Communalism: What is False, What is True?
Author: Ram Puniyani
Publisher: Bombay Sarvodaya Friendship Centre, Mumbai
Year: 2005
Published on the web by www.indianmuslims.info
INTRODUCTION
The present communal scenario is very disturbing for all of us. Communal politics resorts to violence, and in turn the social issues related to the lives of people are sidetracked. Communal violence bases itself on the myths and stereotypes about weaker sections of society, about the ‘other’. It can take place in any country against the weaker group, the minorities. The myths and stereotypes of minorities become the part of social common sense and create havoc in the intercommunity relations. This exercise of spreading hatred against minorities is the hallmark of Fascist, Religious fascist politics. Hitler did similar things against Jews, Communists and others. Pakistani fundamentalists and Talibans undertook similar attempts in different forms. We need to reach to the truth to be able to oppose the hate politics in our society. This book is a small attempt in that direction.
EKTA, (Committee for Communal Amity), Mumbai has been interacting with different sections of society and trying to spread the truth behind the myths. This book is an outcome of my interactive lectures with the students, social activists and teachers.
I am thankful to friends, Daniel Bhai, Shishir, Ravindra. and others who helped in the work in various ways. It is hoped that this small booklet can reach to different sections of society. It is hoped that all those working for harmony and peace will help in this endeavor by different mechanisms to ensure that communal amity is restored and promoted.
I wish to be grateful to my associates who brought our this booklet in Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati and Urdu languages and helped reach these ideas to non English speaking actvists and readers.
Ram Puniyani
EKTA, Committee for Communal Amity, Mumbai,
Secretary All India Secular Forum
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