The colonial hangover: A curse on Indian ethos

Colonial practices have left an indelible mark on many nations across the globe, and India is no exception. India's encounter with colonialism spans several centuries, beginning with the arrival of European powers such as the Portuguese, Dutch, French, and ultimately, the British East India Company. The British colonization of India, which lasted for nearly two centuries, significantly altered the socio-cultural landscape of the subcontinent. The legacy of colonialism continues to cast a long shadow over India, even decades after independence. This phenomenon, often referred to as "colonial hangover," refers to the lingering social, political, and psychological effects of colonial rule. These effects can be seen as a hindrance to the full flourishing of India's unique cultural identity and core values (Indian ethos). The British education system was designed to serve colonial interests, continues to be criticized for neglecting indigenous knowledge systems and preferring western models’ imposition of cultural hegemony, undermining indigenous traditions, beliefs, and practices.

The psychological colonization imposed upon Indians has cultivated a pervasive sense of inferiority and cultural self-doubt. This phenomenon has manifested in color-based discrimination, particularly evident in the plight of dark-skinned individuals, such as a young girl enduring prejudice and negativity from both society and her own family since childhood. Aristotle's assertion that humans are inherently social beings resonates here, as societal perceptions profoundly impact individual experiences.

Tragically, these attitudes perpetuate harmful practices like the dowry system, where the perceived "undesirable" trait of darker skin prompts parents to offer dowries to facilitate their daughters' marriages. Additionally, systemic biases against dark-skinned individuals limit their access to opportunities across various professions, exacerbating societal disparities.

It's crucial to recognize the biological basis of skin color, acknowledging that melanin deficiency in lighter-skinned individuals does not confer superiority. These entrenched prejudices not only inflict distress but also perpetuate injustice and hinder societal progress.

The Economic Exploitation of colonial powers exploited India's resources and labor, perpetuating economic disparities and socio-economic injustices. The plundering of wealth and imposition of exploitative economic policies further weakened the socio-cultural fabric of Indian society. The colonial legacy in India has left a profound impact on various aspects of its society, including the education system and language policies. English, introduced by the British colonial rulers, has become the official language of India, dominating educational institutions and administrative structures. However, amidst this dominance, Sanskrit, often revered as the language of ancient Indian wisdom and culture, has faced neglect and marginalization. Sanskrit holds a unique place in the cultural and intellectual heritage of India. Its origins date back to ancient times, and it serves as the language of numerous classical texts and scriptures. Its rich vocabulary and intricate grammar have been integral to diverse fields of study, spanning philosophy, science, literature, and religion. Despite its historical significance, the colonial imposition of English led to a decline in the prominence of Sanskrit within the Indian educational landscape.

In present times, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of Sanskrit, not only as a repository of ancient knowledge but also as a language with contemporary relevance. Scholars, researchers and intellectuals have emphasized its potential contribution to modern disciplines such as computational linguistics and artificial intelligence (AI). Sanskrit's well-defined grammar and structure make it an ideal candidate for computational analysis and machine learning algorithms. Its precision, flexibility, and expressive power offer distinct advantages in natural language processing tasks. Researchers have highlighted Sanskrit's inherent qualities that align with the requirements of AI technologies, suggesting that its study and integration into educational curricula could significantly enhance advancements in these fields.

So, the colonial imprint in India has deeply shaped its society across various dimensions, spanning from socio-cultural to economic domains. Now is an opportune moment to reinvigorate our cultural traditions. Rather than emulating the west, we should cherish our rich heritage and customs. It's imperative to halt the preference for color over merit and shake off the remnants of colonial influence.

Integrating Sanskrit alongside English in educational frameworks could promote a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to learning, bridging the gap between traditional wisdom and modern progress.

(The author is an Assistant Professor at DY Patil International University, Akurdi, Pune)