Sadly, this discrimination has been a part of our (Indian) society for centuries. Before Muslims settled in the Indian sub-continent, society was segregated on the lines of the caste system. After Muslims and other races/religions grew and expanded their cultures the segregation still continues. Unless there is a radical change in the mindset of the masses (groups concerned), this segregation will continue to be a threat to a truly educated and liberal society - that Syed Firdaus Ashraf dreams of.
The present level of intellect of the masses (Hindu or otherwise) prevents them from going forward as a single entity. Offcourse they (public) are the losers and the clergy along with certain sections of the political leadership profit from the public's ignorance.
I have been facing the same problem .Muslims are not allowed in Hindu Areas.Real Estate agents ask u your community before showing u flats. The other day i visited the property exibition at bandra-kurla complex and was shocked to know that MAYFAIR housing does not allow muslims in any of their projects.
As you yourself have rightly learned and pointed out, it is not anything against Muslims. Everybody wants to be surrounded by their own community. They will not let you in even if you are a Hindu and not a Gujarathi etc. I don't want to judge this. I just want to say that it is no different from you moving to a Muslim locality after your worst experience. Even others must have had similar experiences.
You have asked "Why do we call ourselves Indians and want to take pride in our multi-cultural, multi-religious land when we cannot stand our neighbours who belong to different religions and cultures?"
First part of your question "Why do we call ourselves Indians", tell me brother what you want to be called as? Whatever are the options, just tell me, and we will examine the options.
I just wish you asked a different question "Why do we Indians want to take pride in our multi-cultural, multi-religious land when we cannot stand our neighbours who belong to different religions and cultures?"
It is not the same question asked differently, believe me, it's altogether a different question. And a valid one too.
Dear Friend, Id Mubarak Ho. Your message bewilders a true Indian. Please do not generalise your statement. Islam is in India for the last 500 years as per history books. You, your ancestors and your future generations have lived and have to live here. Amongst others from your community we have so many shining examples of kings, freedom fighters, presidents, ideologues, thinkers and business leaders. Isolated incidents like riots in Mumbai have happened world over between all communitie. India and Indians have endured such problems fairly well in the past.
Take this incidence as an example, My Muslim friend in my town was looking for a house in an upmarket locality. He and his forefathers have lived in this town. The owner of the building asked my friend to get a polic clearence for becoming a tenant. We were surprised and asked why was that required? The owner politely said that he only wants to make sure no Militant enters his house and take refuge.
Imagine the problem. Weed this problem out in your community through creating awareness. No other community in India has this problem and have lived peacefully.So the problem lies somewhere else. Please look into it.
Why not live together in harmony. I have also come across Vegetarian's not willing to rent out their homes to non vegetarians. Which I do agree is a very personal issue. But I find it more absurd than the fact of neighbours not being able to stand the smell of fish, which could be a genuine reason.
It requires a greater understanding of eco-systems, I guess and a pinch of practicality of life. One can choose to be themselves and at the same time let others be themselves.
I do not know if this will make sense to you as it did to me. I used to know a saint who used to adore fish, he used to stay in landlords place near Polachi. I have personally fed him fish. The saint attained Samadhi sometime in 1994. After seven years I read an article in the Indian Express that his soul has migrated in another body and this person has started curing people etc. I visited him again and this time he was a vegetarian. I asked him why, he said last time my host was Non-Veg family so I was a part of their family but this time my host is a Brahmin family so I am what they would feel comfortable. This person was a non veg before the transmigration happened. Well just a ponder!
I totally agree with columnist. Being a mumbaikar, I also sense kind of insecurity in air.Long back mumbai was different. Their was a spirit of trust among others. Due to politics and many other reasons, poison of mistrust is in air. Therefore each and everybody has gone through this feeling onetime or other irrespective of caste, creed and religion . I think it is long way for us to become a tolerant society. New generation is less bothered but it will take time for older generation to shed there wrong belief. Hope for the best.
My experience says getting a house even for rent is difficult for a Muslim in any parts of India other than the Muslim Society.Can any one let me know the reason?.If you are right at your point .What is the nationality of an Indian Muslim???
This is the time to look ahead and think of progress rather than getting tied to Communal Feelings.
