Having said so

Major shifts in economic policies from social welfare to pro rich-growth, has seen wealth grow among some corporate houses but which has also come at a high price for the middle and lower income. However, of utmost concern is on the social front, where there is a discernible polarisation in the environment. As the world’s largest democracy, India has all the world’s religions – Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism and teh Bahai faith besides animism. There are 3,000 castes and 25,000 sub-castes in India, each related to a specific occupation. Indian culture is one of the most ancient cultures present in the world. The country is quite diverse and is home to several communities, each of whom has their own culture and traditions. There are also 705 tribal communities in India whose population is 10.43 crore as per 2011 census. Tribals constitute 8.6% of the total population while 89.97% of them live in rural areas and 10.03% in urban areas. For the better part of its 75 years of independence, India has seen the highs and lows of communal harmony. It is acknowledged that social harmony in a country with 130 crore people having diverse religion and culture is not always easy. However, since 2014 the narrative has changed to unity in nationalism. The atmosphere of religious intolerance which has seen a sharp rise in the last several years has been a serious cause for concern in the country. India is the beloved home for practitioners of all major religions in the world where Indian culture accepts diversity of faiths and beliefs. Religious harmony and social cohesion are two core elements for progress and development. However, there is growing intolerance towards diverse religions leading to communal violence and ripples in social harmony. Instances of intolerance- Frequent use of National Security Act (NSA) for ‘cow slaughter’ by some state governments or using the archaic laws. Instead of getting to the cause of communal violence indulged to by a section of right wing elements, India’s archaic sedition law, under section 124A of the Indian Penal Code has been applied to those on the other side of the spectrum. The law is absurdly broad, making it a criminal offense vague and left to the interpretation of those in power. Political parties polarize naive voters in the name of religion while various cultural organisations are misinterpreting and propagating truths to affirm revivalist predispositions. The Indian media has unfortunately allowed itself to be used to broadcast unconfirmed, sensitive and often biased reports on national television. Debates are polarised and anchorpersons acting as accuser, judge and executioner. It has also impacted freedom of speech-shows of comedians being banned by vigilante groups. Ministers themselves spew hate speeches and incite violence but are not made accountable. Amidst all these, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat said all sections of minorities must stand against communal violence and the society should ensure that such incidents aren’t repeated. Bhagwat also held meetings with leaders of minority religions and exhorted Hindus to not go looking for a shivling in every mosque. Bhagwat’s message is welcome and assuring but it will only be meaningful if central ministers and leaders heed to his advice.