Challenges Ahead

Pluralism and tolerance are the foundations of every society that takes pride in being democratic. Since time immemorial, Indian culture, composed of 80% Hindus, has been diverse and tolerant towards different religions and perspectives. 

However, the Indic society as a whole is experiencing challenges that are peculiar in modern times. 

The detrimental influence of Abrahamic faiths on Indian civilization became apparent once the Abrahamic religions mushroomed from the medieval century onwards, making it patriarchal and fiercely hierarchical. 

The Historical Background

Even if we leave out the medieval background of Islamic attacks on indigenous religions and people, the Indian subcontinent has a blood-soaked history of deceit and division. 

The post-Independence religious division of India and the consequences endured by religious minorities in their respective countries of choice are stark reminders of how different ideologies treated their respective populations. 

On the strength of the majority of Hindus who were secular and tolerant of others, India became pluralistic, secular, and inclusive of its minorities.

Pakistan (and Bangladesh) adopted religious theocracy as the Muslim majority abhor other faiths, actively pursuing the path to proselytization to convert or kill others. 

The Current Scenario

For long, the hallowed path to secularism appealed to the majority population. As a result, the social fabric remained largely intact. However, the rising radicalism and ghetto mentality among a segment of the Muslim population is a new danger to Indian culture. 

For a long time, politicians' appeasement politics instilled in Muslim populations an attitude of entitlement. As a result, sporadic violence against other religions (Hindus) in society was rejected or disregarded, resulting in the emboldening of fanatical Islamic groups.

Gradually, such fundamental organizations became politically active, their intolerance grew tremendously, and they began to attack even coreligionists who did not follow their diktats. 

 Rise in Islamic Fanatical Attacks

The vicious attacks and fatwas issued against Padma Shri awardee Kazi Masum Akhtar of Bengal serve as a chilling warning. The fact that his tormentors are still free to roam and that his life is at risk reflects well on the cooperation of a few politicians and the appeasement tactics of Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress administration, which may be counterproductive in the long run. 

Similarly, trolling of three Muslim girls for dancing in Malappuram, Kerala, or fatwas declared against teenager Nahid Afrin from Assam by Islamic bigots rightfully points fingers towards increasing Islamic fundamentalism and demonstrates the growing radicalization and intolerance among Indian Muslims. 

Condition of Minorities in Pakistan 

Let's look around the state of Pakistan and check the social fabric. We find growing Islamic radicalization, increased cases of violence, and forced abduction of young girls from minority communities has become a regular feature.

The condition of the most vulnerable religious minorities in Islamic societies is highly disheartening and deplorable, not to mention the state of the LGBT community, which is viewed with disgust in Pakistan.

The forceful abduction, killings, and rapes of minority community girls coinciding with their dwindling population reflect medieval-oriented societies' lack of empathy and tolerance towards human values. Ironically, this ethnic cleansing of persecuted minorities is in its last phase, as the minority population has already reduced to 1%.  

The headache is such sectarian societies refuse to transform and embrace the transition in human civilization and instead take pride in their oblivion. The plight of 14-year-old Mehak Kumari testifies to the sorry state of affairs in neighbouring Pakistan and challenges Indian secular society to tread the future path with caution. 

Image Courtesy - Google