Art of mainstreaming

Mainstreaming is more than a social trend—it's a powerful indicator of the direction in which a society is evolving. It sets the tone for what is considered acceptable, admirable, or aspirational, and in doing so, it shapes the mindset of the next generation. It provides them with the context in which they will strive for their own milestones.

When I was in school, the mainstream narrative emphasized love, compassion, and a strong moral foundation. These values were not accidental; they were a continuation of a powerful legacy. After World War II, and particularly in India, the mainstream was deeply rooted in the ideals of the freedom struggle and the pursuit of social justice.

This shift didn’t happen overnight. In many ways, it felt like divine intervention. Even individuals burdened with rigid casteist beliefs began to embrace the larger cause of national progress. The mainstreaming of equality, unity, and justice wasn’t merely political—it was moral and spiritual.

One of the most profound outcomes of this era was the birth of our beloved Constitution. It captured the spirit of the time—a collective yearning for fairness and dignity—and gave us a framework for building a just society. The mainstreaming of the freedom movement and the principles it stood for was not just a political achievement; it was an art form, carefully nurtured by visionary leaders and ordinary citizens alike.

But today, this precious space is under threat.

What we see now is a distorted form of mainstreaming—one polluted by vested interests and driven by constant anger, polarization, and performative nationalism. Hatred, once considered an aberration, is now being normalized as a way of life. This pseudo-mainstreaming is not organic; it is engineered to divide. It binds together groups who benefit from social fragmentation and who seek to reshape the mainstream to serve their own ends.

If this trend is left unchecked, it risks becoming the new normal. And when that happens, the values of justice, equality, and unity—so hard-won in the past—will become distant memories. We will have denied the next generation not only the fruits of progress but also the very tools they need to build a better future.

That is why we must protect and reclaim the mainstream space. It should remain a place of collective growth, where ideals like fairness, empathy, and cooperation thrive—not one where fear and division are celebrated.

The mainstream belongs to all of us. Let’s ensure it continues to reflect the best of who we are, and who we aspire to become.