Kaafi Real: The Deshbhakti Josh Is High in the Indian Air

We are a democracy, but don’t question the government.

High-flying nationalism versus ground reality jingoism. The scene is a ‘Kaafi Real’ depiction of current times.

(Illustration: Aroop Mishra/The Quint)

Kashmiris are getting beaten up by goons and there’s a looming threat of more violence. The legal system is constantly being mocked. Sensitive Rafale documents allegedly get ‘stolen’ from a high-security government office, but you cannot pose questions to the government – your elected representatives – for you could be labelled ‘anti-national’.

But you must keep faith in the country, with much fervour. When you take flight in India’s state carrier, you are assured to be greeted with a cheerful ‘Jai Hind’. You’ll be immediately flying away from the ground realities. So, how’s the josh?