Self-hate in India, especially among Goans is of a kind that is not seen in any other functioning democracy. Hating one's government when it does something wrong is a natural thing and a good thing in a free democracy. Speaking truth to power is an important right and duty of a citizen. But hating one's country as a whole because of the actions or policies of the government, the extremist ideology of some political party, decision of some court, or crimes committed by some citizen(s) at one time or another, is very disturbing. It speaks of a fundamental lack of respect for the land of one's birth. In my opinion, this is what distinguishes political activism on the left, right and center, regardless of political affiliation, religion or creed, in India from that in other democratic countries. Perhaps, this was one of the many things that the former president of India A. P. J. Abdul Kalam was lamenting in one of his speeches.
Why do I say this? I say this because I know, for example, that in the U.S. no activist would ever think it prudent to cite an article from a foreign newspaper that badmouths his/her country just because of what he/she thinks is a bad decision by his/her government. They would be disowned even by their staunchest supporters. No activist would remain credible, let alone be celebrated, if she, like Arundati Roy, gave speeches and interviews abroad railing against her country, and getting paid for it in the bargain. In India, on the other hand, activists relish such opportunities. All you have to do to know this is read some OpEds in Indian newspapers or subscribe to forums such as Goanet. Cheers, Santosh
