Islam and Peace
Co-existence of Religions in India
~ 150 ~
This kind of exploitation is always against the spirit
of religion. That is why it cannot be continued
indefinitely. It remains limited in its sphere and
duration.
In modern India, slogans are shouted advocating
the establishment of the Hindu Rashtra. In a plural
society, such slogans are obviously against the spirit
of co-existence, and, as such, are considered a
danger by certain sections of the public. But I
personally do not attach any importance either to
them or to the present movement launched in the
name of establishing the Hindu Rashtra. Those who
fear for their future should take heart from the
historic outcome of Mahatma Gandhi’s pre-1947
independence movement, launched in the name of
Ram Rajya, for, after independence, the system
introduced was not that of Ram Rajya, but of
secular Rajya.
With 75 per cent of the Indian population being
either illiterate, or semi-literate, political leaders
regularly make use of religious slogans to secure
the public vote. But the roots of co-existence and
mutual tolerance are so strong, and go so deep, that
