Today's 'The Hindu' reports that Railways are planning to introduce "national" cuisine and Regional cuisine on their trains. I can understand a regional cuisine. But what is this "National Cuisine"?
Till Adishankaracharya united the whole sub-continent spiritually and the British united politically, this sub-continent was an amalgam of several nations. Even today there is the demand for recognition of different nationhoods. Karunanidhi will swear by Tamil nation which includes Tamil Srilankans. Ask Syed Sahabuddin, he will vehemently deny accepting physical boundaries for his Muslim nation. Kashmiris are de-facto separate nation what with thier separate constitution and other pharaphernalia not withstanding our professing soverignity and integrity. There is demand for separatism from different tribes in the North East.
We should not aggravate the sensitive situation either by stupid loose talk or ham handed attempt to lump together different cultures. We should accept the fact that we are a melenge of different cultures, habits, ethos, but still one Nation. We just dont have a National cuisine just like we dont have a National Language or a National Dress. Try imposing Tamil Nadu brand 'Veshti' on Nagaland or make Hindi the official language of Kashmir.
It is a manifestation of the mindset of some to try to impose one language, culture and habits on all which has played havoc with our country. Let people who matter be careful with their thinking and talking.
...ponder
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