Open Forum

New Delhi, 8 April 2016

In Quest of Secularism:

BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF MUSLIMS VITAL

By Dhurjati Mukherjee

Amidst a raging debate on nationalism and secularism, Prime Minister made clear diversity should never be a cause of discord.  “All our people Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Buddhists, the micro-minority of Parsis, believers and non-believers are an integral part of India, asserted he at the recent World Sufi Forum meeting.

Undoubtedly, this message is significance against the backdrop when social conflicts have been at the forefront.  Consequently, as Modi emphasized there was a need to reject the link between religion and terrorism. A thought which has also been echoed by scholars from different fields and religious beliefs yet Islamic fundamentalists continue violence. Failing to realize that God is one and is worshipped in different names.

Argued Vice President Hamid Ansari at Jammu University’s 16th convocation, “whether (realistically) a complete separation of religion and politics might not better serve Indian democracy…Since a wall of separation is not possible under Indian conditions, the challenge is to develop a formula for equidistance and minimum involvement”.

However, he wanted principles of faith to be segregated from conditions of culture, as different faiths “claim a cultural sphere and a historical justification for it”, which, according to him was probably right.

True, Muslims are very much a part of Indian culture and integrated with the majority as underscored by the Prime Minister, “the love for their country and the pride in their nation define Muslims in India….They are steeped in the democratic tradition of India, confidant of their place in the country and invested in the future of their nation”.  

Recall, a few months back, Modi had embraced Buddhism, emphasizing that his teachings alone could lead the war-ravaged world away from violence and offer a way out of the crises. According to him, “Even as the world is discussing that the 21^st Century would be Asia’s century an aspect possibly overlooked by those having this vision, is that Buddha’s way is the sole reason why the 21^st Century will belong to Asia.”

Adding, “He will also be the reason why Asia will inspire the world to move away from violence and spread a message of love and compassion.” Indeed, these gestures are necessary for a political leader to reassure the country that though there is diversity, an intrinsic thread of unity.

Moreover, religions are different paths to worship the Supreme though atheists believe that only dedication and good work are the criterion for the salvation of a human being.    

Though Modi has been sending the right message, his Party and RSS have done just the opposite. The recent controversy over ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ slogan bears this out. While the RSS feels it should be made mandatory for all Indians, the BJP believes it is “our Constitutional obligation as citizens.” A view opposed by Asaduddin Owaisi, Jamia Nizamia and Muslim groups.

Clearly, the understanding of the country as ‘mother’ is not acceptable to certain minorities under interpretation of our Fundamental Rights of freedom of speech.  

On the other hand, Muslims should discard obscurantist ideas such as blasphemy and practices of polygamy and triple talaq keeping in mind the international scenario. But the offensive RSS attitude towards the food habits of Muslims cannot be justified.

These developments in recent times, including the unfortunate beef lynching at Dadri, JNU’s sedition row and RSS allegations of educational institutions becoming “hotbeds of anti-national activities”  have raised doubts about the Government’s sincerity in bringing about true secularism.

Certainly, the intolerance debate has been stretched too far by both the Opposition and rightist including the BJP.  Remember, the country belongs to all wherein each one should be allowed to traverse his own path and no group should try to impose their beliefs on others through coercion.

Instead, try to adapt measures wherein a community can be integrated on accepted principles given our diverse country where every citizen enjoys equal rights as enshrined in the Constitution.   

The RSS objective of building a glorious India and saving and/or highlighting Hindu culture may be exemplary but this should not be forced on people. They need to bear in mind that though traditional Hindu culture and tradition needs to be popularized there are other cultures too which also need to be applauded and we can also learn from them. 

The need of the hour is to reinvent secularism in the right perspective in the Indian context. In a rapidly modernizing world, there is need to understand the importance of the country to which we belong and obviously the people should owe total allegiance to it.

After that comes religion but the practices of one’s religion should not interfere either with the laws of the country nor come into conflict with others behavioural norms and attitudes.

Pertinently, those projecting Hindu or Muslim culture have to primarily keep in mind how to improve the economic and social conditions of their people. Except a few organizations, the track record leaves much to be desired.

The Justice Sachar Committee report is a sad commentary on the socio-economic conditions of Muslims in the country and the community’s role in educating the poorer sections of the people.

In a changing world, even religious organizations have a significant role to play in ensuring education and health facilities to the poor and economically weaker sections. The objective of achieving inclusive growth can only be achieved if all these organizations come out of narrow obscurantist ideas and join hands with the Government to accomplish the welfare objectives aimed at uplifting the conditions of those at the bottom of the pyramid.  .

In such a situation, we must take a firm stand to replace the shaky pillars of the traditional secular consensus with something more effective and acceptable to all communities. One, the Centre and State Governments should adopt a neutral unbiased attitude and try to be as accommodative as possible.

Two, instead of being drawn into petty religious matters the focus should be on inclusive development so that people of the lowest segments of society benefit through its policies and programmes.

Finally, the biggest challenge today is to provide employment to the young generation so that their energies are engaged in productive work. The Government must treat this as a priority and simultaneously encourage labour-intensive industries as destructive forces will continue to divert attention through religious and other issues. ----INFA

(Copyright, India News and Feature Alliance)