When caste overtakes nationalism -Governance Now

When caste overtakes nationalism

Anushka Dixit | March 1, 2019 | Delhi

#Wagah Border #Abhinandan Varthaman #air strike #Google search #India #Pakistan #Wing commander Abhinandan Varthaman

File photo of MiG-21 jet

As India waits for Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman's return from Pakistan, Google search on the 34-year-old 'braveheart' saw a major spike. Not surprisingly, people were more keen on finding out his caste more than anything else.

"Varthaman caste", "Varthaman surname caste" etc were the top two searches on Google the past few days.

This is not the first time that someone is being seen from the prism of caste. When Hima Das won gold at the IAAF World U-20 Championship in Tampere, Indians demonstrated once again what’s on their minds the most – caste. When PV Sindhu won silver at the Rio Olympics Google search on her caste skyrocketed. Google Trends showed how caste was the most searched “related topic” pertaining to Das.

Varthaman,an alumnus of National Defence Academy (NDA), has been in Pakistan's custody after his MiG-21 Bison was brought down in Pakistan occupied Kashmir post engagement with Pakistani Air Force jets violating Indian airspace on Wednesday. Wing Commander Varthaman is set to return today after Pakistan PM Imran Khan announces his release as a 'peace gesture.'

Twitter was quick to react with backlash for caste-minded people:

India irrespective of castes, religion, faith, culture, political affiliations stand by Union Govt to push Pakistan out of Pak occupied Kashmir & stop egging terrorist activities. India waits eagarly the arrival of our pride & brave heart Pilot Abhinandan Varthaman.
— F H Jakkappanavar (@FHJakkappanavar) February 28, 2019

Firstly, he is Abhinandan Varthaman and not Vardhaman and secondly that he is an Indian Air Force Wing Commander should be more than enough for us to wish for his safe return. No religion, caste or class details needed.
— Bhavika Jain (@bhavikajTOI) February 28, 2019

@INCIndia IT cell is busily searching for Abhinandan Varthaman's caste!
Salute to the hero.#BringBackAbhinandan
— Anupamashenoy (@Anupamashenoy2) February 27, 2019

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