Thankyou Mr Varun Gandhi

Well, the latest scion of the famed Nehru-Gandhi family strikes, and how. By shouting that we muslims have dangerous sounding names, that if you see us at night you will get afraid, that he will cut our hands if we (supposedly) strike on our Hindu countrymen, and by suggesting that any muslim who wears a beard looks like Osama.

Thank you Mr Varun Gandhi for expressing your views in the open, and for bringing to light that all the rheotheric of the Sangh pariwar/BJP about Hindu Muslim unity, and about treating muslims as Indians is just that - mere rheotheric.

He made fun of the names we have, he made fun of the appearence we keep, and openly threatened my community members. And why? Just because we are the minority here? Just because it has become fashionable to bash up the minorities for some votes. Or just because it so happens that the so called Jihadis and I share the same religion, and so I deserve to be bashed up in my own country.

What proved to be the icing of the cake was when he said that his cousin sister (a girl aged 7 or 8 years) commented on the appearence of another party's candidate and said that he was Osama bin Laaden. Well mister Gandhi, let me remind you that India is a demotric country and we all have the fundamental right to keep any appearence we desire as long as it is within certain limits. And, I know of no laws which prohibit anyone from keeping a beard.

The little girl may have made an innocent comment, since the images of the Al-Qaida chief are shown so much in the news. But now was the time to instill a sense of tolerence in the lady. It should have been explained to her that just because two people have the same appearence does not mean that they both have the same character, just because some religious fanatics wage a war in the name of religion does not make all followers of that religion bad or terrorists.

But no. Instead of doing something that was good, and right - this man chooses to do something that shows the world how "Indian" he truly is. Being a true Indian does not mean singing the national anthem or Vande Matram, nor do you become a true Indian by shouting "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" the loudest.

A true Indian is one who can practice and preach the concept of tolerance and acceptance - of different cultures, religions, and thoughts. These quaities make our country great. Sadly, the netas do not realize this.

Shame on you Mr. Varun Gandhi, and thanks for showing your true face so early in your political career.

This is a very shocked and pissed Hashir (who also happens to be a Muslim), signing off,

Over and out

Disclaimer - This post is written assuming that the video of speech shown on CNN are correct. If proved otherwise, the author would like to retract from his views about Mr. Varun Gandhi

WTF is this

WTF is hapening in India? As if the moral policing on Valentine's day and the attacks on Christians in Karnataka was not enough, comes another shocker from the so called "Cultural Police" when they barged into a pub in Mangalore and attack the people there, including the ladies.

Is this what our culture has taught us. Don't these guys know that it is cowardly to hit women, and that India being a democracy - every one has a right to do what he or she wants, as long as it is within the law. And, this action did in no way abode with the law.

The Bajrang Dal and the Ram Sena were quick to claim responsibility of this shameful attack. Infact, a spokesman of the latter elaborated on the reason of the attack - which was that these girls were hindus, and were with muslim men. So, does this mean that now hindus and muslims can not even mix together. Should I be afraid to talk to my friends just because they are hundus, or should they stop socializing with me just because I am a muslim?

When will these people realize that it is this stupid, idiotic, and demeaning thought of theirs that is affecting the unity of our country, and helping our neighbours spread discord and enimity among the youth of India.

I sincerely hope that the guilty are bought to book, and this investigation does not end the way the investigation to Godhra riots ended.

My thoughts and prayers go with the victims of this barbaric attack

This is Hashir, signing off (with tears of anger and frustation in his eyes)

Over and out

P.S. This video has been taken from youtube.com

Ramblings of an Indian muslim

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