Religious Fundamentalism in India

"Bacha Bacha Ram Ka, Ram Mandir Ke Naam Ka"

Well, all of us have heard these lines in the movie 'Ram Ke Naam' that is based on hindu fundamentalism.

Fundamentalism technically means strict adherence to specific set of theological doctrines typically in reaction against the theology of modernization. In simple words, it is the interpretation of every word in the sacred textx as the literal truth.

As we all know, India is a secular country. The harmony that India shows amongst various religions amazes the world. But, the history of India's piousness is not at all speck less. India's history stands testimony to many such religion-based riots that were the result of nothing else but religious fundamentalism.

Now, you must be wondering, what is the problem if someone wants to believe whole-heartedly into his religion? We do have the Right to Freedom of Religion in our country, right? Well, there is absolutely no problem in someone following his religion but there is definitely a problem if someone imposes his religion on other people. The incidents like demolition of Babri mosque in 1992 and the Godhra riots in 2002 are clear examples of the problems that religious fundamentalism poses. Not only people were killed mercilessly in both the incidents but also humanity was put entirely at stake in the name of religion. Another example of the same is the killing of Graham Staines in 2002. He was burnt alive with his 2 sons by some hindu fundamentalists.

These religious fundamentalists pose themselves as above the law. The reason why no efforts have been made to stop it is the vote bank of certain political parties that provide a strong back to such rioters that leave no fuel unturned to add fuel to the already infuriated fire to gain support of their voters.

The problem is here, where is the solution?

All of us are well-aware of the security issues that women in Delhi have been facing these days. Although this issue is not new and it has been going on for several years now, the situation has become so grave now that no woman in Delhi, no matter of what age, feels safe to step out of their homes in Delhi. Be it a 2 year old girl or an 82 years lady, no one is safe in Delhi. Debates upon enforcing a law about the same have been going on and various efforts are being made to find some solution. But the question is, is a law all we need? We already have so many laws for everything in this country. But do they really help? There have been enough cases where cops themselves have been involved in cases involving rapes and molestations. So, do we really trust them with our security?
These are the questions that we have been asking for so many years now. But, it is high time that we realize that we actually are NOT so helpless. When people can come together against an evil like corruption that has spread its roots deep and strong inside the biggest democracy of the world, can’t they come against a few perverts? We have been looking out for solutions everywhere but probably it prevails right amongst us. If the people decide to come together and act against such acts strongly rather than being just an audience, then the day is not far when women in Delhi will not only feel safe but will also feel proud to be a woman.
Together we CAN make a difference. The only need is for us to recognize our strength.