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.