This discourse sparked some interesting points that many would have simply overlooked, but it's impressive how it was able to dissect each part of these controversies. I wouldn't want to leave this video without sharing some thought-provoking statements that might solidify or reify a few ideas. Upon listening throughout, I reached the conclusion that perhaps the Hotel Savoy's portrayal as the victim is one-sided. In reality, it wasn't the only entity that faced challenges due to the misconstrued concept of "Hauntology." Prof. Chatterjee was also haunted by the misconceptions of these people, stemming from their lack of literary metaphorical knowledge. The inability to understand this level of metaphorical wisdom is my definition of hauntology. Moreover, I was recently introduced to Agatha Christie, and I must say she has sparked my curiosity. One peculiar idea truly intrigued me: had she been a psychopath instead of a compelling author, she would have been an exceptional serial killer, surpassing any suspicions the investigators might have had. She's always one step ahead. These investigators would lose their jobs! Overall, the video kept my mind engaged the entire time. I can't wait for more content like this!

Your session is truly commendable and worth appreciating, as it offers people ways to free their minds and examine potential flaws in their understanding, particularly of nationalism. I have been familiar with this word since I was young but never truly pondered its meaning as a human being and as part of a nation. When I learned that there was an intellectual discussion on this seemingly simple yet profoundly complicated concept, I decided to read about it before watching your episode. This allowed me to compare my own understanding with your perspective. I was struck by the realization that the problem of nations is not limited to the political sphere. According to Tagore in his essay, the real problem-particularly, but not exclusively, in India-is not political; it is social. This idea was further elaborated on by Professor Chatterjee. The explanation of India's caste system, which has received diverse and often conflicting views, was especially illuminating. More than that, it reminded me that similar stratifications exist in other nations under different terms and manifestations. In his essay, Tagore mentioned how America employed violent methods to maintain racial segregation. He also raised the question of whether the closeness of diverse races will lead to interminable competition or cooperation-a point that supports his contemplative stance and remains relevant in discussions of modernization and digitalization. Furthermore, Tagore highlights the dangers of excessiveness, particularly the misuse of phrases like "in the name of my nation." Such rhetoric, he argued, fuels the instinct for conflict and intolerance of others. This tendency to weaponize civilization-either to mask internal insecurities or assert power through materialism-is another critical issue he addressed. As stated in his essay, "All the great nations of Europe have their victims in other parts of the world," a reminder of the dark side of their historical achievements. The question "What is the Nation?" posed in Tagore's essay prompted me to reflect deeply. For now, I can conclude that the problem lies in the pursuit of self-aggrandizement, materialism, and political power, all of which lead humanity to forget its true essence. Instead, we risk becoming like zombies-soulless beings consumed by pride, greed, and the desire for dominance. A massive thanks for imparting invaluable knowledge. I am happy to see individuals who do not gatekeep their ideas, fostering meaningful discussions and broadening perspectives.

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved."

I've always been an Agatha Christie fan. I learned that her style of writing is unformulaically formulaic.

This conversation is intellectually soothing.

Amazing!

I wonder if "The Mousetrap," too, has Indic roots.

Great episode!🎉🎉🎉

Much research went into this episode.

In countries where railways have become spectres of the past, how are its residents supposed to appreciate the utilitarian appeal of the train in creating colonialistic realizations among them (the colonized), who until now have continuously grappled with the ideology of belonging?

AI as no longer a tool but an agent is actually scary.

Prof. Chatterjee, in his ability to convey great ideas, is nothing short of excellent.

Conveying the Biblical truth is more than awesome.

India's presence in Agatha Christie's and Arthur Doyle's worlds is so wonderful to know. I look forward to hearing the podcast hosts' view on the likely Agatha-Conan interaction in some of their literary works.

It would have been better if Agatha's cloistered childhood was also included .

This train-ghost discussion should have considered the deliberately concocted spectre meet-up for Indic detoxification.

