When I choose to be a dissenting voice within my community, or when I write about atrocities faced by minorities in Muslim-majority countries, people like Deepak become my strength.
The assumption is simple: A Hindu woman’s proximity to a Muslim man is never neutral. It always requires scrutiny, explanation, and, if necessary, punishment.
It is now up to the sensible, moderate voices to rise above this divisive rhetoric and walk a path of truth and reconciliation, one that seeks closure without reopening old wounds.
Arguments that the Hindu community's concerns are unfounded or born out of ignorance do not change the fact that these fears exist on the ground. It's time to address them at the societal level.
On 10 December 1998, then-Hajipur MP spoke in the Lok Sabha on a discussion on atrocities committed on minorities in various parts of the country. 'If we learn to interpret the word 'minorities' correctly, I believe we will develop a feeling that those we are fighting against are the same blood as us.'
In 'Intimacy in Alienation: A Psychoanalytic Study of Hindu-Muslim Relationships', Ashis Roy analyses the psycho-social aspects of Hindu-Muslim relationships.
MP court declares Hindu-Muslim marriage invalid under Muslim Personal Law, even if registered under SMA. Legal experts say judge's interpretation of ‘prohibited relationship’ is ‘flawed’.
Soon after 1st phase of voting, Modi & other BJP leaders deployed ‘old tactics’ of polarising electorate, making controversial speeches & putting out animated videos targeting Opposition.
Initial talks held on the possibility of India entering the programme that was started in 2017 between France, Germany and Spain to ensure European sovereignty in defence and security.
A timely course correction. Much needed. May it draw a line in the sand. For both the election campaign and much that lies beyond it.