While one Muslim died on Monday, another is facing the gallows.
The entire nation hails the first one, admires him as an ace rocket scientist, likes the simple-living of the former President and prays for the peace of his soul. On the other hand, the second is hated for his anti-India stand, his dubious role in Mumbai riots and for making a mockery of the Indian judicial system.
India knows what to look for and what not to nit-pick when it comes to good men and bad men. No Indian looked at Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's religion when adoring him as his own family member. Had the divisive mindset been there, as has been projected outside the country, Kalam would have neither ascended the highest position, nor would he have become the darling of the Indians.
The other side of the coin has the Memon who has been awarded a death sentence for his role in Mumbai blasts. Whether death sentence has to be done away with is a different cup of tea on the human rights front, but the argument put forth that he has been sentenced to death only because of his religious background is absurd. Research shows that only 5 p.c. of those awarded death sentence in India so far are Muslims. Unfortunately, there are voices against the judiciary even within the country. Even people holding responsible positions wag their tongue so carelessly on such a sensitive issue. It so happens in a vibrant democracy, unless the judiciary takes offence and declares it as contempt.
The world does not have to teach secularism to our country. We know whom to admire and whom to abhor. Playing the 'Muslim card' is too old a trick and I hope the parties shun it and focus on their development, in real terms.
As a friend pointed out in a lighter vein, there is no threat to secularism in India, as long the Ramzan Haleem and Christmas plum cake titillate the taste buds of the friendly Hindus..!
The entire nation hails the first one, admires him as an ace rocket scientist, likes the simple-living of the former President and prays for the peace of his soul. On the other hand, the second is hated for his anti-India stand, his dubious role in Mumbai riots and for making a mockery of the Indian judicial system.
India knows what to look for and what not to nit-pick when it comes to good men and bad men. No Indian looked at Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's religion when adoring him as his own family member. Had the divisive mindset been there, as has been projected outside the country, Kalam would have neither ascended the highest position, nor would he have become the darling of the Indians.
The other side of the coin has the Memon who has been awarded a death sentence for his role in Mumbai blasts. Whether death sentence has to be done away with is a different cup of tea on the human rights front, but the argument put forth that he has been sentenced to death only because of his religious background is absurd. Research shows that only 5 p.c. of those awarded death sentence in India so far are Muslims. Unfortunately, there are voices against the judiciary even within the country. Even people holding responsible positions wag their tongue so carelessly on such a sensitive issue. It so happens in a vibrant democracy, unless the judiciary takes offence and declares it as contempt.
The world does not have to teach secularism to our country. We know whom to admire and whom to abhor. Playing the 'Muslim card' is too old a trick and I hope the parties shun it and focus on their development, in real terms.
As a friend pointed out in a lighter vein, there is no threat to secularism in India, as long the Ramzan Haleem and Christmas plum cake titillate the taste buds of the friendly Hindus..!
Let religion be not misused with ulterior motives. Religious tolerance is needed and whoever he or she is one has to be accepted for the human values and practice of the same
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