It's saddening to hear how the Global South always bears the brunt of the West such that Eva's agonizing for one year before getting the acquittal already caused her immense trauma. On the one hand, I think the podcast hosts are doing great in educating the present era about the value of digging deep to evince the TRUTH.

My college teacher, Ms. Rhodora Magan 😍

Oncewhen we went to Mussoorie wanted to stay at Savoy as it had some rooms as guest house for my husband's office. Fortunately we changed the said hotel as another friend was staying in another good hotel which had parking facilities down wards. Now I realise it happened for the best.😅😅😅😅😅😅😅

It’s very brilliant exposition of Tagore and his essay on nationalism in India for the benefit of foreigners and Indians as well. Your versatile knowledge places the concepts of patriotism and nationalism in proper context. I am glad you differentiated between Rashtravaad and Nationalism too. There was one slip of tongue I believe when you said “Sikhs and Indians” killed in Jallianwala Bagh. On the whole, I can say that you are yourself no less than Tagore, what with your deep acquaintance with history, literature, music…or can I say you are our Harare!

“The Savoy Hotel is not haunted. It is haunted in a literary, philosophical, political, and metaphorical way by the ghosts of the past, by memories-but it is not haunted by the ghost of Frances Garnett Orme.” - Professor Chatterjee (Too brilliant of an Idea not to be noticed.) Professor Chatterjee’s insight beautifully captures the Savoy’s charm, setting it apart from supernatural myths that persist. Hearing him debunk this myth feels especially rewarding, given that he speaks from India, where such legends still echo. He explains that it is cultural memory that haunts the Savoy-a tapestry of historical, philosophical, and personal stories interwoven to blur the lines between fact and fiction. This convinced me strongly, as my previous belief was that Eva poisoned Frances (since that was what I read). This layering of memory, not specters, gives the hotel a captivating depth, offering an escape into a world shaped by history and imagination rather than the paranormal. As Dr. Magan beautifully puts it, the hotel is indeed “creatively haunted.” A must-watch episode, I would say.

What a comprehensive and solid way of debunking the "gossip" circulating at the Savoy Hotel! Truly, people live for stories. Since I was a child, I was fed with narratives that highlight the "humanness" within us. These stories sparked hope, gave out information, and provided a platform for entertainment. I guess it's a human tendency to try to make sense of what we see and feel, and this is perhaps what ignited Agatha Christie in writing the novel, "Mysterious Affair at Styles." We have come to a point where a blurring line between fiction and history exists. However, I agree that playing with the facts is a different story. It will have an impact on those who live and care, and it may influence others to see things through the same lens. Another thing that caught my interest is the idea behind, "Dark Tourism." It may automatically connote a negative concept, however, in this context with Savoy Hotel, it becomes a vehicle for educating people about the truth lurking behind the shadows of this hotel which was revealed in this podcast. Furthermore, I am astounded by how these threads of information were intertwined-from the concept of hauntology to the stigma associated with the monsterization of women, and Agatha Christie's Mysterious Affair at Styles. It is fascinating to learn about this aspect of Indian history. The Savoy Hotel is not literally haunted, but rather is haunted by the power of words.

Superb ! The ghost of Frances Garnett Orme, Agatha Christie's first novel, Victorian seances, and misty Mussoorie - what a haunting web of connections! This episode brings our hill station's colonial history alive through its mysteries. Brilliant storytelling!

I'm always fascinated by how even simple topics, such as nonverbal cues, can be dissected and explored on a much deeper level. This helps me recognize that there's an intricate world beyond the visible gestures, expressions, and verbal tones of others. It becomes clear that these nonverbal signals can convey authenticity, authority, objection, and a multitude of other meanings that people may intend to communicate. Moreover, this realization enlightens me to the fact that nonverbal cues can be "weaponized," whether for noble causes or otherwise. It underscores the importance of being vigilant about how these cues are used and interpreted. This podcast serves as a powerful reminder to always pay close attention to the nonverbal cues of those around us because we gain a thorough understanding of their true intentions and foster mutual comprehension. Nonverbal cues, I believe, holds as much power and impact as verbal communication. The synergy of both forms leads to more effective and beautiful exchanges.

