New Delhi, June 8 -- A national secret is normally guarded by the government. But there is an Indian national secret that is held by India's people-probably thousands of them, or maybe millions. We can never be sure of the number. And the secret is that they may not be patriotic. It has to be a closely guarded secret because today every Indian is expected to be a patriot. The other option is simply not available.

Whether you are in the government or opposed to it, everyone is expected to be patriotic. Even activists, 'rebels' with tattoos and long hair, posh avocado-eaters, rebellious teenagers and people who "don't love anyone." Patriotism has become a foundational virtue. You can say you don't have some qualities, that you can't love, ...