(On coming across pieces of this chat once gain I felt that these arguments are relevant although issue is not much new. I request you not to jump into conclusion before reading it completely.)
Prashobh: Are you free?
Me: Not exactly. But I can sense some urgency in that question.
PB: I feel disturbed. I need a chat.
Me: Carry on.
PB: Ok. Did you read the newspaper today? A professor’s palm was cut.
Me: Yes I read. It was shocking.
I tried to avoid going into details as the adrenaline of debate has the habit of tampering with all other prominent emotions.
PB: Shocking..!! Yes but is your responsibility as a citizen limited to that expression?
Me: What else can I do yaar, with this identity as a student?
PB: For now all what you need to do is to help me out of this dilemma. The place is in my neighborhood. It shook me from head to foot. I feel an urgency to act. I have started
to hate Muslim’s.
to hate Muslim’s.
Me: That is a narrow conclusion to arrive at. Fundamentalism as such need to be condemned irrespective of the community from which it arises.
PB: You are washing your hands of the issue by putting forward a generalized conclusion. Do we Hindu’s get irritated by casual comments passed against our God’s? But tell a word against Allah they will cut your throat.
Me: Of course we don’t see much of fundamentalism among the Hindus of Kerala. But that depends of background. Remember the fate of Zakkir Hussain . Again in Orissa Christian Missionary Graham Staines was burned alive by Hindu fundamentalists.
PB: You are washing your hands of the issue by putting forward a generalized conclusion. Do we Hindu’s get irritated by casual comments passed against our God’s? But tell a word against Allah they will cut your throat.
Me: Of course we don’t see much of fundamentalism among the Hindus of Kerala. But that depends of background. Remember the fate of Zakkir Hussain . Again in Orissa Christian Missionary Graham Staines was burned alive by Hindu fundamentalists.
PB: Painting the God’s naked is going to the extremes. Of Graham Staines, do we Hindu’s go around asking people to get converted to Hinduism?
I couldn’t help laughing at that point.
Me: From the point of view of a debate in which you intend to win you are correct. But if your aim is progress, that is an absurd point to come forward with. The essence of Hinduism lies in its openness. What makes it unique is that it is the only religion that doesn’t claim to be “the only true religion”. The moments it starts asserting itself it is no longer Hinduism. True that there is a rise of fanaticism among Muslims of Kerala, but there are reasons behind that. Responding to that process will only intensify that. Leave it for the liberals among the Muslim community to resolve. Sufi saints can do a lot under these circumstances.
PB: But still I prefer an India without Muslims.
PB: But still I prefer an India without Muslims.
Me: My dear friend, did you put in proper thought into that, India-Muslims means, Malayalam cinema- Mammotty, Hindi cinema- Khan’s and Science and technology- Dr A.P.J; India – Taj Mahal, Red Fort and Qutab Minar, History- Mughals and what can be worse, it means Indian cuisine- Biriyani and Muglai Chicken.
And who knows what your ancestry is about?
If we start subtracting things from India ultimately only the land will remain. Especially we Keralites shouldn’t do that, the reason why we see less dark skinned people in Kerala despite our origin being that of Dravidian’s is the immigration.
(PB paused for a while and I teased him over his snow white complexion).
Me: And during late tenth century there were several Hindu’s who got converted to Islam on account of the rigid caste system.
(PB paused for a while and I teased him over his snow white complexion).
Me: And during late tenth century there were several Hindu’s who got converted to Islam on account of the rigid caste system.
The west may have its justification for liking and disliking particular religions, but India the land of diversity can never do that.. And all the religions in India follow an Indianized version compared to the rest of the world. And after all, religions are the property of humankind. And as humans we have a genuine right to be proud of the progress made by each of them.
PB: That is really interesting. Religions as the property of humankind- That really calms down that which had been burning inside me. I need to think more over that.etc etc.
PB: That is really interesting. Religions as the property of humankind- That really calms down that which had been burning inside me. I need to think more over that.etc etc.
Me: And isn’t it nice to watch this diversity- tolerant and truth seeking Hindu’s , brave Christians, rigid yet active Muslims; And one of the reason for the sudden rise in fundamentalism is the failure of the govt to provide a right outlet for this energy.
PB: I see your point there. And it would do some good if there is a platform for discussion on this ground. Now religion is topic that no one dares to tread. Educational system produces children who can earn a living, but doesn’t know how to live their life.
Me: That is a good idea. Indeed during Akbar’s and Shah Jahan’s times there existed such platforms. Why don’t you try that idea in your club?
PB: I should. And thanks da. I feel at ease now.
Me: Will catch up later. Bye
PB: Bye. Tc.
(“Secularism in the Indian context means active opposition to communalism“ ~ Bipin Chandra)
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