I couldn't agree more. Body language has been the weapon to those who know how and when to use it. It directs and influences people from across cultures.

Absolutely, it’s fascinating how a podcast like this can take a seemingly simple idea-like nonverbal cues-and unpack it in a way that feels powerful and impactful. When Dr. Magan break down everyday behaviors like gestures or facial expressions and explore how they can be "weaponized," it shifts my perspective. What once seemed ordinary now feels like a tool or even a form of influence that’s always in play around us The mention of universal nonverbal cues, like the smile, truly adds a beautiful layer to the discussion. A smile is a universally understood gesture that transcends language, allowing anyone to feel included, accepted, and even loved. It’s one of those simple yet powerful cues that can instantly create connection and warmth. This podcast didn’t just explain nonverbal cues; it brought them to life, and I’m walking away seeing these gestures in a whole new, powerful way.

This episode helped me have a thorough grasp of nationalism, particularly in the context of Indian society. As I gleaned, Tagore argues that nationalism is at the foundation of many of India's problems and is viewed as a menace to Indian society. Why is this the case? Because instead of fostering true cultural and social ties, it fosters an artificial sense of unity based on political and economic objectives (reflecting Western nationalism, which is not suitable for India). As Prof. Chatterjee stated, “the problem of India is not political but social” because of its deep-seated social structures, such as the caste system, religious divisions, and gender inequalities, that need to be addressed to achieve true and sustainable progress. This sustainable progress couldn't be achieved through the radical and political agenda that nationalism is associated with, involving a sense of superiority and a desire for social dominance. But rather it could be achieved by transforming social attitudes and practices, embodying the spirit of patriotism by having a heartfelt connection to one's country, and through civic engagement. Furthermore, Tagore considered political independence insufficient without a social awakening that valued equality, inclusion, and cultural pride. Aside from artificial unity, nationalism is a major threat for the reasons that produce internal conflict. It has the potential to create tensions and conflicts among various ethnic, religious, and cultural groups. The reliance on a single national identity can isolate and repress minority communities, resulting in social unrest and violence. As a result, this may lead to the suppression of individual identity in favor of a collective national identity. This, Tagore claims, stifles personal freedom and stops people from reaching their full potential. All in all, Tagore wants us to be aware of the need to work toward a more harmonic and culturally aware approach to unity, prioritizing social and cultural ties over political and economic interests. I could say that this episode provided a wealth of knowledge for a student like me who needs to be aware of such issues.

Jakhon bideshi jinish bar jon kora hoy takhon Rabindranath bolechhilen ,'gorib lokera mill er kapor pore o bananor kaj kore .tader chole ki kore ? Ki khabe ? Ki porbe ? Tar mane ei noy je uni 'swadeshi biplober bipokkhe chhilen.Kintu uni onnyo dikta o bujhte perechhilen.

Arup ,good topic. Rabindranath er 'Geetabitan' e 'Jatiyo sangeet' o 'Swadeshi' porjayer gaan gulo porhle onar 'Jatiotabodh' sonkranto chinta-bhavna bojha jay.

Movie adaptations often fail to capture the full scope of our imagination from reading books, as they tend to focus on what is accessible and are usually tailored to the preferences of the audience or media. I’ve read Sherlock Holmes, particularly the chapter : A Scandal in Bohemia, and I don't believe a genius like him would sexualize women, especially not to "The Woman", who outwitted Sherlock. In Watson's narration, Sherlock regards her as a worthy opponent who challenges him. Indeed, geniuses like him don't need that quality.

