Eminent historian and Professor of Harvard University Prof Sugata Bose today said his book 'The Nation as Mother' argues for a new India.
"Today, on the date of August 15 I read excerpts from my recently released book 'The Nation as Mother' which argues for a new India and contains the critique of that nationalism which is more propagatory," Bose, the Gardiner Professor of History at Harvard University told PTI over phone.
Bose, a Trinamool Congress MP and grand nephew of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, said "intolerance is bad and tolerating it is not good (either)."
"Netaji wanted a nation which will rise above differences among different groups," he observed.
Bose said he read excerpts from the book, which had been launched by former President Pranab Mukherjee on August 10 in New Delhi.
Tonight he read on the chapters on Rabindranath Tagore, nationalism and Mahatma Gandhi's stay in Kolkata on the day of August 15, 1947. The book has also references to the tumultuous days of August 1946 when Gandhiji was on fast at Beleghata during the riots in the city.
"I have emphasised history matters in contemporary debates on nationalism," Bose said emphasising the book explored the relationship among nation, reason and religion in Indian political thought and practice.
The British Deputy High Commissioner, Japanese Consul General, Vice Chancellor of Jadavpur University were among the dignitaries present on the occasion at Netaji Research Bureau.
Bose's mother and academician and former TMC MP Krishna Bose was also present.
"It is significant the British dignitary was present on such an occasion at Netaji Bhawan," Bose, the Director of Netaji Research Bureau, said.
(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)