17-08-2023 : Ghulam Nabi Azad, Chairman of DPAP (Democratic Progressive Azad Party), delved into the complexities of religion, its historical dynamics, and its exploitation for political gains. He emphasized the transformations within the Indian Muslim community and the use of religion as a tool for political mileage, advocating for a more inclusive and unified approach.
Azad began by shedding light on the religious shifts within the Indian Muslim populace, stating that a significant number had originally converted from Hinduism. Drawing an example from the Kashmir Valley, he noted that a majority of Kashmiri Pandits had embraced Islam over time. Highlighting the need to refrain from using religion to achieve political objectives, Azad pointed out that those who resort to such tactics are inherently weak.
Addressing a gathering in the Doda district, Azad tackled the controversial narrative of outsiders and insiders in relation to the Muslim community. He emphasized that the origins of Islam trace back a mere 1,500 years, while the Hindu religion holds a much older legacy. Dismissing claims of external influences, he explained that the majority of Muslims in India had their roots in Hinduism. He emphasized that even in the historical context of the Mughal era, Islam was not introduced by newcomers but by those who had been part of the local landscape.
Illustrating his point, Azad turned to the example of Kashmir, a region with a rich historical tapestry. He highlighted the transformation of the local populace over time, asserting that those who had identified as Kashmiri Pandits eventually embraced Islam, leading to the evolution of the region’s demographic landscape.
Azad also explored the profound symbolism behind death rituals in both Hinduism and Islam. He noted that Hindus cremate their deceased, dispersing their ashes into water bodies. Reflecting on the cycle of nature, he drew attention to the fact that people unknowingly consume the water containing the remnants of the departed. In contrast, Azad highlighted the concept of Muslims’ remains becoming intertwined with the soil, becoming an integral part of the land. He echoed a sentiment of unity, where the flesh and bones of Hindus and Muslims alike become an inseparable aspect of the nation’s essence.
Lamenting the manipulation of religion for political purposes, Azad stressed that such tactics signify a lack of strength and vision in the political sphere. He firmly expressed his belief that religion should not be wielded as a vote bank, advocating for a broader perspective that transcends sectarian lines. In his view, political decisions should be based on merit, policy, and the betterment of society, rather than relying on divisive categorizations of Hindu and Muslim identities.