I am a Muslim…. And an Indian. As a Muslim, I have certain duties. As an Indian, I have certain responsibilities. Being an Indian, I am angered when someone attacks my country. Being a Muslim, I am pained when people condemn all Muslims just because the attackers claimed to be Muslims.
I feel that this religional divide is more deep rooted than we think. Maybe that is why my Sanskrit teacher praised me when I topped in her paper, saying that I mastered the language inspite of it not being my language. I have met people who are surprised that in an Indo-Pak cricket match, I always support India. I have interacted with people who say that it is strange for me to abuse Pakistan….
What pains me the most is when educated, well to do people harbour such prejudices against Indians of my faith. Just because I am a Muslim does not mean that I am not Indian, or that I do not love my country. But still, even after 60 years of my fellow brethren proving their loyalities, we are asked to do so time and again by raking up issues which are painful. The Babri masjid act, the genocide of Muslims in Godhra, the vande matram controversy and many other actions ask us to prove our loyalities…… but don’t these people realize that they are just dividing the country – specially at a time when there is a need for us to stand united.
On top of all this, we have people who regard Narender Modi as the prime minister in waiting – maybe his economic policies are good – but what about his role in the Gujarat riots and selective killing of Muslims? Are we not citizens of this country? What proof is needed for the majority to realize that we are also Indians, we too are elated when India triumphs, we also weep when something bad happens in India……
I have also met people who think that Muslims do nothing other than plan terrorist attacks and disrupt peace. After the Delhi bomb blasts and subsequent killing of the terrorists by the Delhi police, one of the parents had disowned his son for attacking his country. This act was very brave – and should be recognized. And the comment I hear is – he did this because of social pressure. I mean, come-on guys - give me a break and please give the old man his due – but no. no matter what we do – we are still branded terrorists.
If so, what about the bajrang dal activists who instigated communal violence in Southern India and killed scores of Christians – do their actions make 80% of our population terrorists. Or the Maoist and ULFA make others who follow their religion terrorists?
What about those who refuse tenants just because they are muslims, or make fun of my religion without knowing about it.....I can go on and on….. just wanted to pent out my feelings after hearing some comments by my team member…..
This is an Indian, and a Muslim, signing off
Over and out
** I do not want to offend anybody - just had to clear my mind and write my take on the "All muslims support terrorists and/or Pakistan" impression
