India is a land of diversity, with all religions of the world clubbed together under one roof. Be it the Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and what not, every religion has some kind of past history with this country of a billion people. However, our unity in diversity that we feel proud of is under some kind of strain from the extremist and anti-national elements that find this union contradictory and harmful to their illicit acts. Few of them try to create inequality between our countrymen. Sometimes the story is that the Hindu-dominated country is posing a threat to other minority communities in the country.

To give this point substance is the brutal killing of Graham Stains of Australia, who was savagely burnt in his jeep along with his sons, by a Hindu fanatic Dara Singh. This is not the only case where Hindu domination has tried to pounce on other minorities. The gory episode of Babri Masjid, the vandalism at Godhra, the Mumbai riots, the atrocities on tribals, and what not, you uncover the lid and such brutal examples will flow like water in front of you.

However, sometimes it is the other way round, when the minorities, especially the Christians, are blamed for religious conversions. The attacks on Christians are justified with in one simple sentence that they indulge in converting Hindus by force. Such proselytizing is not bearable in India, where Sikh Gurus laid their lives to retain their religion and did not budge to the brutality of the Muslim rulers, where Gandhi and Mother Teresa were born. However, there is still a deep sense of divergence when it comes to equal treatment for all in every sphere of life. The religious bent of mind keeps firm on own religion and faith, bringing in a sense of divide.

We have fundamental rights enshrined in our constitution that say that everyone has right to practice religion of their own choice, provided that they do not indulge in forcefully converting others. India, a Hindu-dominated land, has earned its name in the comity of nations for secularism and tolerance toward all religions. If such instances keep making news, it will be adding to blemish in the name of our beloved country. No religion, be it Hinduism or Christianity or Sikhism or Buddhism has the right to forceful conversions or proselytizing.

It is the utmost need today that we keep our Constitutional principles in mind and toe that line of secularism,fraternity and brotherhood, if we want our country to progress and develop, else that day isn’t far when we will die fighting our own people, and Pakistan will get a chance to blame as a Hindu fanatic country, a snub to our secularism.Remember unity in diversity is the greatest weapon.

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Source: Christian Science Monitor