Intolerance

Every day when I read the morning newspaper I come across numerous cases of ‘intolerance’, and my mind starts questioning, ‘what have we reduced to?’ We can get extremely unwilling to accept views or beliefs which differ from ours. Some of us are so thick skinned that we are irrational to an extent beyond imagination. We are becoming violent, aggressive, impatient, abusive, illogical and unreasonable. 

In my school I was taught that India is a secular country and secures for all citizen - justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. But as I grew up I came across a very different story to hear, see and read.

Hindus, particularly the Nair and Kodava communities were persecuted by Tipu Sultan. They were subjected to forcible conversions to Islam, death, and torture.

Religious violence broke out between Hindus and Muslims during September–October 1969, in Gujarat

Anti-Sikh Riots (1984).

Anti-Hindu violence in Kashmir (Kashmiri Pundit were forced to leave Kashmir, many left and more than many killed) and Islamic terrorism in India .

In late 2004, the National Liberation Front of Tripura banned all Hindu celebrations of Durga Puja and Saraswati Puja. The Naga insurgency, militants have attempted to exploit Christian ideological base for their cause.

On 6 December 1992, members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad and the Bajrang Dal destroyed the 430-year-old Babri Mosque in Ayodhya - it was claimed by the Hindus that the mosque was built over the birthplace of the ancient deity Rama (and a 2010 Allahabad court ruled that the site was indeed a Hindu monument before the mosque was built there, based on evidence submitted by the Archaeological Survey of India.)

The Godhra train burning incident in which Hindus were burned alive allegedly by Muslims by closing door of train, led to the 2002 Gujarat riots in which mostly Muslims were killed in an act of retaliation.

Anti-Christian violence in India.

These incidences are to name a few. 

 

Religious intolerance is the biggest menace, is ever increasing and none of the religion is spared from it. Are we really a secular country? All the so called religious groups are fighting with each other in the name of religious believes, on frivolous issues just to harden and uplift their ego.

Communal harmony, creative life, our secular fabric, rationalism, fundamental rights are always targeted and have started to burn with flames of hatred and anger, and we very well know who all in power and authority ignite such fumes. But the question now is – Are we dumb? Have we all lost our sanity and sensibility?

The recent problem going on at the prominent Film and Television institute regarding selection of its chairman is very disturbing, student’s say that chairman is appointed on political reasons and not on professional bench marking. 

 

There must be some evaluation criteria and guidelines adopted before appointing a chairperson. Was that made a point before selecting such authoritative position?

Creativity by any means should be kept away from political clutches. ‘Why play with the future of our nation?’

Threatening Pakistani artist, canceling their events, killing of bloggers and rationalist thinkers and writers is so painful and horrifying.  It really makes me feel scared. We are killing creativity, free speech and murdering our fundamental rights.  

I read in news few days back that many renowned writers are returning their literary awards, national wards to protest diminishing freedom and acute rise of intolerance.  Though I am much miniscule in commenting on such an issue, it completely shows their good concern and courage to do so but, will returning awards provide us with a solution?

Why can’t we all mind our own business?  In spite of banning what one should eat and should not eat, why can’t we put a ban on murders, killing and abductions going on every second? Do we ask our God before spreading hatred and killing innocent people? Does he permits?  Do people planning such heinous crimes read their respective religious guidelines?  None of the religion propagates any sort of negativity.  Evil resides in heart of such people who plan and execute these hateful acts. Be it in the name of religion or greed of power.

Before speaking and doing ill to others let us introspect our heart and conscious. Are we free of malice? 

Stop growing hatred and develop peace or be ready to face dire consequences.

A silent song in my heart

A rising sun and singing hearts

A hope so high, may it not die

With folded hands I pray my lord

Bless us all with love and peace

May we sing the glory hand in hand.

(Some information on religious violence taken from here)