My India
A Hindu Sadhu And A Muslim Fakir - In Harmony!
Banaras / Varanasi 2009
Islam is the second-most practised religion in the Republic of India after Hinduism, encompassing 13.4% of the country's population (over 160 million as per 2001 census). Islam first came to India with Arab trade as early as 7th century AD to Malabar Coast in South India. Islam arrived in north India in 12th century with turkic invasions and has since become a part of India's religious and cultural heritage. Over the years, there has been significant integration of Hindu and Muslim cultures across India.
Since the late 1980s, the mutual suspicion and distrust between communities have intensified, and the country is witnessing a majoritarian assault on the Muslim and his way of life. Lynching for beef eating and suspicion of cow slaughter has become virtually quotidian. Politicians have been fishing in troubled waters by instigating the worst elements in both communities. With even educational institutions and cultural bodies purveying the gospel of hate, what we see today is an overpowering communalisation of the public space. The social gulf between the two communities that seems to be widening poses a greater threat to the nation’s well-being than terrorism or Pakistan. Extreme gender inequality and intolerance to dissent are further manifestations of a deeply polarised society.
We all need a change of heart.
Excerpt from: India has failed the Constitution’s commitment to social justice - Abdul Khaliq | The Indian Express: August 10, 2017
मेरा भारत महान - My India is Great!
Images of India
My India
A Hindu Sadhu And A Muslim Fakir - In Harmony!
Banaras / Varanasi 2009
Islam is the second-most practised religion in the Republic of India after Hinduism, encompassing 13.4% of the country's population (over 160 million as per 2001 census). Islam first came to India with Arab trade as early as 7th century AD to Malabar Coast in South India. Islam arrived in north India in 12th century with turkic invasions and has since become a part of India's religious and cultural heritage. Over the years, there has been significant integration of Hindu and Muslim cultures across India.
Since the late 1980s, the mutual suspicion and distrust between communities have intensified, and the country is witnessing a majoritarian assault on the Muslim and his way of life. Lynching for beef eating and suspicion of cow slaughter has become virtually quotidian. Politicians have been fishing in troubled waters by instigating the worst elements in both communities. With even educational institutions and cultural bodies purveying the gospel of hate, what we see today is an overpowering communalisation of the public space. The social gulf between the two communities that seems to be widening poses a greater threat to the nation’s well-being than terrorism or Pakistan. Extreme gender inequality and intolerance to dissent are further manifestations of a deeply polarised society.
We all need a change of heart.
Excerpt from: India has failed the Constitution’s commitment to social justice - Abdul Khaliq | The Indian Express: August 10, 2017
मेरा भारत महान - My India is Great!
Images of India