Student here. We have got plenty of libertarians and economic right-wingers (capitalists) but "right-wing culture warriors" are almost non-existent. In my view, the left-right dichotomy itself is quite flawed.
I feel that professors should be teaching the writings of Friedman, Nozick, Rand and originalists, and encourage respectful debates, as long it doesn't get outright phony by bringing in modern-day grifters like Shapiro, Peterson etc.
Most Indian politicians are socialistic when it comes to the economy, including BJP and its parent organization RSS. Similarly, none of them are really progressive on social issues. Apart from a select few disputes like cow slaughter, UCC, CAA etc, they are virtually the clones of one another.
"Conservative" in the Indian context mostly means being an ▮▮▮.
There is a nuanced position that one can take around the principles of conservatism, and then delve into Economic Conservatism and Social Conservatism (to be very simplistic). Let's set aside Economic Conservatism, since I doubt that you are really referring to deregulation and lower taxes and less welfare spending, when you refer to Indian Conservatism.
Let's look at all the "conservative Americans" that you mentioned. The main flashpoints of the American right are gay marriage, abortion, and "traditional family values". The first two are not really meaningful political issues in India, and the third is something that the Right keeps parroting, but only in opposition to what they see as urban decadence.
So, what does Conservative in India mean? Or, what does "left liberal" or "left" or "very left" mean?
The answer will shock you.
Here's a list of things that "left liberals" are fighting for.
1. Due Process.
Treat people fairly. Treat undertrials, and those accused of heinous, anti-national, and other subversive activities, fairly. Let Kasab and Afzal Guru go through a long and detailed trial, with every honest attempt made to prove their innocence. Let the world know that India is a fair country, that weighs and balances the evidence, and assures everyone of a fair trial.
Don't throw 20 year old girls into jail for organizing protests against the government.
Don't impound passports of people because they criticize the government.
2. Opposing Majoritarianism.
Every citizen of India has the right to be treated the same by the State. everyone should have the same standards applied to them to check if they are a citizen. The same hands-off approach by the state for their religion and their language.
Don't push one "national language" on people.
Don't jail people for their food habits.
Don't withhold judgeships because "people are gay and have a foreign partner" (like our foreign minister's spouse) and hence "pose a security risk" or "will be biased for gay issues".
3. The right to dissent, be different, and not be forced into majoritarian groupthink.
Privacy, freedom of expression, and all those other nice things you studied in Constitutional Law.
Sadly, the Indian Conservative Movement has done itself no favours. They mostly harp about "ancient glories" and about some artificial idea of patriotism that they think is the right way. They are not prepared to genuinely debate or understand left liberal priorities, or convincingly articulate a reasoned and logical case for their philosophies and objectives.
I'm proud of my fellow Alum for standing up for the oppressed and the downtrodden, and for fighting for due process and the things promised in our Constitution. If "Conservatives" oppose this, we'd like to hear why.
So, coming back to the basic question. What does Indian Conservatism really mean, and why should anyone with a grain of empathy subscribe to it?
I feel that professors should be teaching the writings of Friedman, Nozick, Rand and originalists, and encourage respectful debates, as long it doesn't get outright phony by bringing in modern-day grifters like Shapiro, Peterson etc.
Most Indian politicians are socialistic when it comes to the economy, including BJP and its parent organization RSS. Similarly, none of them are really progressive on social issues. Apart from a select few disputes like cow slaughter, UCC, CAA etc, they are virtually the clones of one another.
"Conservative" in the Indian context mostly means being an ▮▮▮.
There is a nuanced position that one can take around the principles of conservatism, and then delve into Economic Conservatism and Social Conservatism (to be very simplistic). Let's set aside Economic Conservatism, since I doubt that you are really referring to deregulation and lower taxes and less welfare spending, when you refer to Indian Conservatism.
Let's look at all the "conservative Americans" that you mentioned. The main flashpoints of the American right are gay marriage, abortion, and "traditional family values". The first two are not really meaningful political issues in India, and the third is something that the Right keeps parroting, but only in opposition to what they see as urban decadence.
So, what does Conservative in India mean? Or, what does "left liberal" or "left" or "very left" mean?
The answer will shock you.
Here's a list of things that "left liberals" are fighting for.
1. Due Process.
Treat people fairly. Treat undertrials, and those accused of heinous, anti-national, and other subversive activities, fairly. Let Kasab and Afzal Guru go through a long and detailed trial, with every honest attempt made to prove their innocence. Let the world know that India is a fair country, that weighs and balances the evidence, and assures everyone of a fair trial.
Don't throw 20 year old girls into jail for organizing protests against the government.
Don't impound passports of people because they criticize the government.
2. Opposing Majoritarianism.
Every citizen of India has the right to be treated the same by the State. everyone should have the same standards applied to them to check if they are a citizen. The same hands-off approach by the state for their religion and their language.
Don't push one "national language" on people.
Don't jail people for their food habits.
Don't withhold judgeships because "people are gay and have a foreign partner" (like our foreign minister's spouse) and hence "pose a security risk" or "will be biased for gay issues".
3. The right to dissent, be different, and not be forced into majoritarian groupthink.
Privacy, freedom of expression, and all those other nice things you studied in Constitutional Law.
Sadly, the Indian Conservative Movement has done itself no favours. They mostly harp about "ancient glories" and about some artificial idea of patriotism that they think is the right way. They are not prepared to genuinely debate or understand left liberal priorities, or convincingly articulate a reasoned and logical case for their philosophies and objectives.
I'm proud of my fellow Alum for standing up for the oppressed and the downtrodden, and for fighting for due process and the things promised in our Constitution. If "Conservatives" oppose this, we'd like to hear why.
So, coming back to the basic question. What does Indian Conservatism really mean, and why should anyone with a grain of empathy subscribe to it?