Discussing Nationalism and Identity | Book Talk with Prof Sukumar Muralidharan

Interviewers: Ishani Sharma and Bilquis Calcuttawala In this episode of our sub-series, Kitabon ka Karwaan, we hold a book talk on the recently published book "Nation and its Citizens: Tales of Bondage and Belonging" with its author, Prof Sukumar Muralidharan. In this conversation, the author gave a brief overview of the book, talking about the role of democracy and the constitution in building and sustaining a nation. Prof Muralidharan also looked at the impact of violence in constructing and sustaining a nation-state. Following this, the conversation moved into discussing the various and opposing perspectives of a nation, taking the example of India and talking about how it can lead to the undermining of different minority identities.  Prof. Sukumar Muralidharan was a print media journalist for over two decades. Since 2004 he has worked as a freelance journalist with no formal attachments to any media organisation. He has been a visiting professor in contemporary studies at the Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi. As South Asia programme manager for the International Federation of Journalists, he has carried out campaign and advocacy work, and training programmes for journalists over much of the sub-continent. Presently, Prof Muralidharan also teaches at the School of Journalism, O.P. Jindal Global University. Image Source: https://knowlaw.in/index.php/2020/08/25/role-of-citizens-in-nation-building/