West Discovers Indian Nationhood

West Discovers Indian Nationhood GPD AFTER the considerable sabre-rattling that Mrs G has done over the past few weeks her standing in the West has indeed gone up. Editorials in various liberal and not-so-liberal newspapers betray a distinct confidence in her leadership. If these editorial comments are any guide, it would appear that Mrs G and her sabre-rattling have finally asserted India's nationhood. What is strange or rather unprecedented is that they are all happy about it. The Economist of London said so in so many words. Of course, it offered a gentle piece of advice in passing that it is not enough that India is a unified nation. It should also distribute justice to all its people. Nevertheless, it has to be recognised that well-nigh forty years after the independence of India the British have finally accepting that we are a nation. The Economist accepted it is, in terms of the British ruling elite ethos, an achievement par excellence. Mrs G has achieved that. Many a happy, contented smile must have been exchanged between the neo-Brahmins of New Delhi. For them an accolade from The Economist is still the best, although the English journal is now convinced of our nationalism. In any event, these neo- Brahmins can now start a grand job of opinion-making which will come in handy for the great leader of this great nation during the next elections.