Md. Iqbal, Karan's view

This has been sent by Karanvir Mehta.
Since it is connected to the ongoing discussion on Md Iqbal, and expresses a refreshingly different opinion, I have posted it immediately

Radheshyam

It was rather sad, though not necessarily surprising, to read about the muslim family that was having a problem finding a place to stay because of their name and religion. I know that unfortunately it happens but every time I read of a case it disturbs me that in today’s age we are still biased because of these reasons.

Shouldn’t we be judged by how we live our lives and by our behavior and not by centuries’ old practice of looking at religion, colour, family, caste, etc., things which by now we should only read as “happened in history”.

I do not agree that because in some part of the country or the world few crazy and mis directed people of a particular religion wage wars and terrorize that all people of that religion should be condemned. If that was the case then the whole world is in the same boat because I can find some instance of hatred and bloodshed, even in recent times, that someone from almost every religion has inflicted on others. Some Hindus in India are no exception and have shown levels of brutality that left everyone aghast, the situation in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina has involved Christians and Muslims, in Rwanda it was the Hutus and Tutsis in the name of tribal warfare, people in Thailand (imagine either Hindus or Buddhists) tying poor refugees up and setting them sail in boats without a chance of survival, and the list can continue to grow.

India , with its multi ethnical society, and in principle a high level of tolerance should show the way to the rest of the world on how different cultures can live in harmony. It is very important that the Indian society is able to look at individuals on their own merit and not collectively. Asking all people from one religion, or one caste, or from a particular state to live together in one area is actually re creating ghettos and will take the world backwards a long way. It is only through mixed communities that we learn to appreciate other cultures, reduce hatred and to live in harmony.

Religion is not about deities and avatars and sons of God, but first and foremost treating every living creature with dignity. The rest follows.

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If you ever wondered why the constant power cuts in India, one reason may be explained by the below article

“Coal stocks at Indian power plants have been rising since the first week of November, when total inventories covered only 4 days of power production. Central Electricity Authority (CEA) considers 22 days the ideal stock position.

The latest data showed 12 plants with stocks covering requirements of less than a day. There were 26 power plants with super critical stocks, or fewer than 4 days of coverage. Stocks at 41 plants were critical, with less than 7 days stock.”

Source: Argus
Till next time, take care.

Karan