ideology and is spiritual in essence.” Systems thinking has helped me gain better understanding of this topic. My attempt was to build system where India embraces its ethnic diversity - uses it for the growth of the nation. Which in turn develops a sense of belonging towards our nation as well as our culture. Considering the vastness of this topic, I have tried to capture the essence of the current system and it’s interdependencies. The next step would be to find leverage and then identify the most promising ways to potentially shift the system to a healthier state. I would like to translate “you can be many things and one thing, this is the beauty of being an Indian” into a potential deliverable as a designer.

“We have created India; now all we need to do is to create Indians.” - Shashi Tharoor

BIBLIOGRAPHY •

Shashi Tharoor. The guardian, August 15, 2007.

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Amartya Sen. The Argumentative Indian.

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Amish. Immortal India.

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Krishna Mohan Shrimali. The formation of religious identities in India.

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_identity_theory

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Insights IAS

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Shweta Chopra. Youth ki Awaaz. May 24, 2017.

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http://www.shashitharoor.in/

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https://blog.oup.com/2015/09/how-define-national-identity/

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Mathew Idiculla. The Hindu. September 14, 2017.

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A.R. Venkatachalapathy, Nand Kishore Pandey, G.N. Devy. The Hindu. May 19, 2017.

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_identity

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A. R. Momin. Cultural Pluralism, National Identity and Development.

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Ricardo Hausmann. World Economic Forum. July 01, 2016.

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https://www.britannica.com/topic/Din-i-Ilahi

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http://digvijayibharata.blogspot.in/

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Ernest Renan. March 11, 1882. Qu’est-ce qu’une nation?

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Systems Practice online course. The Omidyar Group

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Armando Barucco. 2007. National Identity in the Age of Globalization.