India is going through a serious turmoil, which started following the recent Lok Sabha elections. The problem arose because some people mixed religion with politics. Marx's statement that religion is the opium that puts people into a stupor is proving to be right.
Killing opposing sounds is the sure sign of decadence in the society, which would lead to the eventual destruction of the society. When all religions and voices are given their due, only then would the nation improve itself and make progress.
Development that does not provide happiness to all cannot be considered as true development. Killing dissenting voices is the most evident sign of fascism. My friend Kalburagi had to pay with his blood and I could be their next target considering the threats I have received.
When a dissenting voice is killed, another voice takes its place, which is what India has seen always. While writers play a significant role in building the nation, return of awards by writers including writers such as Sara Joseph have displayed their responsibility and solidarity to a cause.
The caste system had serious defects and people such as Swami Vivekananda and Sreerama Paramahamsa preached an ideology that was not restricted by castes. However, fascists have been distorting those views and are now trying to bring a constitution that is based on the Ramayana.
Leaders who cannot see beyond the scope of religion cannot do India any good. Why do not people try and read the Bible and Quran and then understand that those religions have elements of their religion in it?
The central government has to understand that even though it has power, it has only 31 per cent of votes of Indians. This means that they do not have the backing of a large group of secular-minded people. When will they remind themselves that they can be ousted if the secular parties join forces? Their exit would be expedited by manslaughter in response to cow slaughter. Those who differentiate between religion and caste can only be called a terrorist.
I am optimistic that the nation would return to religious tolerance and personal freedom. Else there is no doubt that this country would slip into disaster.
I am not afraid to die. I consider it a privilege to die for the people and the nation.
(The author is a teacher in Karnataka)
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