About Amir Khan's Satyameva Jayathe TV show

About Amir Khan's Satyameva Jayathe TV show.

Dear Jayasree,

There is the other side to this, I think, a more positive one.

Forget that they are Muslims and we are Hindus.

The fact is that this country once belonged exclusively to Hindus. Over the last two thousand years, due to invasion, violence and colonisation etc. many Hindus have got converted to Islam or Christianity etc. These are incontrovertible facts. One can wish it were otherwise, but cannot reverse this. The fact is no one wants to change his faith, whatever it is, and however hollow it is! Just as we Hindus want to continue as Hindus, the Muslims and Christians also want to continue in their faiths.

Look at another picture. India is a vast country, with over seventy per cent Hindus, twenty per cent Muslims and the rest Christians and others. Amongst Hindus, the forward classes have made it well in all walks of life. There may be exceptions, needing special attention and care, but the bulk is through the bridge. The backward classes of all faiths, just like the Scheduled castes and tribes, the untouchables, the backwards among the religious minorities all need a helping hand to come out of the mire. While the Hindu backwards are neglected and condemned to their lots, the Muslim backwards are enticed away into crime, sex, terrorism etc. This is also an incontrovertible fact of life.

Like in a garden with a variety of plants, some need special attention, extra nursing etc. The trees which have grown well need no such care, but not the plants which are either in the shade or otherwise handicapped. You have to water them specially, tend them with care, and be monitoring their growth. The Christian Churches and social organisations take care of this aspect for the members of faith and for others too who care to embrace their faith. The result is that there is no major criminal or terrorist threat from its members. Unfortunately, no such organised and INTELLIGENTLY PLANNED campaign exists for the Muslims. If then, you want to save this community from falling into wrong and dangerous situations, and join the mainstream of national life participating in nation-building, then support is needed across the affluent people irrespective of their religious faith. This responsibility should not be left with only that community but also with other communities. For the advantage of acceptability.

let an Amir Khan with other Khans and Alis organise this experiment, let us all support it sincerely. The Muslims are more likely to listen to and put their faith in thier own brotherhood than in members of other faiths. This is a fact and cannot be denied. Also Muslim faith discourages the followers from taking the help of infidels. I remember Muslim women seeking alms during Ramzan refusing one rupee each from me, because I was not a Muslim. My neighbours were Muslims and, thinking I was also one, they would walk in and when I offered the money look at me askance and walk away!

So, let us not debate how good or secular Amir's executive committee is. As long as a mouse-trap can catch mice it is good. So, in my opinion, we should support Amir's cause, and do a cost-benefit audit after a few years. I have a gut feeling he may succeed, even symbolically. I also feel that the Mullahs would not let him achieve his objective, since they have a vested interest in keeping their people in such blach holes!

Appa

Dated: Fri, 29 Jun 2012