The terms like majority and minority exist in all nations; both democratic and non democratic. Merely wishing them away will not do away with the historical baggage they carry, almost everywhere on Earth. Regarding the protection accorded to the minorities in the constitution; this is a better model than the assymilationist model of France which the writer touts. Of all non Muslim nations it is India alone which has been able to successfully integrate its large Muslim segment into the democratic civil soceity by allaying the commuunities fears of being subsumed. A feat France seems incapable of carrying off with its bull headedness. This has been possible by providing the necessary cultural and religious space to accomodate the religious sensitivities; through various mechanisms including the Personal laws. This has also had many beneficial effects which are sadly ignored. India has been relatively of Muslim extremism as it is such institutions which have proved a bulwark against militant extremism of Al Qaeda type. Forcible assymilation of Mulsims has not worked anywhere whether it is China,USSR,Turkey,Algeria,Egypt and France etc. Surely India has done something right!