This episode was definitely an eye opener. Listening to the paradigms presented, I would like to heavily disagree on that one comment-prolly been deleted-ranting why only pinpoint on nationalism when talking about Tagore when he is so much more. Personally, you could never not talk about nationalism when mentioning Tagore. His profound views on what nationalism should've been doesn't solely reflect the Indian context but globally as well. Instead of simply stating what his achievements are, creating a nexus among his works and worldviews creates a strong grounding that goes far beyond politicking. I truly do agree that nationalism is a menace. In the present context, the foundation of nationalism isn't one's identity but rather is an enforced responsibility which highly destroys the beauty of what it means to be united with one's land. Going back to that one comment, no matter you may look, Tagore's views on nationalism gives light not just to the people of his time but to the present, and future generations to come. If I, a Filipino was able to see the importance of consistent education regardless if it's in the context of India, then it just proves a point that the need for constant re-education through these profound philosophies is a must.

Gitanjali is like a quest for spiritual connection. I think, it is introspection of the between of the human and the Divine. Tagore Expresses a sense of intimacy portraying Him not just as a distant scripture or figure. Tagore writes in Chapter 2 "drunk with the joy of singing, I forget myself call thee friend who art my Lord." It encapsulates the raw emotion striving for link built on love and comprehending rather than blind faith it is more on the spiritual truths or a philosophical inquiry. The complexity of the world mirrors the work. Indeed, Tagore's ideas quite complex that feels both expansive and intimate. How he stated everything is like direct expression of all the things that a Man is facing right now. Union of Eastern and Western Thought: Tagore’s exposure of education to both Western and Eastern literature enriched his worldview, and this signifies and synthesis is evident in Gitanjali. While the work paints heavily from Hindu and Upanishadic philosophy deals with Western pebbles familiar with transcendentalist ideas, such as those by Whitman. The tone of contemplation and yearning in Gitanjali thus made it a global audience, embodying a spirit of cross-cultural or divine. It wrestle the worth of a human being often referring as “dust” or as a “beggar,” evoking existential humility his soul harbors a fragment of the divine, leading to an existential paradox: he is both infidelity and tribal valuable. This tention of finite and Infinite

Very lovely discussion. Author is too nice. Its autobiography of author. Cover n author both beautiful.

Rabindranath Tagore was a celebrated poet and thinker who held a complex view of nationalism, seeing it as both a powerful force and a potential threat to individual freedom and cultural identity. Although he supported India's independence, he emphasized a broader humanism and often warned against the dangers of excessive nationalism, advocating instead for a world united by mutual respect and understanding.

A truly insightful exploration of Tagore's profound ideas. The discussion on the nuances of nationalism versus patriotism was particularly enlightening. Prof. Arup K. Chatterjee's in-depth analysis and engaging presentation style made the complex ideas of Tagore accessible to a wider audience. The contrast between Tagore's universal humanism and the narrow confines of nationalism is starkly evident. His vision of a world united by culture and spirituality is as relevant today as ever.

I have gained so much from this engaging conversation with both insightful and intellectual speakers. One key takeaway is the importance of 'redeeming the time, for the days are evil,' a powerful reminder from the Bible, found in the book of Ephesians. This verse encourages us to make the most of each moment, using our time wisely and intentionally, especially in a world filled with distractions and challenges. It’s a valuable lesson that resonates deeply, reminding us to live purposefully and to focus on what truly matters.

It's through you writers the global followers come to know about our great personalities. Keep writing about the famous Indians.

I'm a big fan of Dr Magan, she's one of the most brilliant and well-spoken persons I know. Fun fact, she took literature as a major but she's heavily inclined to take political science. It is awesome to meet Dr Chaterjee on this KZbin channel. Your content is timely and needs to be seen by a wider audience. As a Filipino, I can say that I THOUGHT India's identity is homogenous and confined to one culture. I wasn't aware that India is a sum of hundreds of groups of people with different cultures. Now, India, as fragmented as everyone else is seeking to find its identity. As I saw the movie Slum Dog Millionaire (years back) and saw the Ambani Wedding (recently), India is everything - good and bad. But, what makes India so special is their unique place to embrace a new self. India is filled with brilliant people and is an upcoming world driver in the league of new powers. MY INPUT: TAGORE is India's treasure. I share his views that the caste system should be abandoned despite being labeled as anti-nationalist. India doesn't have to embrace its antiquated culture for fear of being labeled as a modern nation who lost its identity. However, India can spin this off by saying: "We practiced the caste system, but we will embrace an open system where everyone can be anyone (for the better) because unchecked traditions can hold us back." India can teach the whole world that experience can make us better. The higher question should be, "After everything that happened, how can India be a better version of itself". As always, it is great to hear Dr. Chaterjee and Dr Magan throw thought-provoking questions. FINAL THOUGHT: Traditions and religion should make people prosper and make people more loving. If traditions and religion make us hateful and biased, we need to look in the mirror.

