Days before Karnataka is set to celebrate its 62nd formation day on November 1, historian Ramachandra Guha batted for a State flag that the government has been championing.

Speaking on ‘Jingoism vs Patriotism’ at the inaugural day of the Bangalore Literature Festival here on Saturday, he said, “The yellow and red flag of Karnataka does not threaten the nation. A State flag does not lead to the republic of Karnataka, we want to live in India,” he remarked.

“Catalans have declared independence since Spain did not let them speak their language among many other concerns,” he added.

‘Multiple levels’

Dr. Guha said that patriotism works at multiple levels and it starts from home.

“Love for your city or State does not mean you don’t love your country. In fact they complement each other and are not opposed,” he said. “In the U.S., allegedly one of the most patriotic countries, every state has a flag of its own,” he said.