Modi invokes Kabir: India’s great syncretic sage is the right reference in these polarised times

If Prime Minister Narendra Modi was indeed sounding the poll bugle during his visit to Bhakti saint Kabir’s final resting place at Maghar in Uttar Pradesh, a better place to kick off couldn’t have been chosen. Kabir preached communal harmony, opposed casteism, and demystified religion among the poorest of the poor five centuries ago. Even today Kabir’s example and message of syncretism strikes a chord in the country, cutting across social groups. But India, and especially UP, is in the throngs of extreme political and social polarization. It behooves that none less than the PM seeks to echo Kabir’s message, even if tailored to his trademark political rhetoric, which increasingly seeks to portray himself as a pro-poor messiah.

In proclaiming that he was fortunate to offer flowers at Kabir’s samadhi and a chadhar at his mazhar – both adjacent to each other and thus a powerful symbol of Hindu-Muslim amity – Modi harked back to his ‘sabka saath sabka vikas’ slogan. This was among the most appreciated and widely disseminated slogans which heralded the 2014 campaign and reflected the acceptability of the syncretic way of life to many Indians. Yet the political discourse, perhaps prompted by the exclusivism that Hindutva preaches, has veered off course into unchartered territories like gau raksha and love jihad.

It is important to dial down on the hatred and polarization in order to bring communities together again. The only constant in the daily life of the Indian nation is belief in a shared past and a common destiny. If this is damaged, then the social fabric frays and everyone loses. The syncretism of Kabir and other saints such as Guru Nanak can help repair the damaged edifice. A national renewal can begin from social peace.