From its pre-independence days, Bollywood, from time to time, has come up with films that have been anti-statist and promoted the vision of liberty and fraternity, much to the chagrin of the chauvinistic Hindu vision.

Many lament the lack of a viable national alternative to the BJP at the national level, but diverse local forms of resistance in a vast country, with rich local political and cultural traditions, still offer hope.

The Indian government should instead aim to truly open up educational spaces for humanistic pursuits.