RELIGIOUS
FUNDAMENTALISM
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. §§§
