Is There Anyone Who Is More Indian Than a Hindu?

The question ‘Is there anyone who is more Indian than a Hindu?’ invites a complex and often heated debate. While some argue that the Sikh community or freedom fighters before 1947 may best embody the spirit of India, this question overlooks the rich tapestry of India’s national identity, which transcends religious affiliations.

Deepening the Debate

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose religious background is Hindu, is often seen as a model of Indian nationalism. However, this raises the question: What does it mean to be more Indian than another? This is a question of identity, culture, and belonging—a subject that cuts deep into the cultural fabric of any nation.

A Christian, for instance, may proudly claim their Indian identity, seeing their homeland as a beloved motherland. Similarly, an Indian Muslim, who champions the belief that ‘There is no Hindustan without Hindus,’ challenges the notion that one must convert or identify with a particular religion to be considered truly Indian.

A Painful Truth

With due respect to any chauvinistic feelings, I would like to disclose a painful but necessary truth: Muslims, in many ways, may be more Indian than the Hindus. This is not to detract from the strong sense of Indian identity within the Hindu community, but rather to highlight the resilience and loyalty of a marginalized group within the country’s history.

The Partition and Its Aftermath

During the partition, many Muslims had the option to leave and join Pakistan, but they chose to stay, identifying with their soil and sense of belonging to the nation. Post-independence, the label of ‘anti-national’ or ‘terrorist’ often hung over Indian Muslims, yet many still clung to India, out of love and a sense of duty toward their homeland.

Now, consider a Hindu in the same political climate. Would they still attach themselves to the idea of India when around them, every Hindu is deemed anti-national or a potential terrorist? This test of loyalty raises questions about the deeper layers of Indian identity, which is more rooted in a shared history and culture than in religious affiliations.

A Nation United by More Than Faith

What many overlook is the harsh realities of the post-partition era. While some Hindus and Muslims settled their differences and built a nation together, today, Pakistan is in a worse condition than it was when the British left. The idea of 'Pakistani' as 'Muslim India' and the thought that Muslim India was better than British India are sentiments that Indian Muslims rightly reject. For them, India, regardless of the religious label, is their home.

Finally, when we discuss the Indian identity, the line between Hindu and Muslim becomes blurred. Both religions, although with significant minorities, are integral to the fabric of India. Even a Hindu might call what is today called Pakistan as 'Muslim India,' reflecting the complex and nuanced ties that bind these communities together.

In conclusion, it is not about being more or less Indian based on religion. It is about the shared love for the nation, the resilience in the face of adversity, and the ability to belong to a land that writes one's destiny and history. This is the true essence of what it means to be Indian.

Note: The statements provided are historical and cultural observations and should be approached with empathy and an open mind to understand the complexities of Indian history and culture.