New Delhi: In the vibrant tapestry of India’s cultural and religious diversity, one’s identity often plays an important role. In a political scenario that appears more religiously divided than ever, Muslims – the second-largest religious community in India – have started to feel like minorities.
Muslims make up the vast majority of the native population in both Lakshadweep (96.2%) and Jammu & Kashmir (68.3%). The three states of Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Bihar have the highest concentration of Muslims in India, accounting for around 47% of all Muslims. However, the people of the community still feel threatened and stigmatized.
The book chronicles the tale of being a Muslim in India today. Written by Ziya Us Salam, it speaks of major changes that have happened in the last few years, including a larger reliance on identity politics that led to this condition.
Published by HarperCollins, ‘Being Muslim in Hindu India’ by Ziya Us Salam will be released on 29 November on SoftCover, ThePrint’s online venue to launch non-fiction books.
In the past few years, news of communal violence, the removal of Mughal history from Indian history school textbooks, name-calling, and even denial of residence have been commonly seen. Salam tries to focus on the role the government has played in it.
Speaking about the book, the author says, “Being Muslim in Hindu India stems from the everyday ground realities of our times, some lived, others read or heard about. It expresses the angst of Indians who are experiencing “othering” in their own land and takes the reader through the dark alleys of a nation in danger of moving away from the core ideals of its Constitution.”
The chapters in the books speak deeply about the avalanche of hate that the community faces, so much so that they do not leave behind our cricketers, actors, let alone common men.
Praising the book, author, Congress leader and Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor said, “Every conscientious citizen who believes in the ideal of a secular India as imagined by our founding fathers and mothers should read this book to understand exactly why the country’s largest minority community feels it is under siege. Ziya presents the view from within the community as well, with insights on how it is dealing with this onslaught of hate and attempting to thrive regardless.”
Similarly, Monoj Jha, a member of the Rajya Sabha, also called the book a courageous chronicle.
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