Acharya Prashant begins by stating that the very meaning of nation and nationalism needs to be clarified. He cautions against assuming that nationalism is a virtue in itself, unconditionally and unexceptionally, asserting that this is not true. He points out that many thinkers, philosophers, and even freedom fighters like Rabindranath Tagore have repeatedly warned that nationalism, like any ideology, can be very divisive and violent. He cites the Second World War as an example of a conflict fought in the name of nationalism and mentions Tagore's opposition to the horrors that blind ideology brings. He explains that a nation is a group of people brought together by something they share in common, and it is crucial to investigate what that common thing is. If a nation is founded on superficial markers like race, ethnicity, language, color, or creed, it becomes problematic because it is based on a 'me versus you' mentality, which inherently creates an 'other'. He illustrates this with the example of India's partition, which was based on the two-nation theory of religion, and the subsequent division of Pakistan based on language, proving that such differences are endless. This kind of nationalism, he argues, arises from the ego, which thrives on boundaries and separation, and is therefore not auspicious. A proper, virtuous, and non-divisive nationalism must be founded not on what separates people, but on what unites them. This unifying principle, he explains, is the borderless Self, the Atman, a concept central to Vedanta. A true nation should have the objective of dissolving 'I-ness' or the ego. The real India, or Bharat, is not merely a geographical frontier but a concept founded on understanding (Bodh) and realization. A true Indian is someone who seeks to understand life, the self, and relationships, aiming for liberation from bondage. This is the kind of nationalism that should be taught to the youth. This enlightened nationalism is based on the universal human condition. All human beings, regardless of their background, are in a state of suffering and are seeking peace and fulfillment. A nation should be a collective of people who come together in their common mission to end suffering. This is a noble and desirable goal for a nation. When you can show someone a way out of their suffering, they are bound to listen. Therefore, the basis of nationalism must be an inward approach that takes care of the ego, leading to the inner freedom of the individual.