“Nationalism was not without its great baggages.” - Professor Chatterjee I’ve been sent to school since I was 7 years old and my teachers had a fair share of discussions as to how nationalism is essential to every person, how this serves as a great field for a country to elevate the situation it’s in, and how it greatly benefits every single person living in a country that has been through a lot of colonization. I’ve been accustomed to believing that nationalism brings nothing but excellence to any country. And because of those things being shoved at me as a kid, who would ever think of nationalism as a menace? The extremities of nationalism gave the impression of staining what India is capable of. With no clear political and economic goal, this would set a limit as to how a country develops, even creating a country with no diversity at all-and this is where it becomes a menace. Nationalism became aggressive and excessive. It didn't align with what Indians believed in; it became shady and bloody, leaving a lot of people devastated. Because of this, just like what most Gen Zs would say, the G.O.A.T., or The Greatest of All Time, Rabindranath Tagore, saw how this would affect India’s people, culture, and beliefs. There is a fine line between nationalism and patriotism, and people need to know the difference between the two to teach the younger generations what is right and better. This intellectual conversation offered a lot of brilliant thoughts and ideas, which is helpful to someone like me, a student who’s very curious and willing to flip the thick pages of history and culture all around the world. This is worth enjoying with a warm cup of tea. A million thanks for this, Professor Chatterjee and Dr. Magan!

Honestly, this is the first time I've heard more of Tagore. I've grown up that when India is served at the table, it's always been Mahatma Gandhi or Mother Theresa. Upon hearing this conversation, it opened channels of information about his greatness. I really loved how the gist of his thoughts on how patriotism and nationalism work in an Indian framework was given justice by both of you, Professor Chatterjee and Dr. Magan. I loved how the differences between nationalism and patriotism were made for me to understand the reality of a nation that is pursuant to unity and inclusivity. I agree that nationalism can be dangerous in an excessive manner. It can lead to prejudice to other cultures and races. This should not be promoted, especially among children. If we want a world that is kind and safe, we should be more understanding about the diversity of the world. Instilling excessive nationalism, especially in children, may cause them an innate prejudice towards others. Patriotism, on the other hand, is the way to a more understanding and safer world where the exchange of diverse ideas about one's culture is appreciated and welcomed. The laying down of different lenses about the differences between nationalism, patriotism, and theocracy is clear and laudable. I've learned so much about India, and its underlying principles. This kind of intellectual conversation is truly fruitful and a big help for a student like me.

Mr. Chatterjee made mention that Tagore is not easy to understand, at some point it directly debunks his claim that Tagore is misunderstood, in a sense that mere readers or even scholars have different views. English is wide more than what people think of it, even one figure of speech can widen and can break its core meaning which the writer had presented. Another thing, allow me to say that Nationalism is under Patriotism and they are not far from each other as the idea of nationalism belongs to patriotism EXACTLY that was BEFORE. Now, Patriotism has like a positive indication and Nationalism has like a negative connotation for example is its religious movements which tend to oust someone if you obviously do not agree with them. The prior ideas have something to do with Tagore’s idea of unity which he views it as “consciousness” if everyone has the same consciousness like how they viewed freedom it might help to create unity but sadly people don’t have it- as one dieth so dieth the others? I reckon it’s not like that. So, how can Tagore explain the Hindu Federation of Sates and the Quasi-federalism through using the major differences of NATIONALISM and PATRIOTISM? -Geopolitical is still there, clear and evident.

