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A crisp prompt on ChatGPT, generated the etymology of the word “intellectual”. We could trace its origins back to the Latin term “intellectus,” which means “understanding” or “perception.” This, in turn, derives from the verb “intelligere,” meaning “to understand,” composed of “inter-“ (between) and “legere” (to read or choose). The concept encompasses the ability to grasp complex ideas and engage in thought and reasoning.
In a world where Postmodernism is a sheer reality, the meaning of truth has perhaps lost its relevance. Challenging documented facts has become a pastime for many, especially in the Urban setting, and rural India (or few would like to call it Bharat or India 2) is catching up quite aggressively and with vigour. Given these few lines are true (how ironic!); we are at a time where the words – perception, understanding, etc. are mere tools to enhance debating skills be it in a prime time show or someone’s living room.
A decade ago, the realm of Indian intellectuals was dominated by folks subscribing to left wing ideologies. When one tries to dissect this statement, one could rationalise this by saying, “ Oh! This is because of social engineering done by the Lutyens, Khan Market folks!” Not denying the substance of this rationale, the author disagrees. The matter that the majority of the intellectuals were left-oriented is not a direct function of the curriculum manipulation done by erstwhile governments. Rather, people who had intellectual tendencies, belonged to pockets of India where communism or socialism was the anchor in society, that is a more probable factor. The author cannot deny the possibility that intellectuals who were at the right side of the spectrum perhaps didn’t get platform and institutional backing until a decade ago.
Hearts and Minds – has long been a great political and sociological tool that the rulers have utilised to, well, rule over people. Intellectuals do serve a wider role to implement this tool. There was a vacuum in the right wing intellectual space, which has now been filled by a seemingly savant and eloquent cohort of right to extreme right leaning individuals.
At a time when topics of discussion, in society at large, should be how to utilise the demographic dividend of this nation; the author sees banality of political capital-mindedness. Populism has become a widespread tool to ensure loyalty of citizens, populism in economics, in religion. Cutting and distorting the message of opponents is a quick fix. Mass amnesia and instant gratification is a hyper-reality, hence, everything fits perfectly! This has been the situation, cometh the emergence of Indian Right Wing Intellectuals!
The narrative has always changed, it is meant to be changing, and the author witnesses yet another metamorphic shift of, well, the truth.
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