Dear Kumar, You have wrapped up the whole argument quite well. But see your generalisation of the common Muslim reactions in perspective. First, Islam is an institutionalised religion, unlike Hinduism, which is a civilisation. I guess, even the name "HIndu" is derived from the Indus river, a nomenclature derived from Arabs of yore. I agree that there is lack of space for dissent and liberal thought in Islam in India. But to demonise them for holding on to a set of value systems that had survived for years would be wrong, particularly in a country where they are exposed to communalism of a deeply political kind. I would contest the argument that the article on Aurangzeb that triggered this debate was purely to "inform" the modern readers of a bigot. The seemingly innocuous pretense of the writer could be unmasked. But this is not the space for it. Worldwide, Muslims are being branded as terrorists, illiberal, bigots and what not. It is only natural for them to feel insecure ,particularly in a country with the history of Partition and frequent riots that are so hauntingly close. The Sachar committee report has quite articulately reflected the present backward state of the muslim. Now to refer to the posts of Muslims here to prove they are educationally backward as well, would be unfair.
