The British had a phrase for their strategy in Afghanistan in the 19th Century during the time of the 'Great Game'. They called it 'Masterly Inactivity'
There are many other phrases that express similar sentiments. The thought is not new. It centres around the view that active intervention is not always the best policy. The Indian Government has, of course, mastered the art perfectly. The only question is whether it is by accident or by design.
There are several good examples of the great Indian art of 'taloing' if I might use a Hinglish expression. In the '60s, the Indian Government had sparked violent protests in South India because of their insistence on the primacy of Hindi. There was deep and widespread dissatisfaction in South India and for a while it looked as if the policy could actually lead to secession (or something close to it). Fortunately the Government backed off under pressure and gradually the threat abated. In the interim years great changes have occurred. There is far greater social mobility these days, communications have improved to an unimaginable extent and most of all the universal appeal of Bollywood has led to a revolution of sorts. On a recent visit to rural Tamil Nadu, the changes were apparent. Most of the younger women and girls were dressed in salwar kameez and almost everyone spoke a smattering of Hindi. A good example of 'Benign Neglect' if I ever saw one!
A related concept is of 'Time the great Healer'. In the '90s, the Khalistan problem in Punjab looked like spinning out of control. Here again, the Government chose to view it as a law and order problem rather than a significant political statement. I feel that that approach was beneficial in the long run. By containing the violence and the rhetoric, the core of the movement eventually fizzled out. Over time the immediacy and anguish also fade. This is not to minimise the horrific actions that occurred as a fall out of the Khalistan movement but only to comment on a strategy that knowingly or otherwise was adopted by the Indian Government. The fact that it does not always work is exemplified by Kashmir where the fire of militancy is stoked by external elements. I have a strong feeling that left to themselves the valley would have settled down and integrated better with the Indian mainstream. Indeed the North East is a case in point. Today there are literally thousands of North Eastern youngsters who study, live and work in all parts of India even in the smaller cities. This interaction ultimately leads to better understanding and a softening of attitudes.
In the main, the aggregate behaviour of any population is not extreme. By definition, extremist elements get weeded out and what remains is the moderate majority. Their views may get coloured by extraneous factors as in the case of Kashmir but eventually pacifist and middle of the road behavior will win through. In our pluralistic, chaotic country where the idea of democracy is only 60 years old a pacifist non-confrontational approach is indeed the best. If this is perceived to be an overly optimistic view about Indian governance so be it. As I said earlier, whether by accident or design, our rulers have stumbled upon the happy mean.
Check out my book - Journey to the Hills and other Stories
There are many other phrases that express similar sentiments. The thought is not new. It centres around the view that active intervention is not always the best policy. The Indian Government has, of course, mastered the art perfectly. The only question is whether it is by accident or by design.
There are several good examples of the great Indian art of 'taloing' if I might use a Hinglish expression. In the '60s, the Indian Government had sparked violent protests in South India because of their insistence on the primacy of Hindi. There was deep and widespread dissatisfaction in South India and for a while it looked as if the policy could actually lead to secession (or something close to it). Fortunately the Government backed off under pressure and gradually the threat abated. In the interim years great changes have occurred. There is far greater social mobility these days, communications have improved to an unimaginable extent and most of all the universal appeal of Bollywood has led to a revolution of sorts. On a recent visit to rural Tamil Nadu, the changes were apparent. Most of the younger women and girls were dressed in salwar kameez and almost everyone spoke a smattering of Hindi. A good example of 'Benign Neglect' if I ever saw one!
A related concept is of 'Time the great Healer'. In the '90s, the Khalistan problem in Punjab looked like spinning out of control. Here again, the Government chose to view it as a law and order problem rather than a significant political statement. I feel that that approach was beneficial in the long run. By containing the violence and the rhetoric, the core of the movement eventually fizzled out. Over time the immediacy and anguish also fade. This is not to minimise the horrific actions that occurred as a fall out of the Khalistan movement but only to comment on a strategy that knowingly or otherwise was adopted by the Indian Government. The fact that it does not always work is exemplified by Kashmir where the fire of militancy is stoked by external elements. I have a strong feeling that left to themselves the valley would have settled down and integrated better with the Indian mainstream. Indeed the North East is a case in point. Today there are literally thousands of North Eastern youngsters who study, live and work in all parts of India even in the smaller cities. This interaction ultimately leads to better understanding and a softening of attitudes.
In the main, the aggregate behaviour of any population is not extreme. By definition, extremist elements get weeded out and what remains is the moderate majority. Their views may get coloured by extraneous factors as in the case of Kashmir but eventually pacifist and middle of the road behavior will win through. In our pluralistic, chaotic country where the idea of democracy is only 60 years old a pacifist non-confrontational approach is indeed the best. If this is perceived to be an overly optimistic view about Indian governance so be it. As I said earlier, whether by accident or design, our rulers have stumbled upon the happy mean.
Check out my book - Journey to the Hills and other Stories
"An absolutely charming read. Takes you into a bygone era that the heart aches for. The story of Ida Villa and Miss Johnson are my favourites. Strongly recommended reading for all who love the hill stations of India. May even persuade those of you who don't go there!" Arvind Bugga
