Spartacus is a 1960 historical film inspired by the life story of Spartacus, the leader of a slave revolt in antiquity, and the events of the Third Servile War. It stars with the legendary actor, Kirk Douglas in the title role. At one point, a Roman general tells the slaves that unless they identify Spartacus, they will all be crucified. At this point Spartacus prepares to give himself up, but before he could do that, all those around him stood up to declare: “I am Spartacus!” In one moment in history, a band of men stood tall and united. They showed that ultimate demonstration of human solidarity and heroism by not allowing the tyrants their prize.
So what has all of this got to do with Kapil’s Khichadi I hear you say. Bear with me for there are several strands I wish to connect.
The people of Bharat Varsh had been enslaved for some 1400 years. First by the Islamic invaders and then more recently by the British (and Portuguese). When a people are enslaved for such a long period of time, their very core is corrupted, if not destroyed. Their confidence, in themselves, their heritage and their fellow Indians shattered. Such enslavement eats away at the very core of one’s identity, one’s faith, one’s culture and one’s language. It has been 70 years since ‘Independence’, and we still witness that enslaved mindset.
As PM Modi champions for Bharat Varsh, we see many in the media, the compromised politicians, the corrupt business owners, the NGOs with their sedition rich agenda, and many more who work round the clock to undermine India and Indians. PM Modi stands tall and declares, ‘I am Indian’ wherever he goes in the world. At that point, every Indian with an ounce of decency should also stand by him and declare, ‘I am Indian’. PM Modi has singlehandedly given huge pride and respect to Indians throughout the world. Yet not just in India, but across the globe there are still some who foster the mindset of a Sepoy.
We have seen the likes of Labour MP Tan Dhesi who willingly partners with the anti-India brigade to attack the land of his ancestors. The Gurus who sacrificed everything for Bharat Varsh would denounce such fake Sikhs. A Khalistani by definition is NOT a Sikh.
That brings me to the UK and Census 2021. Every ten years the census is conducted to better understand the fabric of our society. Everyone should take part of course, but what is just as important for Indians is to make sure they fill certain data in correctly. I am Indian, so my advice to all Indians, regardless of their faith (Sikhs, Hindus, Buddhist, Jains, Christians and Muslims alike) who have links to India, should answer Question number 14 as follows:
Q 14: National Identity: Answer it as: British. Then tick the ‘other’ box and write Indian.
Q15c: What is your ethnic group? Answer: Indian
We have an identity that is made up of multiple associations. I am British. I am Indian and I am a Hindu. And I am proud of ALL three. So why should we ever have to deny who or what we are?
An Indian will always be an Indian. Similar to a Scot, or the Irish or the Welsh. The same goes for those across the channel, no matter where you find a French or a German or an Italian or the Polish in the world, they remain and maintain their identity. So be proud, don’t be a slave. Stand tall and declare with certainty, I AM INDIAN.
