Virendra's Blog

Just read an article on ToI about the India – Pakistan World Cup cricket match (held on 30-Mar-2011)(http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Faultline-in-Kashmir-makes-people-root-for-Afridi-and-vote-in-polls/articleshow/7843182.cms). It talked about how, Kashmiris supported Pakistani team, how they rooted for Afridi and “Men in Green” and how it united all Kashmiris (for once).
Given the reputation of ToI is earning these days (of publishing sensational news with little to do with journalism), it was a great news to read. Cricket after all has been a uniting factor in India. And our scales to measure patriotism include this game. But let’s think in a different way (yes, go ahead and shoot me for doing so). India is a democracy and free country. Last time, I checked India was not Pakistan. So if some body wants to support Pakistan in cricket or Brazil in football or if some one prefers Federer over Bopanna (Bopanna! Who?), let them. We do not mind British of Indian origin supporting our players against British players in cricket, in Wimbledon or in All England. In fact we feel so proud that we are getting supports from our sons, although these sons gave up their mother(land) for good income and better lives years back. The British or Americans do not care if they are supporting other teams. Why should we mind about Kashmiris? And any way, let’s be frank, Indians in large and our government in particular have never done anything to make marginalised people feel as Indians. Go to North East India, Kashmir or all the areas where Naxals are dominant – all have grudges against our government and this is one of the way for venting out their anger. At least they are not blocking the rails or burning buses like many of patriotic groups in India do (read Jats/Gujjars abducting India for free jobs and college seats). It is pity to question patriotism based on some body’s choice of his favourite cricket team. And if you want Indian-ness, accept that India means too many voices and too many cultures living together. Your or mine culture is not India.BTW during the same time, Indian football team was playing for AFC Challenger Cup (and qualifying), Saina had won Swiss Open Grand Prix, Paes-Bhupati (or Indian Express) were in finals of Miami Open and Force India won two points in Australian Formula 1.