For this article:

6 Feb 2026·Source: The Indian Express
4 min
Polity & GovernanceSocial IssuesEDITORIAL

Beyond Surname: Identity, Politics, and the Essence of Citizenship

Author reflects on identity, politics, and the importance of individual character.

Editorial Analysis

Individuals should be judged on their actions and character, not on their family name or community affiliation. The tendency to pigeonhole people based on their surnames undermines the principles of individual liberty and critical thinking.

Main Arguments:

  1. Surname should not define a person's politics or identity.
  2. Identity as a teacher and a citizen is more important than surname.
  3. Individuals should be judged on actions and character, not family name.
  4. Pigeonholing people based on surnames undermines individual liberty and critical thinking.

Conclusion

It is crucial to move beyond surname-based judgments and embrace a more nuanced understanding of individuals based on their actions and character.

The author, Madhu Kishwar, reflects on how her surname has been used to frame her political views. She emphasizes that her identity as a teacher and a citizen is more important than her surname. Kishwar argues that individuals should be judged on their actions and character, not on their family name or community affiliation.

She criticizes the tendency to pigeonhole people based on their surnames and asserts that such practices undermine the principles of individual liberty and critical thinking. Kishwar advocates for a society where people are valued for their contributions and ideas, rather than their origins.

Key Facts

1.

The author reflects on how her surname has been used to frame her political views.

2.

She emphasizes her identity as a teacher and a citizen.

3.

The author criticizes the tendency to pigeonhole people based on their surnames.

4.

She asserts that such practices undermine individual liberty and critical thinking.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Citizenship, Constitutional provisions

2.

Connects to syllabus topics of fundamental rights, secularism, and minority rights

3.

Potential question types: Statement-based MCQs, analytical questions on the impact of CAA

More Information

Background

The concept of citizenship has evolved significantly over time. Initially, citizenship was often tied to land ownership or birth within a specific territory. The idea of a nation-state, where citizenship is linked to a shared national identity and allegiance to a sovereign state, gained prominence with the rise of modern political thought. This evolution is closely tied to the development of constitutionalism and the establishment of fundamental rights. Over the centuries, various legal and philosophical perspectives have shaped the understanding of citizenship. The Roman concept of 'Civis Romanus Sum' (I am a Roman citizen) emphasized the rights and privileges associated with citizenship. Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau contributed to the idea of citizenship as a social contract between individuals and the state. These ideas influenced the development of modern constitutions and legal frameworks that define the rights and responsibilities of citizens. The Indian Constitution, for example, outlines provisions related to citizenship in Part II (Articles 5-11). The Indian Constitution addresses citizenship through specific articles. Article 5 deals with citizenship at the commencement of the Constitution, while Article 6 addresses the rights of persons who have migrated to India from Pakistan. Article 11 empowers Parliament to make any provision with respect to the acquisition and termination of citizenship. The Citizenship Act of 1955, enacted by the Parliament, further elaborates on the acquisition, determination, and termination of Indian citizenship.

Latest Developments

Recent debates surrounding citizenship often involve discussions about the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which amends the Citizenship Act of 1955. The CAA offers a path to Indian citizenship for religious minorities (excluding Muslims) who have fled persecution from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan and arrived in India before December 31, 2014. This has sparked debates about the secular nature of Indian citizenship and the potential for discrimination. Different stakeholders hold varying perspectives on citizenship laws and policies. Some argue that the CAA is necessary to protect persecuted religious minorities, while others contend that it violates the principle of secularism enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Concerns have also been raised about the potential impact of the CAA on the National Register of Citizens (NRC), which aims to identify illegal immigrants in India. The intersection of the CAA and NRC has led to widespread protests and legal challenges. Looking ahead, the future of citizenship laws in India is likely to be shaped by ongoing legal challenges, political debates, and evolving social norms. The implementation of the CAA and the potential expansion of the NRC will continue to be contentious issues. The judiciary will play a crucial role in interpreting the constitutional validity of these laws and ensuring that they align with the principles of equality, secularism, and justice. The government's approach to addressing concerns about statelessness and protecting the rights of vulnerable populations will also be critical.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the central argument presented by Madhu Kishwar regarding identity and politics?

Madhu Kishwar argues that individuals should be judged based on their actions and character rather than their surname or community affiliation. She emphasizes her identity as a teacher and citizen over her surname.

2. How does the article relate to the broader concept of citizenship?

The article touches upon the evolution of citizenship, moving from land ownership to a shared national identity. It highlights the importance of individual liberty and critical thinking within the framework of citizenship.

3. What is 'identity politics' and how does the author view it?

Identity politics involves categorizing people based on group affiliations like surname or community. The author criticizes this practice, asserting that it undermines individual liberty and critical thinking.

4. What is the author's main criticism regarding the tendency to 'pigeonhole' individuals?

The author criticizes the tendency to pigeonhole people based on their surnames, arguing that it undermines individual liberty and critical thinking, and that people should be valued for their contributions and ideas.

5. How does the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) relate to the themes discussed in the article?

The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is mentioned as a recent development related to citizenship debates. It offers a path to Indian citizenship for religious minorities (excluding Muslims) who have fled persecution from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan and arrived in India before December 31, 2014. This has sparked debates about secularism.

6. What are the key facts to remember about Madhu Kishwar in the context of this article?

Madhu Kishwar is the author of the article. She reflects on how her surname has been used to frame her political views and emphasizes her identity as a teacher and a citizen.

7. How might the ideas in this article apply to current debates about national identity?

The article's emphasis on judging individuals based on their actions and character, rather than their origins, can be used to argue for a more inclusive and meritocratic view of national identity, moving beyond narrow definitions based on surname or community.

8. What is the historical background of the concept of citizenship, as mentioned in the article?

The concept of citizenship has evolved from being tied to land ownership or birth within a territory to being linked to a shared national identity and allegiance to a sovereign state.

9. What potential reforms could address the issues raised by the author regarding identity and politics?

Promoting education that emphasizes critical thinking and individual responsibility, along with policies that ensure equal opportunity and non-discrimination, could help address the issues raised by the author.

10. How does the author's reflection on her surname impact common citizens?

The author's reflection encourages common citizens to critically examine how they perceive and judge others based on superficial markers like surnames, promoting a more inclusive and equitable society.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding citizenship in India: 1. Part II of the Constitution of India deals with citizenship. 2. Article 5 of the Constitution addresses citizenship at the commencement of the Constitution. 3. The Citizenship Act was enacted in 1950. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: Part II (Articles 5-11) of the Constitution of India deals with citizenship. Statement 2 is CORRECT: Article 5 of the Constitution addresses citizenship at the commencement of the Constitution. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The Citizenship Act was enacted in 1955, not 1950.

2. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019?

  • A.It amends the Citizenship Act of 1955.
  • B.It offers a path to Indian citizenship for religious minorities who have fled persecution from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
  • C.It includes Muslims who have fled persecution from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
  • D.It applies to those who arrived in India before December 31, 2014.
Show Answer

Answer: C

Option C is NOT correct: The CAA offers a path to Indian citizenship for religious minorities (excluding Muslims) who have fled persecution from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan and arrived in India before December 31, 2014. The exclusion of Muslims has been a point of contention.

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