The columnist first begins by saying that he didn't want to live amongst Hindus. Then he starts looking for a home in a "upscale muslim locality". When that turned out to be expensive for his chequebook, he then settled for a Hindu locality. Unfortunately, he experienced the very same prejudice and discrimination that he himself set out with.
What you have gone through is certainly wrong. But let's step back and think about it. You have tried finding the house in 'Mumbai' and in ust 1 locality. Mumbai has a history(riots) and obviously people (like you) are sceptic. You were lucky to have a Sikh friend not everyone is but rest assured, if Muslims have changed, Hindus in Mumbai would change. We are all humans( and some may not believe but son of same God). Pointing the finger on all of Hindu community is not good. I am certain it's not the case in major part of India. If it took you 13 years, it might take some more time for Hindus.
The problem with most of the reports articulating Indias woes is Blame-Game. It is high time that people of this great country take an inward journey while attempting to analyze problems then ONLY there is a hope of finding a possible solution. If you find a few people who discriminate, search for those who do not. I am sure you will find them and for heavens sake, please also report the positive things you found.
I was a little sceptical while reading the article trying to give the benefit of doubt to the larger society striking the author's experience as one-off.
But after seeing the bigotry on this thread, I am ashamed. Why the hell are people talking of terrorism and such here? This is a normal citizen like you and me. He is an indian, a human and a muslim. If you cannot respect him for either one of those, you are the problem that needsd to be solved.
Ashrafji, those concieted housing authorities dont deserve you. Dont let this make you brand them as they branded you. Their conciet and bigotry is their own. Blame them as individuals with narrow minds and shallow intellects. Same goes for the several people posting apithets here.
