Your edit, 'Spot the difference '(22/4) is on the spot. It is sad to note that in spite of working and benefiting from the democratic framework of our country for 60 long years, CPM has not yet appreciated the value of democracy. As you have pointed out, " While China's belligerent project in Tibet hinges on complete assimilation by the Han Chinese, India can survive difference, and thrives precisely because it allows democratic pluralism." Extermination or assimilation is the solution offered by many societies all over the world and all through the history. Indian way has been one of harmonization. Pluralism of democracy has been a part Indian way of life. That is the reason why democracy has been so successful in India in spite of poverty and illiteracy.
Next is the stance of CPM in particular and leftists in general who seem to be more loyal than the king. We all know what they did during 1942 and 1962. Chinese or Iranian atomic weapons are to be welcomed, India atomic weapons are to be opposed. While the Communists in China have Sinified communism – communism with Chinese characteristics, our communists also write it in Chinese characteristics, not in Indian idiom or democratic idiom. Our communists admire Chinese economic success achieved through liberal economy but they are averse if India follows suit. It is very difficult to fathom the aims and attitudes of our communists – is it subservience or inferiority complex ? I wonder. May be all Indians who observe the current political scene have no clue either.
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