Raja Ram Mohan Roy appreciated and admired the British rule in India for introducing progressive measures on political and social reforms. However, it is important to note that he was also a vocal critic of the British government’s policies that were detrimental to the interests of the Indian people (unlike Sir Syed Ahmad Khan). In summary, Raja Ram Mohan Roy was not an uncritical admirer of the British, but rather had a nuanced view of them in India. I would rather compare Sir Syed Ahmad Khan to Veer Savarkar, Both started with Hindu-Muslim unity and changed their views and became more fanatic later, after they came in contact with the Britishers, most likely playing into the hands of the Britishers.
I don't have to glorify Pervez Hoodbhoy. Everyone knows about his brilliance. But i must say Satpathy asked brilliant questions. One needs good questions to get good answers.
Loved the pointed questions you asked and the conversation at large. Prof Hoodbhoy is a gem. I must tell you though that I found the shades worn by the other person a little jarring. I cannot speak for prof Hoodbhoy but if I were hosting the conversation, I would be concerned if they were disrespectful to him. I would have adrresed the shades, perhaps even joked about them. Would have showed my guest and viewers that I wasn't taking them for granted.
Globalization is a great equalizer. Agreed. However, currently right wing is on the rise globally. The moot question is whether this trend is short term or medium term AND whether Pakistan will survive this extremism seen worldwide. For that matter, even whether India will survive this trend is an open question.