Nationalism fosters a strong sense of unity and pride, bringing people together to work toward the common good of their country. However, it can also lead to division and conflict. With that, Tagore saw nationalism as a great menace. He criticized excessive nationalism and explained that it is different from patriotism, which is a true love for one’s country. He believed that excessive nationalism could be harmful and that it poses a threat to true unity. That is why he promoted unity, cultural understanding, and the acceptance of diversity within India, believing that true unity comes from shared human values through his literary crafts and his advocacy for change. Tagore’s vision of an independent India remains relevant today, especially in discussions about identity and inclusivity. I support Tagore's view on nationalism because it doesn't just impact the Indian people; it affects individuals globally. It can lead to exclusion and discrimination against minority groups, marginalizing those who do not conform to the dominant national identity.

Rabindranath Tagore was an extraordinary person-he was a poet, thinker, artist, and teacher. He had a strong vision for humanity and a deep sense of spirituality. Early in his life, he took part in India’s fight for independence but later started to question the intense nationalism that many people felt. Tagore believed that because India is so diverse, it couldn’t be unified like European countries, which often share similar cultures and beliefs. He felt that simply replacing British rulers with a few privileged Indians wouldn’t solve the country’s deeper social problems. From what I read, Tagore believed that nationalism should be seen differently in India. He thought that Western ideas about politics didn’t fit India and many other countries. For him, real progress came from focusing on human values rather than just national identity. He imagined India sharing its rich spiritual heritage with the world, which could help reduce divisions among people. Tagore pointed out that European nationalism often involved exploiting others, while Indian nationalism aimed to bring together different religions. In the end, he moved beyond the strict ideas of nationalism he learned as a child, believing that humanity's ideals were more important than national pride.

Enjoyed your show sir/ma'am! Yours is an intellectuals platform. People from manipulative society may not understand.

Why r ppl finding communal angle in everything? Shocking to c such contemt for first nonEuropean nobel priz winner. This talk should have had Rabindranath's brothers Jyotirindranath and Satyendranath n his nephews who founded Bengal school of art Abanindranath n Gaganendranath.

Wonderful to hear the deeply researched views of Dr. Chatterjee.

RSS or Rashtriya Seva Samiti loosely translatable as National Service Association ! Where did you get National Self… from !!? Would be great if you stick to interpreting cultural and historical figures without adding your personal take on ‘last ten years’ etc . Offputting really. My opinion. Maybe , I expected too much and you have fallen short. Either way, your choice.

In my own understanding in the Philippine context, patriotism is still evident but the grasp for nationalism somehow been deranged due to political agenda.

Hi doc , just watching

As I listened to this intellectual discussion, I recalled an idea from Dr. Magan during a special session, and I quote, "In just a snap of a finger, everything will turn into ash." This resonated with me because, in 2017 and 2018, before COVID-19, I experienced life-changing incidents that made me realize everything is temporary, and I believe that having this second chance at life should be purposeful and meaningful. In 2017, I was in a tricycle accident on my way home. The tricycle flipped over, leaving me in the middle of the highway with bruises all over my body and 16 stitches on my left arm. Thankfully, there were no vehicles behind us. Then, in 2018, I was hit by a motorcycle while standing by a drainage, waiting for my aunt. I suffered a fractured leg, which took a year to heal, leaving me unable to go outside during that time. Reflecting on these painful and traumatic experiences, I find parallels in the book Albatross, which explores themes of identity, exploration, and resilience. Just as the albatross faces challenges when it lands, I too faced significant hardships. However, like the albatross soaring high in the sky, I strive to rise above my struggles and live a purposeful life. Each time I remember these incidents, I am reminded that my journey, though marked by difficulties, is also about resilience and growth. Like the albatross balancing itself in the sky, I seek to ride the winds of life with purpose and balance, embracing my second chance and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. This journey would not have been possible without Him, and that's why I am profoundly thankful for this opportunity to continue my life.