Editorial, "Religious Fundamentalism", in Vol. 9, Part 1, No. 1, 15 January 2013

RELIGIOUS FUNDAMENTALISM

                             [images here can be seen in the photostat already posted]

seems to be the real danger today confronting human societies all over the world. Its effect in our country has always been disastrous; here we have problem of not just one, the predominant Islamic fundamentalism, but also the reaction to it, or what some may perceive as its kin, Hindu fundamentalism too. And this is hideously augmented by various kinds of other religious bigotries, caste conflicts, regional chauvinisms, etc. True, Akbaruddin Owaisi has exceeded all bounds of prudence in making intemperate remarks and hurling violently communal challenges during his recent speeches in Adilabad district for which he is facing the music now, but one thing what he said is true enough – that but for the destruction of Babri Masjid at Ayodhya, Islamic fundamentalism and terrorism would not have become such a terrific menace in our country. Later what occurred in Gujarat subsequent to the Godhra train burning – itself of doubtful origins not so far properly established by any competent, scientifically investigating body – stands as a monumental genocidal crime committed by certain Hindu fundamentalist maniacs and crazy mobs allegedly with all inciting and support by the then state government headed by the now incumbent Chief Minister and its consequences to all people of India have been so damaging and alarming with what we clearly see as a serious spurt in Islamic terrorism. Of course, since the last two decades, especially subsequent to the 9/11 outrage, exacerbated by the ‘counter-terrorist’ invasions and atrocities by the US, Islamic terrorism has become a big menace to the people of the world with its horrific effects seen even in our neighboring Islamic Republic of Pakistan. However, there are enough number of saner and progressive elements in our society who desire religious toleration and communal harmony; especially, Hinduism on its philosophical side generally preaches religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence, and hence the majority community in our country has a major responsibility to make earnest efforts  to turn the tide of such fundamentalisms not only through strong opposition to them but also by reforming itself to march towards the great and noble goal of vasudhaiva kutumbakam set by their visionary seers and, hopefully, succeed. §§§