I agree with this statement.
Nationalism refers to a spirit of psychological oneness or common consciousness that binds a community together. It is an expression of emotionality.
There are many factors that promote nationalism such as culture and language, common race, religion, geographical area, history, and political aspirations. Many times, these very factors may also lead to problems among the people and hence be destructive. Indian nationalism united the people in their struggle for liberation from British colonialism. However, religious diversity and the ‘Two Nation Theory’ put forth by the Muslim League led to the partition and creation of India and West and East Pakistan in 1947.
Although religion was a unifying factor in the national spirit of Pakistan, it wasn’t enough to sustain national integration. East and West Pakistan were separated by the landmass of India and because of linguistic, cultural, and historical differences, the common consciousness dimmed. East Pakistan demanded political independence and in 1971, the State of Bangladesh was formed. Progressive nationalism can help national integration and development while aggressive nationalism is destructive in nature.
