by RAMS » Tue Apr 16, 2002 12:30 am
Dear Rubina
My name is Sriram. The very name synonymous with the Ram Temple agitation. I can\'t also forget that Iqbal\'s mom would make veg biryani on Bakrid each year, and I would get to eat first. I know Imad would always jokingly say I was a \"Muslim\" because I was very aggresive and had a long beard, while I used to call him \"Sadhu\" (Hindu saint) because he was so sober.
I do fanatically believe that Religion is a very personal affair. I see no place for personal affairs in national polity.
There is no nation or democracy if there are barbaric divisions based on community. Modi is not just a Hindu shame... he is an Indian shame.
We were ruled for ages in our history by barbarians of all hues: Alexander to Khiljee to TemurLen etc. Modi is the first Barbarian Indian ruler.
I don\'t know if we (as in Indians)will go back to being merely Indians and not Hindus and Muslims. We certainly can. At least you and me. But then someone has to start somewhere. The pity is I never stopped being one. Nor I am sure, you.