Battle for multiculturalism

India and US are on the same side

The campaign against the Taliban and its many collaborators and supporters is not just a war against terrorism. It is a struggle against sectarianism, bigotry, monotheism and mono-culturalism. It is a campaign for multiculturalism, pluralism and secularism. This much should be clear to all. It should be equally clear on which side India stands. Notwithstanding the antediluvian bigotry of the small minority of sectarian Hindu and Muslim fundamentalists, India remains a multi-cultural, multi-religious, pluralistic and secular nation. Constitutionally this Republic is opposed to any form of monism and hegemonism.
Hence, as a nation we must stand with those who defend and practice such pluralism, howsoever partially in practice, and against all political forces which preach fundamentalism and exclusivism.
India and the United States are the world’s largest multicultural democracies. They are destined to be on the same side in this war against fundamentalism. For that is what it is. Consider the statement issued by Al Qaeda and the Taliban on Jammu and Kashmir portraying the grievances of the local people in communal terms as a fight between Hindus and Muslims.

Whatever the solution to the grievances of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, it will have to be within the framework of secularism. Every constituent of India is wedded to the principle of secularism. In Afghanistan, as in Pakistan, and indeed in Jammu and Kashmir, the forces of secularism and pluralism are battling those of religious fundamentalism. This is a truth that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and, more importantly, the constituents of the so-called Sangh Parivar, must equally appreciate. India’s cause cannot be served by sectarian communalism of any kind, organisations like the Students’ Islamic Movement of India are as threatening to the integrity of India as Bajrang Dal and the communal outfits of all religions. Secularism is one of the cornerstones of the foundations of national security and integrity for India and must be viewed as such. On his first visit here, US secretary of state Colin Powell should find it reassuring to know that we are all on the same side in the struggle between secularism and communalism, between pluralism and militarism, between democracy and terrorism — wherever that struggle is being waged. Be it in the US, in Europe, or across South Asia.