I cant't say that I disagree with what the author has to say but I ferl that this discrimination has lots to do with the general image of Islam and of muslims that has been projected across the world. The media shows only the ravaging lunatic fundamentalists on the streets brandishing swords and guns and baying for blood. Why don't we have the upper middle class of the community like you speaking against this kind of one sided portrayal of islam? I think the ormal middle class muslims are totally liberal and time has come for them to take over the reins of the community across the world. One more point worth concern is the deep rooted religiosity of the people which has put many of them on the path of extremism.I mean why do they stress so much on the studying of quran and other religious texts when the world is actually moving forward in fields as diverse as science and technology, medicine and tourism.
There may be ,if at all such scenario existing in Mumbai as Mr.Syed told but what i feel about the smell of fish is you cannot point to the multicultural nature of Indian society.Come on if a vegetarian neighbourer cannot withstand smell of fish I think one should respect it and should not blame on the Indian multiculture society as Mr.Syed did.Really smell of fish is awful for a vegetarian person.And if non-vegetarians give due respect to their vegetarian neighbours no one can deny them from purchasing flats in any locality.
I think as you rightly pointed out that you have trouble finding a house in Hindu locality. But, on another note have you thought can a Hindu live in Muslim locality? Do you think he will feel equally safe. Probably it is result of deep distrust which had resulted in partition, exile of hindus from Kashmir, and which still exists today. Can we say it is completely unfounded..I dont have the answer but I think you need to go beyond ordinary to seek this
I read you column. I appreciate that you want to be part of mainstream India. But your column portrays that the fault is only with Hindus.
You column is totally biased. There was a news about some muslims were punished (done remember exactly when, but was few weeks before last National election) for singing a Patriotic song by local clerics. Reason given that it is against Islam. This makes people like me think that Islam teaches only to respect and abide by Islam (Kuran) and should not care/worry about Law of the land or Patritism for the Motherland. Why should I like to have somebody of this such belief as my neighbour? Can I trust such a neighbour? You have to tell these people to change before telling that Hindus are to be blamed for what is it.
Tell our great!!! politician that you dont need separate reservation (I am totally against reservations based on caste, religion. I believe that it should be based on economic background).
Better write an unbiased column if you can or else stop writing. Otherwise you cant expect that you can move to Hindu Neighbourhood.
My dear friend, It was wonderful to read your story. Hats off to you. Generally I hate to read such stories because I believe that the Super nature had created us only as human animals with the only distinction being male or female. Even that sex difference was meant not to divide but to keep them attracted and dependent on each other for the next generation to grow. Thereafter all the divisions on the basis of nation/ religion/ region/ faith/ colour/ cast etc are human created and has been a source of continued conflict. These divisions are stupidity in the name of wisdom. I don't even like those movies, which depict Hindu Muslim unity as good neighbours/ friends since again the emphasis is wrongly on their religion. Only if the humasn race could understand and follow it, the old-age addage that manav is the best creation of the God, should be proved correct beyond doubt. Alas, we won't live till that day. I would love to invite all the wise readers of rediffmail to reply/ discuss with me on what I have stated. Yours truly,
Excellent Article from an Enlightened Indian. People like yourself have transcended the narrow mindsets. You have to lead and show the way to the masses, and your article could be one step towards that. Thank you.
Just think for a while, why is it more for muslims. There must have been incidents in past for people to form opinions and the time required to change them is prportional to depth of incidences carving these opinions.
