Muslim Identity Largely Excluded from India's 'Unity in Diversity' Concept, Says Scholar
‘Unity in diversity’ concept excludes Muslim identity, rues prof
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
Hilal Ahmed, a researcher at the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies, argues that Muslim identity is increasingly marginalized in India's 'unity in diversity' narrative. He highlights a recent violent incident involving a railway officer and emphasizes the need for dialogue to bridge the gap between Muslim identity and national discourse.
- 01Muslim identity has both substantive and discursive aspects, with a significant gap between them.
- 02A recent incident involving a railway officer highlights the predominant discourse surrounding Muslim identity.
- 03Ahmed's research indicates that recognizing grassroots Muslim identity can foster shared understanding between communities.
- 04The concept of 'unity in diversity' has historically included Muslim identity but now largely excludes it.
- 05Ahmed calls for a more inclusive dialogue that acknowledges the complexities of Muslim identity within Indian nationalism.
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During a recent talk in Mumbai, Hilal Ahmed, a researcher at the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies, discussed the complexities of Muslim identity in India, emphasizing the gap between substantive identity and public discourse. He referred to a violent incident on the Jaipur-Mumbai Superfast Express in July 2023, where an RPF officer shot three Muslim passengers, illustrating how entrenched narratives about Muslim identity can lead to violence. Ahmed noted that when substantive Muslim identity is acknowledged, it can foster common ground between Hindus and Muslims, challenging prevailing stereotypes. He pointed out that while the concept of 'unity in diversity' was once inclusive of Muslim identity, it has become increasingly marginalized in contemporary political discourse, with major political parties omitting any mention of Muslims in their manifestos. Ahmed remains hopeful for a future where Muslim identity is recognized as integral to Indian nationalism.
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The exclusion of Muslim identity from national discourse can lead to increased social tensions and misunderstandings between communities.
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