Mr. Ziya Us Salam, a writer living in Delhi, expresses the loneliness of being a Muslim in a largely Hindu-first India. He describes how he and his family face constant ethnic profiling and discrimination in their daily lives, leading to a sense of alienation in their own country. His daughter’s struggles and the family’s debates about staying in their neighborhood highlight the difficult decisions they must make to navigate this environment. Mr. Salam remains hopeful that India’s secular fabric can be restored despite the rise of Hindu nationalism under Prime Minister Modi.
Prime Minister Modi’s Hindu nationalist agenda has reshaped Indian society, causing a wave of discrimination and violence against Muslims. Mr. Salam has shifted his focus from cinema and music to writing about the challenges faced by India’s Muslim population, feeling a sense of duty to address the existential crisis that they are experiencing. The increasing Islamophobia in India has intensified his writing, as he chronicles the injustices faced by Muslims and the erasure of their identity in their own country. He grapples with the moral responsibility of speaking out against these injustices for the sake of future generations.
In contrast, the state of Tamil Nadu in southern India presents a different narrative, with a focus on secularism and economic well-being. Mr. Jan Mohammed and his family in Chennai highlight the harmonious coexistence among different religious communities, where understanding and mutual respect prevail. The family’s achievements and aspirations reflect the norm in their educated state, with overachievers among their daughters. The contrast between Mr. Mohammed’s family and Mr. Salam’s family in Delhi underscores the stark differences in the experiences of Muslims living in different parts of India.
Mr. Salam’s personal experiences highlight the impact of prejudice on his relationships, as even long-standing friendships can be severed due to religious differences. His friendship with a former editor soured after the editor began forwarding anti-Muslim messages and expressing joy over politicians who targeted Muslims in India. The editor’s shift towards anti-Muslim rhetoric led to a rift between them, with Mr. Salam ultimately choosing to end the friendship. These personal anecdotes illustrate the deep-seated divisions that have emerged in Indian society under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and the rise of Hindu nationalism.
Despite the challenges faced by Mr. Salam and other Muslims in India, there remains a glimmer of optimism for the restoration of India’s secular fabric. Memories of coexistence and harmony in his childhood neighborhood of Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims drive his belief that India can overcome its current divisive climate. While the spread of Islamophobia and discrimination poses significant threats to the Muslim population in India, Mr. Salam’s commitment to speaking out against injustice and preserving the country’s secular values reflects a sense of resilience and hope for a better future.
In conclusion, the experiences of Mr. Salam and other Muslims in India reflect a complex interplay of discrimination, resilience, and hope in the face of rising Hindu nationalism. The challenges of living as a Muslim in a predominantly Hindu-first India are evident in the everyday struggles and decisions faced by families like Mr. Salam’s. Despite the divisiveness and discrimination that pervade Indian society, there are also pockets of harmony and understanding, as seen in Tamil Nadu. The contrasting narratives in different parts of India underscore the diversity and complexity of the country’s social and political landscape, as individuals like Mr. Salam navigate their identities, relationships, and futures in a rapidly changing India.
