As the news began filtering in about the BJP and NDA not having as many numbers as we had been expecting and the Ayodhya results that shocked us all, the WhatsApp groups of Modi supporters erupted into accusations and laments, self-flagellation as some sections are often wont to do. 

"Hindus are their own worst enemies." 
"Hindus stab Hindus in the back.” 
"Hindus sell themselves for a few rupees." 
"Hindus this, Hindus that!" 

Amidst the blame game, devoid of substantiated reasons, facts or data, we found ourselves in a state of self-inflicted embarrassment.

Let's reflect for a moment. It's merely a decade, or generously speaking, fifteen years since the Hindus began their journey of consolidation. Undoubtedly, there's a long road ahead, but the journey has commenced. 

We were divided by our colonisers, our differences highlighted, our commonalities ignored, and thereafter by the Congress who followed the same playbook to the letter. 

It was to their advantage that they broke us up into manageable pieces, leaving us to scavenge morsels, pleading for reservations. Even once-proud communities were reduced to vying for reserved slots, a stark reminder of our fractured existence.

In the present, amid soaring national aspirations, what does Rahul Gandhi offer? A caste census!

Instead of fostering unity, he perpetuates age-old schisms, for nothing unnerves them more than a consolidated Hindu vote. 

The Congress as we know has fine-tuned into an art, catering to 15% of the population, peddling obscurantism, illiteracy, ghettoization, and archaic personal laws. It's a convenient formula: easy work, easy money, easy power.

Our repeated descent into self-blame only serves to reinforce their stratagem. This isn't how we wage a protracted battle, a civilisational struggle. No army can prevail when plagued by self-doubt and worse, suspicion.

Over the past decade, my observation has been clear: our propensity to yield too easily, to shift blame, especially onto our own. 

On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), even prominent voices question, 

"What have we done to you?" 
“We have never done this; we didn’t do that...”
“Why?”

The irony palpable, perhaps the answer is in the question!

We mock the Muslim victimhood card, which they pull out at the slightest excuse, but we are not far behind. The only difference is they rarely question themselves whereas we only question ourselves.

Them: “Hai! You provoked us to kill you! And then you made it worse by defending yourself!”

Us: “But what did we do? We do nothing except blame ourselves!”

Yes, introspection and self-questioning are important in every community and society, but certainly not to the point that it paralyses you to jellyfish level.

Fortunately, a renaissance is underway. 

In the past decade, we've rediscovered our valour, celebrated our heroes, and embraced our resilience. This awakening instills pride and unity, exemplified by the ascent of Narendra Modi. It's a lesson we must cherish, safeguard, and not forsake or fall apart in moments of vulnerability.

******

Reflecting on the Henderson-Brooks Report of 1962, which squarely blamed the political class for India's humiliation, we find a crucial lesson. While acknowledging defeats is essential, dwelling on them cripples. The Indian army exemplified this shift post-1962, addressing deficiencies in training and equipment. Subsequently, it not only triumphed in four wars against Pakistan but also delivered a resounding response to China at Nathu La in 1967-68, a chapter often overlooked.

My limited point is that to constantly remember where you were defeated debilitates you. But to learn from it and fight back makes you a victor!

Remember, we are one, we will consolidate as one. We can only win as one. Whatever it takes!

Image source: Mint